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How to take a photo every X minutes automatically ?

mcgilmcgil Registered Users Posts: 110 Major grins
edited December 20, 2006 in Cameras
Hi,

I have some construction projects going and I'd love to find an easy way to shoot a picture every X minutes. My camera is a D50 and I have the tiny remote control. Currently I have the camera on a tripod and I use the remote when I think of it. Is there another solution ?

Here are some of the things I've thought about, can you root for any ?

- firmware modification to add the settings to the camera ? maybe someone did that already ?

- modification of the remote control with extra hardware to press the button at intervals or extra electronics to close the circuit below the button

- software control for the camera ? is there such a thing ? is that free ?

It's a feature I've craved for years, I hope I'm not the only one :)

Thanks,

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    David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,209 moderator
    edited December 18, 2006
    What you want is a tethered remote shooting and control utility. This means a computer nearby. Nikon Capture NX software probably came with your camera. If that doesn't have what you want, then I'm sure Nikon has something available. Plug-in?

    I don't know my Nikon stuff, but Canon has a time-lapse timer accessory that plugs into a dedicated port on the camera body. Nikon probably offers something similar. These aren't cheap.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,895 moderator
    edited December 18, 2006
    If you want an "interval" capability, and if you want something already in production, you might shoot these folks an e-mail:

    http://maxmax.com/Zigview.htm

    If you want a tethered solution, where a computer "captures" an image at certain intervals, use Google and look for the terms:

    +Nikon +D50 +interval +capture

    You will find quite a few hits, but I haven't used anything for a modern camera, so I can't make any recommendations. You may need to be specific about your computer and operating system.

    ziggy53
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,895 moderator
    edited December 18, 2006
    See, Illinois is awake. :D
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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    wxwaxwxwax Registered Users Posts: 15,471 Major grins
    edited December 18, 2006
    Some less expensive cameras have an "intervalometer" built-in.

    My Canon G3 does, for instance. Such a camera would be perfect for your needs.
    Sid.
    Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
    http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
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    pathfinderpathfinder Super Moderators Posts: 14,698 moderator
    edited December 18, 2006
    Hunters, have wildlife cameras with built in intervalometers also. They mount them to trees along deer runs to identify areaas of deer activity.

    Take a gander through the Cabelas deer hunting catalog, or a wander through Gander Mountain and I think you will find something. They are frequently camoflage colored.

    I doubt they will cost much more than trying to set up a tethered situation with a laptop at a worksite.

    I think the Canon G5 does that as well, Waxy.
    Pathfinder - www.pathfinder.smugmug.com

    Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
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    chuckicechuckice Registered Users Posts: 400 Major grins
    edited December 20, 2006
    If I'm understanding you correctly then you need the Nikon Camera Control Pro software bundle:
    http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/nikonusa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=61
    Charles
    http://www.SnortingBullPhoto.com
    http://www.sportsshooter.com/cherskowitz
    "There's no reason to hurry on this climb...as long as you keep the tempo at the right speed the riders will fall back."
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    jthomasjthomas Registered Users Posts: 454 Major grins
    edited December 20, 2006
    I'm pretty sure the Nikon D200 has a built-in "intervalometer" capability. Of course you have a D50 - so this might tempt you to upgrade. mwink.gif
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    TanukiTanuki Registered Users Posts: 184 Major grins
    edited December 20, 2006
    The Mumsford Time Machine (see following link) is another option to the Zigview already mentioned.

    https://bmumford.securewebsites.com/OrderCamSecure.html

    You might want to do the math and figure out how many exposures will be required for your construction project, i.e., to see if you'll end up wearing out the shutter mechanism on your D50. If so, you might consider using a cheap P&S instead. Wxmax mentioned that the G3 has a built-in intervalometer. I think the G3 is a discontinued model, so perhaps you could find a used one on ebay for cheap.

    Mike
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    mcgilmcgil Registered Users Posts: 110 Major grins
    edited December 20, 2006
    Thanks for all the suggestions !
    The Time Machine looks really great, but I think I'll settle for the Nikon software :)
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