These two devices can be used for a number of purposes and are essential for some photographers.

A self-timer mechanism delays the shutter release for about ten seconds, allowing you to jump into a picture before the shutter releases. This is a useful feature when you want to take a self-portrait or include yourself in a group shot. Wireless remote controls make it a little less stressful, allowing you to walk — not run — to get in the shot. Once you're situated, you simply click a button on the remote and the camera snaps the image. Of course, that leaves you with the question of where to hide the remote.

The camera's self-timer allowed this self-portrait to be taken.

Many photographers use a self-timer for rock-steady long exposure photographs. If a photographer pushes the shutter button, there is a chance that the camera will shake a bit, thus causing blur and resulting in an unsharp image. A self-timer allows the camera time to stop moving after the button has been pressed. A remote removes the person from the camera so that he cannot shake the camera.