How to properly make a time lapse?

[ReefPharmer]

Hey guys, I am playing around w/ a canon 60d. I want to set up a basic growth time lapse. I looked around and read articles on how to do this and ofcourse I need to purchase a intervalometer.

My question is, most (or all) of them have a 100hour memory). I want to do a years worth of pictures. Lets say 1 pic per hour during light-on times (8 pics a day)--everyday for a year.

How can I do this?

Thanks!!

 

[mwladdicted]

You can buy a controller that will plug into your camera yes but with what u are doing you don't need that, I'd say 8 pics a day is to many, and to much work. Get a tripod. Tape you x's on the ground. I'd say 2 pics is sufficient. That's still a 30 second time lapse at 30fps. Automation is probably impossible for a year.

 

[ReefPharmer]

so you recommend i take manually 2 shots a day? without the controller?

 

[mwladdicted]

Yes. Controllers are better for a shorter time-lapse. This has been done before if you do a search on here. the best thing to do is lay down your x's to mark your tripod legs and pic a center focal point that won't change to keep you shots consistant. A little deviation is alright and easily fixed post process. The awesome things in life arn't usually the easiest so yes. The best result will come out manually, you just have to be consistant

 

[burnah]

ive seen cool results with eggtimers and gopros taped to them, but that obviously works only for 1 or 2 hour timelapses. good luck, and please post your results.