time lapse

[Travis Cossel]

Originally Posted by Annie Haycock

The GL2/XM2 interval recording feature doesn't give smooth results - even at its shortest time settings, you get a jerky result because it records the equivalent of several frames each time.

I have to disagree. I've gotten some great, fluid time lapse shots with the GL2. Maybe it depends on the speed you choose in post.

[Travis Cossel]

Originally Posted by David Usher

Travis, I just started to post a reply but hit the TAB key - a habit from using Eudora for email - and I don't know whether the reply was deleted or what, so here goes again!

As far as I know the GL2 doesn't do single-frame captures but it does have a feature called "Interval Timer" that can be set to take a burst of frames every x seconds (etc). However, according to page 69 of the GL2 manual, the minimum burst is half a second, i.e. 15 frames, which is probably not ideal.

If you are happy to work in SD, you can connect the XHA1 to a Mac via the FireWire port, and use a program such as SecuritySpy to capture single frames at whatever interval you choose. The program can present them to you as a movie. You will need to deactivate the Power Save function on the XHA1 or else the camera will turn itself off, even with the tape removed or the camera set to card. The simplest way seems to be to use the mains power adapter in place of the battery, but I see that you can deactivate the Power Save function via the Customize menu also.

I have just finished digitizing a number of old 8 mm standard 8 home movies that date back to 1937 (when I was one year old), and in a sense this was like a time-lapse capture. However, for this I used a modified projector, a Vivitar VHE enlarging lens, and a Sony DXC-950 3 CCD color camera. The program of choice for this was CaptureMate, which captures one frame for each (automated) push of the mouse button. If you have an interval timer switch, you could use a similar setup with the XHA1. But again, you would need to work in SD.
- David

Thanks, David. Appreciate the post.

[Annie Haycock]

Originally Posted by Travis Cossel

I have to disagree. I've gotten some great, fluid time lapse shots with the GL2. Maybe it depends on the speed you choose in post.

Or perhaps on how much the subject is moving. Or a combination of the two.