Useful tips for making a timelapse
With the rapid evolution of cameras and smartphones, it has become easy to make timelapse videos. Indeed, most of the cameras available on the market have integrated this technique as a simple function. The timelapse has therefore become an essential communication tool. But how to choose timelapse camera? However, several factors must be taken into account to choose timelapse camera.
What is a timelapse camera?
The timelapse camera is used to capture images at regular time intervals whose duration can vary from a few minutes to several hours. A memory card is needed to record the images. Then, they will be assembled to form videos of short duration. Time-lapses are therefore used to capture fast movements such as a waterfall or a busy highway. The goal of the timelapse to create the illusion of a high speed movement. It is about manipulating a subject to make it seem, that is, that it is moving fast.
The time-lapse technique allows to show changes that are too slow in real time. It is also possible to control the duration of the video and define the time interval at which the images will be taken. The use of a timelapse camera in a professional environment allows for image editing in full HD.
The basic characteristics of a good timelapse camera
A good time-lapse camera has some features that are important to know before choosing it. First of all, it must have the ability to shoot in high definition RAW. In this case, the timelapse is looking for an excellent performance in terms of light and especially give you the opportunity to use the manual mode. Indeed, if you decide to shoot a time-lapse video, the camera will perform an automatic adjustment. However, it will not be able to adjust each shot consistently, some images will be clearer than others. You may get a poor quality video. Other characteristics must be taken into account when choosing the best timelapse camera. Other important criteria for choosing a timelapse camera.
First, the autonomy which is an important criterion even for short projects of a few minutes. The battery must hold the necessary rate for the realization of a 24 fps video for example. For long term projects where the shots can last for a few days or months, a classic camera would not be suitable, because you will have to think about turning it off and on every day. In this kind of situation, the classic battery will not be able to last indefinitely even in standby mode. The ideal is the timelapse camera, since some professional models can be powered directly with solar panels with an autonomy of several days.
In addition, most models of timelapse cameras are devoid of energy consuming technologies. In this case, the ideal is to use the GoPro technology which is an on-board camera for sportsmen with a timelapse program, but unlike a specialized camera, it is ideal for shooting fast images. Ensuite, le choix de la camera timelapse dépend aussi de sa résistance aux conditions météorologiques.
An essential criterion, especially if it is to remain active for several days. The risk of damaging the expensive equipment is therefore very high, the solution is to opt for a model with a waterproof box and an automatic shutter release. Some models even offer a system for sending data, the goal being to have photos close to reality and especially clear and sharp.
Finally, it should be noted that some models offer the possibility to follow the images in real time with web applications or app for smartephone as the iPhone. This kind of option is mainly used to create a corporate film of a company.
Examples of the best timelapse camera models available on the market
In recent years, two manufacturers specializing in timelapse cameras have stood out from the competition. There is, Brinno which offers models for the general public and Enlaps which is aimed at professionals.
Brinno offers affordable ranges like the TLC200 Pro with 1/3 HDR sensor and 19mm f/2 lens. It is ideal for outdoor shooting with its waterproof housing. Its small LCD screen allows you to make adjustments in HDR mode to create the illusion of dynamic movement of images. Its autonomy is 40 days and automatically converts the recorded photos into video sequence in a few clicks. As for the price, it will take on average 250 euros for the basic model and 450 euros for the camera that offers superior image quality in Full HD to make them seem even faster, ie to take faster movements.
For Enlaps, it offers models for professionals to take better quality images. The model Tikee Pro2 and Pro2+ are equipped with Sony Exmor R sensors of 16 Mpx to make 4k images. The Pro2+ version can even take images up to 6K, useful to edit cropping or zooming in the image during post-production. Both models have a large storage capacity of 512 GB, but also the ability to be connected to the internet with 4G wifi to transfer photos directly into the cloud. At the price level, it quickly exceeds 1000 euros with the various accessories to adapt the camera to its environment.
Other manufacturers are also present on the market of the timelapse camera as the Afidus with its model ATL-200 which is equipped with a sensor Sony Exmor 20 MP capable of taking pictures full HD HDR. The advantage of this model is that it directly embeds an autofocus zoom camera that can easily manage the app dedicated to the camera. This camera model offers additional features to capture images of animals with the functionality of motion detection. An option present in most standard cameras.
Finally, to be able to edit quality images and simplify the shooting in the context of a timelapse, manufacturers have developed additional solutions such as the Benro Polaris motorized head equipped with a compass and a GPS combined with a boosted app compatible with a tablet, cell phone as IPhone. The application will automatically adapt the movements of the axes and automatically adjust the settings of the camera.
