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Tips on capturing hi-quality night time-lapse video with your DSLR camera:
(continued from Tips - page 1)
Camera:
You'll need a reliable DSLR camera that offers the absolute best possible high-ISO long exposure image quality available; minimal noise
at ISO1600, excellent detail, accurate color reproduction, and a wide color gamut. This point cannot be stressed enough, and is perhaps more
important than any other capability that the camera offers. In this regard, newer and higher-megapixel cameras are not necessarily
better at this task. The camera also needs to have full manual control, long exposure shutter settings (bulb), and be capable of using a
wide-range of interchangeable lenses. For example, the Canon 5D or the Nikon D3 meet these requirements extremely well, where the Nikon D700
and Canon 30D are also excellent choices.
In addition, a bright through-the-lens viewfinder is very helpful in composing your scene and can make a big difference under dark skies. The
camera will also need to be reasonably weather sealed and capable of continuous operation in below freezing conditions. Shutter durability
is important as well. A multi-hour time-lapse sequence, for example, may require several hundred images. Some DSLR's are rated for 150,000
(or more) shutter actuations over their lifetime. When you do the math you can expect that there will be a very finite number of sequences
that you can shoot before your camera will need potentially expensive repairs - or even replacement. Bear this in mind as you plan your
sequences. Other camera-related information can be found as you read further.
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Tripod system:
You'll encounter uneven or soft ground, temperature changes, and strong wind gusts. Your tripod and tripod head need to be be fully
adjustable and, together, must be rock-solid during the entire sequence - especially when shooting with a telephoto lens. If your tripod
system is rated to support 20-lbs, for example, it needs to hold that 20-lbs perfectly steady for hours at a time. Therefore, a heavy-duty
professional tripod system is in order. Over time, the leg locking mechanism's of some tripods may require maintenance as they can tend to
*loosen. Also, your tripod will be exposed to the elements for long periods of time. Occasional dust and
debris removal from critical parts of the tripod is recommended for continued reliability.
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* Click image for choices: Flash (SWF), Windows Media (WMV)
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Many DSLR cameras use Compact Flash (CF) cards and/or Secure Digital (SD) cards. Both types are commonly available in various
capacities, speeds, and qualities, with a wide choice of card readers to choose from. Some cameras, like Sony, use their own proprietary
memory card design. CF cards are preferred over smaller card designs and sizes because they are easier to handle while wearing winter gloves.
They are easier to find when accidentally dropped out in the field and they do not have exposed electronic contact points. Handling memory
cards in dry climates, where static electricity can be present, should be done carefully. Ground yourself on your metal tripod or your
vehicle before handling these cards, and avoid touching the exposed contact points of any memory card.
Long sequences of multi-megapixel image files can fill-up a camera's memory card very fast. The larger the individual image files the
greater the storage capacity needed for your sequence. For example, shooting a contiguous sequence of 45-second frames for 3 hours with a
10MP camera may require at least a 4gb memory card. As they say in the automotive industry, "your mileage may vary". The bottom line is
that you'll need to have reliable, high-capacity, high-quality memory cards. Even one single corrupt image in the sequence can
adversely affect your results. This can ruin the continuity of the resulting video.
(continued...)
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Tested
