Shutter noise

[FUDGEY]

Is there any device you can buy or does anyone have any tips on how you can eliminate or dampen the noise a camera shutter makes when taking a snap? Currently I am photographing horses, belted galloways etc so it's not a concern. What I am worried about is that when I move onto hide work to snap Kingfishers and birds of prey is that it may spook them and I'll only get one shot after what could be hours of waiting. I am a long way off being an expert and at my current subjects I usually have to sake many photos to get one good one. Perhaps the shutter doesn't spook them, but I'd be grateful to know before I start m campaign. Many thanks

[Ollie]

I shoot Insects pretty close up with my 150mm macro lens and I can't say that I have ever had a problem with the shutter noise spooking them. more likely to be my own movement than the shutter noise.

As for birds I don't think you have anything to worry about even shooting from a hide I can't see it being a problem, or rather I never have a problem with it. I think you would have to be practically on top of a bird for the shutter to spook it.

[FUDGEY]

Thanks Ollie, I just raised it as I took a pic of a foal today and he got spooked when it clicked. I just thought a nervous bird like a kingfisher might react to it also.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by FUDGEY

Thanks Ollie, I just raised it as I took a pic of a foal today and he got spooked when it clicked. I just thought a nervous bird like a kingfisher might react to it also.

I think all birds are nervous to some extent. I take photos of the birds in my garden from only about 3yards away even using flash sometimes and I'm definitely close enough for them to hear the shutter and they don't shy away or get spooked.

If you get close enough to a Kingfisher even using a hide for it to hear the shutter noise that should be one great photo.

[John D]

I think it's true to say it depends on what camera you have. I know that the shutter noise of my Canon 40D is quite a bit quieter than my Canon 400D. I have also sat next to others in hides etc when their camera shutter noise was louder than my 40D or that of some other cameras in close proximity.
However I agree with Roger most birds appear to accept the noise of the 40D at least.
John D

[MeadsMan]

I think Mammals rely on there ears much more as a defense mechanism than birds,the shutter noise nearly always gives you away it seems.I can only suggest you wrap something around the camera to help soften the noise,I have never tried this,as it would likely be restricting.

[eeyore]

the other thing is to limit the noise yourself by taking one shot at a time or short bursts rather than banging away like a machine gun. However the bottom line is that smodern shutters are pretty quiet and other things like rustling about changing lenses are likely to make more noise.

the only time you really need blimps to reduce noise is if you are using a remote to take pics and the camera is much closer to the subject than usual