Time Lapse Test

[sanfrancisco]

I have seen some really cool time lapse shots via the internet. I purchasing a Canon 30D in the next few days, and was interested in learning how to set the correct settings for a time lapse. I do have a macbook pro with quick time. Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Bonish Photo]

I've been experimenting with time lapse shots with my 1D and I've noticed its quite different then when I used to shoot film. With Film, I could leave the shutter open all night long and the only thing I had to worry about was getting too much light in.

The other night I sat outside and started at 30 seconds, and went to a 1 minute. I kept the F-stop at an F9 so it wouldnt allow too much light in. Then from there I went up in one minute increments up to ten minutes. Anything above the five minute mark was so grainy, the photo was useless.


This one turned out the best at 2 minutes. You can just start to see the stars moving, but if you blow the image up really big, if I look at in on a 32" monitor full size, you can see quite a bit of noise in it.

Now has anyone found a way to get a long exposure, above the ten minute mark without having the grain take over? I used to love to leave the shutter open for a few hours and get those circular star trails around the main subject, but now with digital, it looks like thats impossible.

Pat
http://www.everymilesamemory.com

[mikelawler]

Going to the Grand Canyon next week and was thinking to myself that I would like to try and get some of these shots. Therefore I am bumping this topic up with the hope of getting some more information. Thanks.

[Bonish Photo]

Since that first test, I've tried a few shots with the wife's 30D and got much better results.

I think the 1D doesnt like the long exposures, but the different sensor in the 30D doesnt seem to mind.

I'll keep testing, and post some results

Good luck in the Grand Canyon Mike

Pat
www.everymilesamemory.com

[totalyfrozen]

I am in the same boat I would love to do long exposures back in the Eagle River Valley and get the same effect witht the stars streaking across the sky. I only have the XTi so if anyone has any tips please let us know Thanks!

Cool shot by the way Pat!

[maxvenum]

Totalyfrozen,

You should be able to do it with your XTi. You may have some of the noise issues Pat initially had with his 1D, though I doubt it. I don't know what sensors the XTi or the 30D have, but the XT and the 20D have the same sensor (someone please correct me if I remember incorrectly), so the 30D and the XTi probably have similar quality sensors.

To do it on your XTi, you just need a good tripod and a remote release. I was able to get an infrared release for my XT for $20 or $30, and it was worth every penny! You then need to set your XTi to "bulb" mode. On my XT, this is found under the manual mode (not aperture (Av) or shutter speed priority) by dialing the shutter speed down past 30 seconds. Eventually, the camera will list "bulb" instead of a shutter speed. Then, you press your remote release to open the shutter and press it again when you want to close the shutter. You may also want to set the mirror lock. On my XT, this is found in the custom functions within the menu system. You will need to consult your manual to see where it is on your XTi.

Tobyn

[totalyfrozen]

Thanks, I will be trying that when it starts to get dark out again.