Long-term time lapse at DVinfo.net

Jody Arnott · January 19th, 2017, 05:48 PM

Hi all,

I have a client that would like some long-term time lapse footage of a construction project.

The time lapse period could be anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Obviously the logistics of this are difficult. Media storage, powering the camera, mounting the camera, etc.

I don't have a lot of experience with time lapse (aside from the basics), and I don't really have a camera suitable for a project like this (I don't think the Go Pro would cut it).

Does anyone have any experience with this type of work? What type of camera did you use, how did you power it, what type of media storage did you use?

I'm looking to buy or rent a suitable camera, but I don't know where to start looking.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Seth Bloombaum · January 19th, 2017, 07:41 PM

I had a client supply me with a timelapse of a couple buildings under construction. They'd taken it from their security camera system.

Quality was fair. But, it did tell the story!

Otherwise you need a cam on AC power, and to do some figuring about how many frames per minute / per day you want to shoot. A weatherproof enclosure that's also secure, a stable source of AC power.

Were it me, I'd look into what higher-quality security camera and recording systems are capable of. They are designed to sit there, securely and reliably for years at a time...

Jay Massengill · January 19th, 2017, 07:57 PM

What resolution do you need to shoot in?

Edward Carlson · January 19th, 2017, 08:29 PM

I'm in the middle of a long-term timelapse project right now. The period is three years. I built an enclosure for my 5D mkII out of a Pelican 1300 case, a step-up ring, and a UV filter. For power, I used a Switchcraft Connex waterproof connector to feed 12 volts DC into the enclosure where it then went into a dummy battery that steps the voltage down to the 7.2 volts required. The intervalometer is set for one shot every 5 minutes. I can get two weeks of frames on a 32GB CF card. The camera is mounted on a quick release plate so I can take it out, swap cards, and replace the camera without changing the framing.

Here's a little video overview of the project:

Fast forward to 10:26 for the relevant parts.

Jody Arnott · January 19th, 2017, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay Massengill

What resolution do you need to shoot in?

1920x1080. The quality doesn't have to be top notch, it's more about the story being told.

Thanks for the comments so far guys.

Oren Arieli · January 24th, 2017, 11:09 AM

I've used these on long-term construction shoots. You could build your own, of course, but if the cost isn't the biggest issue, and you want something pre-tested to work well, try Harbortronics.
https://www.harbortronics.com/Produc...eLapsePackage/

January 19th, 2017, 05:48 PM	#1
Jody Arnott Major Player Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Hamilton, New Zealand Posts: 747	Long-term time lapse Hi all, I have a client that would like some long-term time lapse footage of a construction project. The time lapse period could be anywhere from a few days to a week or more. Obviously the logistics of this are difficult. Media storage, powering the camera, mounting the camera, etc. I don't have a lot of experience with time lapse (aside from the basics), and I don't really have a camera suitable for a project like this (I don't think the Go Pro would cut it). Does anyone have any experience with this type of work? What type of camera did you use, how did you power it, what type of media storage did you use? I'm looking to buy or rent a suitable camera, but I don't know where to start looking. Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Cheers

January 19th, 2017, 07:41 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Re: Long-term time lapse I had a client supply me with a timelapse of a couple buildings under construction. They'd taken it from their security camera system. Quality was fair. But, it did tell the story! Otherwise you need a cam on AC power, and to do some figuring about how many frames per minute / per day you want to shoot. A weatherproof enclosure that's also secure, a stable source of AC power. Were it me, I'd look into what higher-quality security camera and recording systems are capable of. They are designed to sit there, securely and reliably for years at a time... __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

January 19th, 2017, 07:57 PM	#3
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Re: Long-term time lapse What resolution do you need to shoot in?

January 19th, 2017, 08:29 PM	#4
Edward Carlson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: North Hollywood, CA, United States Posts: 807	Re: Long-term time lapse I'm in the middle of a long-term timelapse project right now. The period is three years. I built an enclosure for my 5D mkII out of a Pelican 1300 case, a step-up ring, and a UV filter. For power, I used a Switchcraft Connex waterproof connector to feed 12 volts DC into the enclosure where it then went into a dummy battery that steps the voltage down to the 7.2 volts required. The intervalometer is set for one shot every 5 minutes. I can get two weeks of frames on a 32GB CF card. The camera is mounted on a quick release plate so I can take it out, swap cards, and replace the camera without changing the framing. Here's a little video overview of the project: YouTube (Short URL) Fast forward to 10:26 for the relevant parts.

January 24th, 2017, 11:09 AM	#6
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: Long-term time lapse I've used these on long-term construction shoots. You could build your own, of course, but if the cost isn't the biggest issue, and you want something pre-tested to work well, try Harbortronics. https://www.harbortronics.com/Produc...eLapsePackage/