Time Lapse Techniques

W

wonder123

New member
I am working on a multi day time lapse video, documenting the creation of a fine art piece. My problem is, the registering of the position of the camera on the sticks day after day-. Because of the set up, I do need to remove the camera every day. I use physical markers and get it close, but occasionally, when the painting becomes more important, it is not always so close. I was wondering if anybody else has a better idea for getting the camera shots to line up? Using a snapshot on the sd card...? I cant figure that out-

Thanks in advance

Brian
 
I was thinking about this... What if you used 2 laser pointers that were attached at right angles (both in the horizontal plane) to the camera baseplate or tripod head or shoe mount, then you mark the spots where they hit the wall and align them back to there the next day. You will also need a stick to set the height above the floor. Haven't tried it before, but I think it would work.
 
No No NO.

Do you have any advanced monitoring equipment? Or even a prosumer video mix board?

Get a way to monitor your camera with the ability to freeze the image and superimpose the image onto the live feed. This will allow you to match up the shots.

Most HD or video tap monitors have this ability. Or even just use an old video mixer. Freeze the image on the 'A' input and crossfade it to the next days live image.

If I'm not making sense just say so.

My roomates new Nikon digital still camera can do this as well.
 
If you have a mac laptop, check out istopmotion.

This is what I like to do:

Provided you can park your car near where your shooting, buy a car AC inverter, bring laptop, use istopmotion or similar program, connect camera to laptop and record through laptop. I've found this method reduces wear and tear on your heads. Just make sure to bring a spare battery.
 
I've also heard time lapse can be done much easier with a digital still camera. Import the resulting image files into your NLE, put them on the timeline, and you're done.

Good luck!
 
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