Time lapse questions... at DVinfo.net

John Vincent · November 3rd, 2010, 12:26 AM

Ok, just got the aputure timer/remote for the T21 (well, it works for lots of cams, including the T2).

The unit works great (only $20 too), but I'm not quite sure which shooting setting is optimal for night shots of the sky.

Specifically, Phil Bloom's video advocates long exposures (30 seconds) and I don't how the set the camera up for this (or if the T2 can even do it).

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

Here's a link to my timelapse gizmo:
LCD Timer Remote for Canon TC-80N3 7D / 5D Mark II / 50D | Remote Controls | Camera Accessories | Photography | LinkDelight Limited

Chris Westerstrom · November 7th, 2010, 04:01 AM

just set the interval to 30 seconds if you want it at 30 seconds.

but take a test shot first, and if it's exposed correctly, set it at that, and then decide how long you want your clip to be and how fast you want it to move. Less pictures = faster playback.

in fact, if you shoot in aperture priority, the shutter speed will slow automatically, it might even slow to less than the intervals you set.

I shot a timelapse at 15 second intervals, when it got super dark the shutter dragged to about 30 seconds which resulted in 1 shot every 30 instead.

it worked out well, but remember during playback it will speed up the action in the picture

Stelios Christofides · November 7th, 2010, 07:01 AM

Here are some interesting links:

Time-Lapse Tutorial - digitalartwork

Timescapes - Digital Timelapse Discussion - View topic - Shooting Daylight/Regular Exposure DSLR Timelapse

Timescapes - Digital Timelapse Discussion - View topic - The ULTIMATE timelapse FAQ thread!

By the way I have the same time lapse remote as you have..Really value for money

Stelios

John Vincent · November 7th, 2010, 09:22 PM

Thanks guys - will try your hints and report back.

Jason McDonald · November 8th, 2010, 10:18 PM

How do you export the files to remain at their original size (Larger than HD size) in order to do some nice pans etc. in post without losing resolution. I looked through the links but I didn't find the answer. I will be re-reading them.

John Vincent · November 15th, 2010, 09:55 AM

The key seems to be setting the camera - while it's in "m" or manual shooting mode - to "bulb." It allows the camera to have long exposures when using a remote.

You can set the ISO to 100, even if it's dark, due to the long exposure time. It also avoids any potential noise reduction for high ISO (which is an option buried in the menu), which if used, can delay shooting as the camera takes longer to process. Either way, be sure to turn off the high ISO noise reduction unless you're only taking one long exposure.

It will also take a series of long exposure if you set the intermittent setting to any number other then all zeros. I ended up getting some very cool shots of a foggy night.

November 3rd, 2010, 12:26 AM	#1
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	Time lapse questions... Ok, just got the aputure timer/remote for the T21 (well, it works for lots of cams, including the T2). The unit works great (only $20 too), but I'm not quite sure which shooting setting is optimal for night shots of the sky. Specifically, Phil Bloom's video advocates long exposures (30 seconds) and I don't how the set the camera up for this (or if the T2 can even do it). Any help would be greatly appreciated... Here's a link to my timelapse gizmo: LCD Timer Remote for Canon TC-80N3 7D / 5D Mark II / 50D \| Remote Controls \| Camera Accessories \| Photography \| LinkDelight Limited

November 7th, 2010, 07:01 AM	#3
Stelios Christofides Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Nicosia, CYPRUS Posts: 1,080	Here are some interesting links: Time-Lapse Tutorial - digitalartwork Timescapes - Digital Timelapse Discussion - View topic - Shooting Daylight/Regular Exposure DSLR Timelapse Timescapes - Digital Timelapse Discussion - View topic - The ULTIMATE timelapse FAQ thread! By the way I have the same time lapse remote as you have..Really value for money Stelios __________________ My Blog: http://steliosc.blogspot.com "I hope for nothing, I fear nothing, I am free" Nikos Kazantzakis

November 7th, 2010, 04:01 AM	#2
Chris Westerstrom Major Player Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden Posts: 259	just set the interval to 30 seconds if you want it at 30 seconds. but take a test shot first, and if it's exposed correctly, set it at that, and then decide how long you want your clip to be and how fast you want it to move. Less pictures = faster playback. in fact, if you shoot in aperture priority, the shutter speed will slow automatically, it might even slow to less than the intervals you set. I shot a timelapse at 15 second intervals, when it got super dark the shutter dragged to about 30 seconds which resulted in 1 shot every 30 instead. it worked out well, but remember during playback it will speed up the action in the picture

November 7th, 2010, 09:22 PM	#4
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	Thanks guys - will try your hints and report back.

November 8th, 2010, 10:18 PM	#5
Jason McDonald Major Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Japan Posts: 295	How do you export the files to remain at their original size (Larger than HD size) in order to do some nice pans etc. in post without losing resolution. I looked through the links but I didn't find the answer. I will be re-reading them.

November 15th, 2010, 09:55 AM	#6
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	The key seems to be setting the camera - while it's in "m" or manual shooting mode - to "bulb." It allows the camera to have long exposures when using a remote. You can set the ISO to 100, even if it's dark, due to the long exposure time. It also avoids any potential noise reduction for high ISO (which is an option buried in the menu), which if used, can delay shooting as the camera takes longer to process. Either way, be sure to turn off the high ISO noise reduction unless you're only taking one long exposure. It will also take a series of long exposure if you set the intermittent setting to any number other then all zeros. I ended up getting some very cool shots of a foggy night.