Nikon ML L3 Infrared Remote control for Camera

This handy little accessory lets you get into photographs with your friends and family and is also the key to self-portraits. And whether you're focusing on faces or fungi, landscapes or leaves, it gives you a crisper image as it takes away all the camera shake that comes from holding the camera and manually pressing the shutter release.

I bought my remote to get crisper still-life shots but have had fun trying out all its different uses. I have found that when taking portraits I can get better shots of people who are camera shy by standing away from the camera and distracting them a bit - it's so much nicer to have shots of people laughing than looking nervous. I have also found that with no one else around you can be totally uninhibited when taking self-portraits. And it's nice to have shots of you with your friends, especially those you don't get to see very often.

• Who's the ML-L3 Nikon remote for?

The ML-L3 Nikon remote control is very easy to use and is ideal for any level of photographer.

Made by Nikon, it works with the Nikon D50, D70 and D70s digital SLR cameras (and some websites say it works on the Nikon F65, Coolpix 8400 and Coolpix 8800, too). Each of these cameras has an in-built receiver for the remote control so no other equipment is needed. I've been using mine with a Nikon D50 and it works a treat.

• How much does it cost?
I chose to buy from Amazon where it was £11.99.

• Vital statistics:

Designed with a lightweight black plastic casing, the remote measures: 2.4 x 1.1 x 0.25 inches (6 x 2.7 x 0.5cm). It arrives in a small box with no instructions so I was glad I kept my camera manual.

Mine came with its battery already in place. It uses a single CR2025, 3V lithium button cell, which are easy to find. When you master its awkward push-and-pull opening mechanism, the battery holder slides all the way out. It's a bit flimsy but it snaps tightly back and I'm confident that it won't fall out.

The remote also comes with a basic, waterproof pouch, which has a Velcro closure and slits on the back so you can fix it to your camera strap if you want to.

It uses an infrared beam so don't point it at people's faces (I think that goes without saying).

• How to use:

You can use the remote in 'delayed remote' and 'quick-response remote' modes. Delayed remote gives you a couple of seconds to compose yourself if you are doing a self-portrait. Quick response is instant. Both these modes are set using the self-timer/remote button, which, on the D50, has a clock image on it and sits by the shutter-release button. Press this button twice for delay mode and three times for quick response - you'll see the icons change in your LCD panel.

1. Mount your camera on a tripod or set it on a sturdy surface.
2. Frame your shot.
3. Set the camera to delayed remote or quick-response mode.
4. If you want to be in the shot, get in the shot!
5. When you're ready just press the remote!

When you're happy with your framing, the manual advises that you cover your viewfinder eyepiece to prevent light interfering with the exposure but I haven't found this to be necessary (professionals may disagree but I've been more than happy with my results).

You can use this remote both indoors and outdoors, and control your shutter from any angle - I've tested it all the way round. You don't have to stand right next to the camera to use it either as it works up to 16ft (5m) away.

I say buy one and have fun experimenting - that's what photography is all about.