Did your Nikon DSLR stop working while you were using the Infrared Nikon ML-L3 Wireless Remote Control? Don’t worry…it’s normal.
After setting your Nikon camera to Remote Control Mode using the Shooting Mode button or dial, the camera will start actively searching for an Infrared signal. That active search uses additional battery power.
In an effort to conserve battery power, Nikon has set your camera to end Remote Control Mode automatically after no operations are performed for a selected period of time. Typical Nikon default settings can be one or five minutes depending on which camera model you own. It can be really annoying. Especially when you are trying to coordinate a group shot that you have to be in.
Good news though…the time your Nikon will continue to search for an Infrared signal can be changed. Look in your Nikon’s menus for Remote On Duration. In some DSLRs, like the Nikon D3000, it will be in the Setup menu. In many of the other DSLRs, like the D90 or D7000, it will be in the Custom Settings menu. If you can’t find it, look up Remote On Duration in the operator’s manual.
Once you find Remote On Duration, you will find four possible settings; 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. I keep all of my cameras set for 15 minutes and have never noticed any significant battery drain. Except for very rare cases, 15 minutes is ample time between images, and I don’t have to manually walk over to the camera to reactivate the feature.
If you have any questions about photography or your camera, feel free to post them below or send me a note through my contact page. I will do my best to answer them for you.