How To Shoot Time-Lapse Video
You know time-lapse video creates beautiful effects - it makes events unfold at a quicker rate than what the human eye usually observes. This video strategy is mostly used in wildlife documentaries, movies and commercials using high-tech video cameras and editing software. Many affordable camcorders now have built-in time-lapsing functions, you may create your own interesting videos.
How To Shoot Time-Lapse Video
I've tried doing time-lapse videos for a while, so I thought I'd share some suggestions and tricks together with you here.
Overview
Before you begin recording your time-lapse video, you should choose a subject. Some really good subjects to shoot include daily traffic, a sunrise or waves on the beach. You can basically shoot anything which you think will look good in case you capture movements over time. I love to shoot cityscapes and have the sky time-lapsed - seeing the clouds and sky change color after a while is really mesmerizing.
OK, when shooting time-lapse video, you'll also need to decide what method you'll employ. There are two key methods:
Record at normal speeds. You are able to record the video with a normal speed and speed up later using video editing software. I call this the "post-production" approach. When you need flexibility, I suggest you choose this method. You can control the rate as you edit the playback quality and ultimately end up with a better made production. I suggest you obtain a good software like Corel VideoStudio or Adobe Premiere Elements to assist you with time-lapse effects which you add post-production. Sure, shiny things cost a bit of money, but they will be worth the while in the long lasting.
Time-lapse recording. The other way of creating such videos is usually to make use of your camera. Many cameras now have built-in features which support this. It's simpler as you should just set up your kit, and then press shoot. It instantly records the video you want and takes up less memory space in your camera.
Now, whichever method you have, you should know there are some specific steps to check out to get a good quality production.
1: Mounting Your Camera
The digital camera needs to be steady all through the capturing process so it is important to place the camera over a stable surface. You need to use a tripod to set up the camera before starting the recording process.
In case you really do not possess a tripod at hand, you can use a firm surface being a sandbag. Make sure that the camera or perhaps the object it is being placed on does not move or fall over during the shooting process.
2: Focus And Exposure
Usually, videographers leave you unattended during time-lapse shots. In case you are doing the same, setting the target before you start shooting is a good idea. Decide whether you need to you use automatic or manual focus to the video.
If the object you might be recording tends to move closer or farther away from the camera, you may need to utilize the auto focus option. However, if the subject is going to stay at the same distance throughout the recording time, then you can certainly manually set and lock the main objective settings.
Also, getting the right exposure, setting an auto iris is suitable if you are intending to leave the camera unattended throughout the shoot. However, I find that sometimes this results in poor picture quality. If you possibly could, use a manual iris setting to ensure you're going to get the right light and exposure to your video.
Step 3: Time period of The Recording
The use of the recording is dependent on the time period of the event you are capturing. You will need lots of in-built or expanded memory cards within your camera for the job. Modern cameras come equipped with plenty of record time of their memory disks.
It is vital, I repeat, absolutely vital - to evaluate your memory availability before you start recording the video. The complete video takes up a massive chunk of space on memory cards, use ensure your camera doesn't run out of memory.
One time i had a video where I ran out of memory in the middle of the shoot and guess what happens? It was just a couple of minutes before sunrise! That really spoilt the whole recording. So before you shoot, make sure you look at memory cards and clean them out to free up space if necessary.
Wrapping Up
I hope above offers you some good insight into shooting time-lapse video. These videos are look fabulous and so are great for sharing with friends or uploading to YouTube. Initially, it could be daunting and may have a couple of tries before you master the craft - yet it's really a breeze once you master it.