--- title: "How to Use Timer on DSLR Camera" canonical: "https://gadgetguides.org/how-to-use-timer-on-dslr-camera/" author: "Arian" published: "2026-09-04T16:25:24+00:00" modified: "2026-09-04T16:25:24+00:00" language: "en-US" site: "Gadget Guides" description: "Knowing how to use the timer on your DSLR camera can instantly improve your photos, whether you are shooting long exposures or group portraits. The timer…" categories: "Cameras & Drones" attribution: "Gadget Guides (https://gadgetguides.org/)" --- # How to Use Timer on DSLR Camera Knowing how to use the timer on your DSLR camera can instantly improve your photos, whether you are shooting long exposures or group portraits. The timer function is built into almost every DSLR on the market, but many photographers never touch it because the menu system feels confusing. Manufacturer specifications indicate that pressing the shutter button manually can introduce shake that blurs exposures slower than 1/60th of a second. Using a 2-second delay eliminates that risk entirely. Let's walk through the two main timer types and how to set them up on your camera. ![how to use timer on DSLR camera](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-use-timer-on-dslr-camera-mtn60bp6.webp) Image source: Web (Bing) / photography.tutsplus.com (Web image (fair-use with source credit)) ## Quick Answer Set your camera on a tripod. Compose and focus. Press the Menu button. Find the self-timer option under the shooting menu. Choose a 2-second or 10-second delay. Press the shutter button halfway to lock focus. Press it fully. The camera counts down and fires. For interval shooting, select Interval Timer instead. Set the interval and number of shots. Start the sequence. ## The Two Main Types of Timer on a DSLR (and When to Use Each) Most DSLRs offer two distinct timer modes. The first is **self-timer mode**. This delays the shutter release by a set number of seconds (typically 2, 5, or 10) after you press the button. It lets you get into the frame before the shot fires. It also prevents camera shake during long exposures on a tripod. Use it for landscapes, macro shots, or any time you want to avoid touching the camera during the exposure. ![self-timer mode](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/self-timer-mode-mtn60edh.webp) Image source: Web (Bing) / noviceaide.com (Web image (fair-use with source credit)) The second type is **interval timer** (sometimes called an intervalometer). This shoots a series of photos at a set interval over a period of time. It is what you need for time-lapse sequences, star trails, or capturing a sunrise from start to finish. As of 2026, most mid-range and higher DSLRs include this feature built in. Entry-level models may require an external remote. If you shoot landscapes, you will use interval timer more than self-timer. Our research shows that interval timers are also useful for wildlife monitoring or security setups, similar to how you would use a reliable outdoor camera for continuous recording. ## Step-by-Step: How to Set the Timer on Your DSLR The exact menu path varies by brand, but the general process is consistent across Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Pentax. ![mode dial](https://gadgetguides.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/mode-dial-mtn60gqn.webp) Image source: Web (Bing) / buehnebuntervorhang.com (Web image (fair-use with source credit)) **For self-timer:** 1. Mount your camera on a tripod to keep it steady. 2. Press the Menu button and navigate to the Shooting Menu. 3. Look for "Self-timer" or "Timer" and select it. 4. Choose your delay. Use 2 seconds for reducing shake. Use 10 seconds if you are running into the frame. 5. Press the shutter button halfway to lock focus, then press fully. 6. The camera will beep or flash a countdown, then fire. **For interval timer:** 1. Go to the Shooting Menu and find "Interval Timer" or "Interval Shooting." 2. Set the interval (time between shots) and the total number of shots. 3. For a time-lapse, start with 1 shot every 5 seconds for 100 shots. 4. Press the shutter button to start the sequence. The camera continues until it finishes or you press the shutter again. If you are shooting in low light, use a longer delay to let the camera settle. Many photographers combine the self-timer with mirror lock-up for sharper results. This is especially important when using a camera designed for nighttime photography or a model built for fast burst shooting. ## Common Timer Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them) Even experienced photographers trip up on these three issues. - **Forgetting to switch modes back.** After using the timer, your camera stays in timer mode. The next time you grab it for a quick shot, the shutter won't fire immediately. Always check the mode dial or display before shooting. - **Using the wrong delay for the situation.** A 2-second delay works well for tripod work. But if you are taking a group selfie, you need 10 seconds. Otherwise you will be sprinting into frame. Plan ahead. - **Not checking the interval timer setup.** If you set the interval too short, the camera may not finish writing the image to the card before the next shot fires. This can cause skipped frames or corrupted files. A good rule is to set the interval at least twice the shutter speed. For example, if your shutter speed is 1 second, set the interval to 2 seconds or more. Another common mistake is assuming the timer works in Bulb mode. On most DSLRs, the self-timer does not function in Bulb mode because the shutter needs to stay open for a custom duration. For long exposures beyond 30 seconds, you need a cable release or an external intervalometer. This is critical for star trails or capturing birds in flight at night, where a steady hand is impossible. Official guidance from Nikon USA confirms that the built-in self-timer is disabled in Bulb mode across most of their DSLR lineup. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I find the timer on my Nikon DSLR? Press the Menu button, then go to the Shooting Menu (the camera icon). Scroll down to "Self-timer" and select your delay. For interval timer, look for "Interval Timer Shooting" in the same menu. The exact location varies by model, but it is always under the Shooting Menu. ### Can I use the timer for Bulb mode? No, the built-in self-timer does not function in Bulb mode on most DSLRs. You need a cable release, wireless remote, or an external intervalometer to hold the shutter open for longer than 30 seconds. Some newer cameras offer a "Bulb Timer" feature in the menu that lets you set a custom duration. ### What is the difference between self-timer and interval timer? Self-timer delays a single shot by a few seconds. Interval timer shoots multiple photos at set intervals over time. Use self-timer for shake reduction and self-portraits. Use interval timer for time-lapse, star trails, and capturing sequences of moving subjects. ### How do I set the timer on a Canon DSLR? Press the Menu button, go to the Shooting Tab (usually the first red tab). Select "Self-timer" and choose 2 seconds or 10 seconds. For interval timer, look for "Interval Timer" or "Time-lapse" under the same menu. Canon's interface is straightforward, but check your manual for the exact path. ### Why will my timer not work? Check that your camera is not in Bulb mode, continuous shooting mode, or a fully automatic scene mode. The timer is often disabled in those modes. Also ensure the battery is charged and the memory card has space. If the timer still will not activate, a reset of the camera settings may help. ### Does the timer work with a remote shutter release? Yes, you can use a remote release together with the timer for even more control. For example, set a 2-second delay and then trigger the remote. This gives you the benefits of a remote (no camera touch) plus the delay to let the camera settle after the mirror flips up. It is a common technique for sharp landscape shots.