How the heck? : Timelapse

J

jghenderson

Well-known member
So i've realized I know very little about a lot of cinematography styles and skills, and figured that the best way to learn would be simply to ask. So i'm going to start a series of threads titled "How the heck?". Each thread will be on a different topic that I need help with. Some of you will probably tell me I should just to read a tutorial or something, but let's be honest, most tutorials on the internet suck. I want real advice from people I can ask questions to, and people that have real, practical experience with what I am asking.


So first up is Timelapse. I am a big sucker for good timelapse and have always wanted to learn how to do it. I had been putting it off for a while, but recently came up with a great idea for a local commercial that would require timelapse so I want to learn asap.

So really, just tell me everything I need to know. What kind of equipment do i need? What are the best lenses to use? How do I actually do it? What's the best time of day to take a timelapse shot?

So please everyone, just bestow me with your knowledge. If you have examples of timelapse you have done or even if you want to point me to a particularly good timelapse video you've seen, please do. I want to soak up as much as I can.

Thanks!
 
So I was looking at the Intervalometer everyone suggets, the TC-80N3 and was very disappointed to see that it costs $150. Is it really as important as everyone says? I read a post that mentions that Nikon cameras have a timer function built into them but i'm assuming Canon cameras do not?

Also why is the wide lens so important? Is it because it's generally more aesthetically pleasing or is there some technical reason?
 
Check up on Amazon, I got a chinese knockoff timer for $40 and there are one's even cheaper.
 
Ok so i'm going to be doing some timelapse in the daytime of clouds, which means I probably need a neutral density filter. Does anyone have any good recommendations? There's so many out there I have no idea what kind I would need.
 
Hi jghenderson.

If you'd like to get more responses, here's what I'd suggest:

1. Try not to knock online tutorials, as many members here actually spend a lot
of time either producing tutorials, or learning from them. Sweeping statements like
"most tutorials on the internet suck". Is likely to irritate a lot of people.

2. Ask specific questions. A general rule that I've found on this site is that people
(including myself) like to help fellow filmmakers with specific challenges. Asking
us to "just tell me everything I need to know" is likely to receive little interest.

For example, if you said "I have a Canon 7D and I'd like to create a 30 second
timelapse of clouds moving over my house. What settings would you recommend?"
You would most likely get a series of responses and links to video.

I am currently learning the art of timelapse myself, and would be happy to share
my experiences with you. In the meantime, here are some great links:

Timelapse Calculator for iphone
http://philipbloom.net/2009/03/03/timelapse-calculator-great-for-iphone-or-blackberry/

Timescape - Some of the best timelapses I've ever seen
http://timescapes.org/

Non-sucky Tutorial
http://www.multimediashooter.com/wp/tutorials/time-lapse-tutorial/

Good luck!

P.
 
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