[rogerg (Roger)]

Well, my new genuine Canon timer control arrived a week or so ago and I had a bit of use with it. It’s interesting to now compare the genuine Canon one to the Cheapie one.

They are extremely similar, there is no doubt about that. If my Cheapie one was not broken, I would be happy with the Cheapie one, it does feel slightly cheaper but not significantly. Ignoring price of the Canon one and battery problem of the Cheapie one I do prefer the Canon one.

I will list the similarities and differences for you to make up your own mind.

Similarities:
- Same CR2032 battery
- Same weight and balance in the hand
- Same physical size except for cord length and plug dimensions and shape
- Same arrangement of buttons and dial
- Same screen size and position
- Same icons on-screen and buttons
- Same capabilities in terms of functionality

Differences:
- Canon buttons are somewhat easier to press, more responsive
- Canon dial seems less prone to incorrect increments/decrements
- Canon plug “snaps” in to place in the camera rather than the Cheapie one that just pushes in to a point, the feel of the Canon one snapping in and knowing its snapped in properly is nice
- Canon plug looks different (silver, not all black)
- Canon cord is slightly shorter (about 10cm difference)
- Canon cord is slightly more matt in appearance
- Canon backlight is slightly better in terms of contrast and brightness
- Canon does not have low battery problem my Cheapie one did
- Canon came with a manual that is quite useful for understanding the functionality. As I remember it the Cheapie came with a leaflet but wasn’t as helpful, but I cannot find it now to directly compare.
- Branding and labelling is different (including the label on the back being different size)
- Canon one came in a nice Canon box

So, I will be keeping the Canon and getting rid of he cheapie.