Month long time lapse advice

F

firehawk

Veteran
Looking into recording an indoor TL of a foot sized product under flourescent lighting.
I have a couple cameras that can do interval recording - Panasonic AG AC90A and Sony NEX FS700R.
I've never done one that long - approx a month.
My first thoughts are barricading the product away so it cannot be tampered with accidentally and also using a UPS to power the light and camera in case of power failure.
Not sure what else to consider and can my cameras even do it that long?
 
I'm doing a long term timelapse with a 5D mkII. A UPS is a must. Whatever support you're using for the camera, make sure it's stable and secure. I'm using a Manfrotto 496RC2 ball head. The 5D has been going for 4 months already, and it's going well. The card needs to be changed regularly, I figured out how often with some simple math.
 
One thing to research is an issue of flicker that results something known as "dragging shutter". Although much of that can be corrected in post.

You'll need to calculate the card space needed. That will be a function of the interval that you choose as well as other parameters such as the resolution and file format. ( RAW vs jpeg ). Since it is time lapse and will be played as video, you don't need a very high resolution setting. Each frame is only going to be on screen for a fraction of a second. There could also be a concern regarding flicker seeing as you are under fluorescents...a non-constant light source. You want a long exposure to reduce any chance of flicker from the floe's, 1-2 second exposures. And you want a wide aperture in order to reduce mechanical issues with the iris. As a result of the wide aperture and long exposure you may need to put an ND filter on the lens. Even the lowest ISO might not be low enough for long exposure at wide aperture and still avoiding overexposure.

Another issue I had not thought of before I did a long time lapse is dust. Over time the lens will accumulate dust. To what degree depends upon the environment. You may need to visit the camera periodically to blow the lens with can air. Likely you will be checking in from time to time anyway to verify that everything is okay and the camera is still recording.

If you have doubts about using the cameras you already own, consider spending the money on a DSLR and lens for that DSLR. Not sure what you are getting paid for this job but it might be worth springing for a used DSLR to perform the task. ( a used 7d can be had for around $400. ) There is much more info out there on doing time-lapse with DSLR's than there is for doing time lapse with any given model of video camera. Particularly time-lapse of this extreme length. A DSLR will draw less power should the power go out and the intervalometers for DSLR's make things pretty straightforward.

I would even consider acquiring a DSLR as a redundant backup in case something goes wrong with the video camera you choose. It is a sickening feeling to check in on a time lapse and find out that it hasn't been recording since you last checked in. I've been there. Consider having both a DSLR and one of your video cameras doing simultaneous time lapses. Better safe than sorry.

Most importantly, perform some tests in advance if you can. Record a week long time lapse using the same equipment under similar if not identical circumstances. And finally, research, research, research. Read about long time lapse until you are nauseated from reading about long time lapse. You are on the right path by asking questions here. Post questions as well on time-lapse forums. There are several out there and you will likely find more experience on those forums than you will here. Some of those guys have executed year-long time lapse.
 
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Thank you very much. That's great advice.
so how much would you charge for a 30-45 day indoor time lapse with a dslr and video camera?
You have to set aside a safe area, plus tie up two cameras, light(s) and a UPS for a month or more.
 
Have you considered a feed to a computer rather than having to physically remove an SD card so you don't have to touch the camera?
 
David W. Jones said:
Have you considered a feed to a computer rather than having to physically remove an SD card so you don't have to touch the camera?
Click to expand...

i wouldn't want to add another variable into the mix. large cards are silly cheap, a 128gb card can hold 2000+ high resolution raw images, and vastly more in lower res in jpg. one shot per half hour would net a minimum of 40 days of high res raw.

of course, use only good cards, and if possible, use a camera with dual slots, having a backup is good peace of mind for such a long endeavor.

then again, investing in a very sturdy tripod would make swapping cards a non issue in the first place.
 
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