All to know before choosing timelapse camera
The notion of timelapse implies what is called in photography the interval. The interval is the moment or the time between two images, in photography. The timelapse is then a process that allows to record sequences of images at regular intervals. It will allow photos taken at different times, to be assembled into a set and viewed in a lapse of time shortened. It is about shortening the intervals between the appearance of images.
The interest of timelapse lies mainly in the shooting of events taking place over a long period. The timelapse will allow you to visualize them in a few seconds or minutes by accelerating the appearance of the images.
Why choose to make timelapse?
The choice of timelapse is based on the photographer's desire to give life to his photos through a video. In photography or commonly called photography for the English version, this process is interesting to make a landscape shooting much more dynamic. Over a long period of time, the evolution of nature around the landscape can make the video, very interesting.
The exposure rendered by a timelapse is much more intense and expressive. Timelapse videos will allow you to visualize a constant change of exposure as the period of taking images is spread over a long period.
How to make timelapse?
To know how to make timelapse, you have to go through four steps, each one as important as the other.
The preparation of materials
Four materials are essential for taking a timelapse video :
A stable tripod
The shooting must be done with a stable tripod. The tripod will allow the shot to remain stable. The frame will also be able to be constant. This frame is called frame for the English language. A change of frame during all the shots can be visually uncomfortable. The tripod can therefore be considered as the most important material to put in the bag for a successful timelapse video. It guarantees both the stability of the shots and the consistency of the frame.
The camera with a large enough memory card
The ideal is to take a camera of the reflex type. The calculation of the storage space needed for a timelapse photograph can be done quite easily. It is quite fast during timelapse to take up to 3000 photos. A photo weighs in at 10MB (megabyte). The 3000 photos will then take up to 30,000MB or 30GB (gigabyte).
An intervalometer
Some cameras have an intervalometer option built into their menu. There is also the option to use an intervalometer compatible with the camera. Thirdly, a remote triggering with the operating system of a computer is possible. This is the recommended method for indoor photos.
A computer
It will allow you to resize and rename the photos in set.
Important procedures to follow
- The shooting, which consists of carefully preparing the camera and its location to avoid blurred images.
- The calculation and setting that will be necessary for the intervalometer.
- The setting of the camera through the ISO sensitivity, the white balance and the focus to be done by hand (exposure, shutter, frame).
Creating the video
It is always good to know the operating system of your computer. This will allow you to choose the appropriate software for the assembly of the photos and the video creation. The tools for creating timelapse videos are different for Macs and Windows. Alternative tools may still exist, but research on the part of the photographer is always required.
Processing
These are the image and video aspects. These are the steps where the imagination of the videographer or photographer comes to life. He will try to bring his personal touch through these different post-production treatments.
There is always the bonus step of choosing a background music during the broadcast. It may not be done, but it is always more attractive to let the music carry the audience along.
How to turn pictures into a timelapse ?
It is necessary to return on the definition of a timelapse video. It is to focus on a long set of photographs with a fixed point of view and at regular intervals.
It is necessary during these shootings to make sure that the shutter, the exposure and the frame are optimal. These are the steps of the shooting or steps to turn pictures into timelapse.
The photos taken at a lower rate than the video capture will then be broadcast at a more traditional frame rate of 24 to 25 frames per second (the English meaning of 25/sec according to the standard). The effect of acceleration in a few seconds of the video will be born following this broadcast, but it will appear fluid to the eyes of the spectators.
What are the best devices for making timelapse?
There are a variety of products suitable for taking direct timelapse video. The choice of the best camera will come back to the goal of the photographer and his inspirations.
Some brands offer cameras made for timelapse shooting. Brino, with its TLC 200 Pro and its TLC 2020. Brino offers a wide range of prices on these products and accessories adapted for them. The Afidus ATL-200 which offers a Full HD image quality. The Moultrie Wingscapes Timelapsecam Pro, suitable for capturing birds and plants in close-up.
What are the limits of these devices?
The choice to make captures with timelapse cameras imposes two main constraints. They are equipped with small sensors that will reduce the quality of image rendering and RAW recording formats are unavailable on most of these cameras. This format will allow to optimize one by one the images in post-production.
