HD video cameras for time-lapse?

dylski · 07-10-2009, 06:02 AM

I need to capture high resolution images frequency for a very long period. Specifically, I'm looking at a photo every 10 seconds for 365 days!

The reliability of DSLRs for such HD time-lapse is not ideal (with the continual shutter and lens reflex movements) and HD video cameras have been suggested as they are designed to handle lots of images. I think there are a couple that do time-lapse but I don't think this is exactly what I need.

I need to use the video camera almost as a still camera, grabbing a frame every 10 seconds from it and downloading it to a PC.

Anyone know if this is even possible?

acgold7 · 07-10-2009, 01:33 PM

In time-lapse mode, HD video cams capture groups of pics, not single frames. DSLRs really are better for what you want to do.

dylski · 07-11-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acgold7

In time-lapse mode, HD video cams capture groups of pics, not single frames. DSLRs really are better for what you want to do.

I want to use the video camera more either in a constant video mode where I could get it to dump down individual frames, or in a 'still photo' mode. Not quite sure about the internal mechanics of them, but they're definitely designed to take more frames than a DSLR. A DSLR would probably fail and need repair several times over the course of the year.

I'm also looking at using digital compact cameras as they are more reliable for this sort of thing than DSLRs. Just thought an HD video camera would be the most reliable solution.

07-10-2009, 06:02 AM	#1
dylski What is HD? Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 2	HD video cameras for time-lapse? I need to capture high resolution images frequency for a very long period. Specifically, I'm looking at a photo every 10 seconds for 365 days! The reliability of DSLRs for such HD time-lapse is not ideal (with the continual shutter and lens reflex movements) and HD video cameras have been suggested as they are designed to handle lots of images. I think there are a couple that do time-lapse but I don't think this is exactly what I need. I need to use the video camera almost as a still camera, grabbing a frame every 10 seconds from it and downloading it to a PC. Anyone know if this is even possible?

07-10-2009, 01:33 PM	#2
acgold7 I'll never go back to SD Join Date: May 2006 Location: Woodinville, WA USA Posts: 524	In time-lapse mode, HD video cams capture groups of pics, not single frames. DSLRs really are better for what you want to do. __________________ Adam Proud owner of 8, no, 7, no, wait, now NINE Sony HDV cams. Somebody please help me! "There are no experimental failures. There's only more data."