Submitted by cronix on Tue, 05/25/2010 - 21:21
Posted in
Isn't it time to gather some timelapse workflows on this site? The technical side of timelapse is being covered a lot, but I am missing more functional information. I am currently creating my timelapse movies with Quicktime and Photoshop. I have still two major issues/questions:
- What are the advantages of shooting RAW files for timelapse movies? I have to admit that my first jpegs out of my camera were for my timelapse samples. I always shoot RAW. Is there any good workflow description that shows advantages for a RAW timelapse combination?
- I have major, major issues with flickering images. This is probably due to my cheap Chinese studio strobes that have slightly different outputs per shot or due to small aperture differences. Shooting RAW should give far enough headroom for some workflow that can solve this. I have tried Google, but I have not found any satisfying solution yet.
Maybe we can describe some good workflows that we can incorporate as documentation with the OpenMoco TLE? Maybe we can define a list of software tools that can be used for timelapse too? Ordered from easy/cheap to advanced/more costly?
It may be worth just stopping
It may be worth just stopping by the timescapes.org forum if you're looking for timelapse specific info. We've been building up that data base for quite a while now.
- You get the same advantages of still photography RAW work-flow. Primarily post adjustment latitude (white balance, dynamic range, noise, etc.) Many of us use After Effects as it has native RAW support through ACR.
-Are you shooting FULL manual? If so I'm not sure why you may be getting flicker...
I would like to have a few
I would like to have a few articles here on the general subject of timelapse. Unfortunately, I can't write 'em =) They don't have to be as interactive, or as in-depth as the timescapes forum, but it would be nice to cover some general concepts outside of just motion control.
Alas, I am much better suited at discussing system design, electronics, and software issues.
!c
Have seen the timescapses.com
Have seen the timescapses.com forum; there is a lot of information to be found there. But I has not really solved my flickering issues yet. After Effects is a bit on the expensive side just to do a test (could use the demo version first).
@milapse: yes of course, everything is on manual. I even have flicker issues outside my small studio. I will try to post my video somewhere so you can see my issue.
Are you stopping down your
Are you stopping down your aperture? That may be the culprit... There are free deflicker plug-in options available for virtualdub. You just need to run your RAW through a processor then deflick it.
Yes, I am stopping down my
Yes, I am stopping down my aperture. Don't tell me that this is not common practice for TL? I will have a look (again) at Virtualdub.
Are you using a full-manual
Are you using a full-manual lens, i.e. the aperture is set on the lens, and stays set - the camera doesn't trigger the aperture to stop down when shooting?
Often the aperture blades don't quite exactly hit the right spot when the camera triggers it.
The strobes definitely can induce flicker. Even when working "properly" there's no guarantee that they are always going to produce the exact same amount of light.
!c
I am not using a full manual
I am not using a full manual lens. Is that what the timelapse community is doing? I am so jealous when I see flicker free timelapses.
Generally, yeah, if you don't
Generally, yeah, if you don't use a full-manual lens, you'll still get some flicker as the lens will go to wide open at rest (for focusing, etc.), and then stop down right before a shot is taken. On at least some lenses, they have a tendency to over-shoot the set aperture slightly most of the time (by, say, 2-10% of the difference).
If the lens is stopped down once and left that way, it will be consistent. Some auto lenses allow for this in certain cameras by using a preview button to stop it down (and then beginning the sequence?) whereas others allow for it by twisting the lens a bit after stopping down (disconnecting contacts). Alas, my pentaxes have no such option, so I just use old m42 lenses when necessary, and just use virtualdub/msu deflicker w/ more modern lenses.
!c
I have solved the flicker
I have solved the flicker issue. I did a lot of my sequences with a Sigma 24-70/2.8. It seems that this lens is worthless for time lapse.
My latest trials were with a D700, the Nikon 14-24 and 16-35. No flicker at all! It looks like the newer G lenses from Nikon are really great for time lapse photography. These lenses have a very reliable aperture.
The Sigma is for sale now :-).