HOW TO FILM TIMELAPSE WITH A DSLR
Timelapse is not only a cool effect but it may very well be fitting to your film, depending on your vision. In this post we’ll be covering How To Film Timelapse With A DSLR and we’ll also give you pointers on your DSLR camera settings to make sure it comes out as best as possible.
It’s possible to make a timelapse with your DSLR in video or picture mode. In this post we will be discussing making a timelapse with your DSLR in video mode.
Without further ado:
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Ultimately, making a timelapse is as simple as recording video and then speeding it up in post, i.e., in your editing software. But before you go shooting you need to keep the following in mind.
SET YOUR CAMERA ON A TRIPOD
You’ll want to make sure you’re camera is on a tripod. This will avoid unwanted shakiness and distortions.
SET YOUR DSLR TO VIDEO MODE
That is, set your DSLR to video recording.
MANUAL SETTINGS
You’ll want to set your settings to manual to give you full control of what is being recorded.
For example, if you leave your settings on automatic your DSLR’s exposure will keep changing to adjust the exposure of what it is recording. In other words, the exposure will be in constant flux depending on what’s crossing or in front of the camera. This will look amateurish in the finished result.
Generally shooting with a shutter speed between 30 and 50 will give you a desirable outcome.
Make sure that your aperture (camera opening) is on a setting where your subjects are in focus. If your aperture is too open your footage may be slightly out of focus. The recommended aperture is between F/4 and F/8. Test it out and see.
RECORD
With your camera on a tripod and with your settings adjusted in manual mode you can now go ahead and film your footage.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN FILMING YOUR FOOTAGE FOR TIMELAPSE
LENGHT
The length of time for a timelapse depends on how long you want your timelapse effect to last. But as a rule of thumb you should probably record at least five to seven minutes.
EDITING
Now with your footage filmed go ahead an import it to your editing software. To make the timelapse effect come to life simply speed up the length of your video. In Adobe Premiere you can do so either with the Rate Stretch tool or by selecting your video and right clicking on it and then adjust the speed rate.
There you have it, timelapse effect concluded.
FURTHER READING
If you’re looking for a thorough reading on using a DSLR for making your films check out The DSLR Filmmaker’s Handbook: Real-World Production Techniques. It’s written by Barry Anderson, an award winning independent filmmaker.
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