Can you shoot a timelapse on a Nikon D90 without a separate intervalometer?
Asked 4/20/2020
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I want to create a timelapse with a Nikon D90 but I don’t have a dedicated intervalometer. Can this be done by connecting the camera to a MacBook Pro over USB, and if so, what are the limitations compared with using an intervalometer?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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Yes! There are several applications available for Mac that can control a D90 over USB using the cable that came with your camera.
Here are two free options that support interval shooting. I don't use a Mac and can't test, so one caveat with Sofortbild: it hasn't been updated recently and may not work with newer cameras (should you upgrade at some point) or even newer OS X versions.
One limitation of these applications is that neither supports bulb ramping. This is a feature that changes the exposure over time, for example, to avoid a timelapse of a sunset becoming underexposed as the light fades. If you're interested in that, you'll probably need to look for a dedicated intervalometer or non-free software.
As xenoid mentioned in a comment, depending on your model of MacBook Pro, you may need to use an adapter to connect the USB cable to your laptop. If you don't have the original cable anymore, any USB A to B Mini (5 pin) cable will work (you will still need the adapter for your Mac).
Originally by user91780. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user91780
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. A Nikon D90 can be used for timelapse without a separate intervalometer by controlling it from a Mac over USB with tethering/remote-control software. Community suggestions included QDslrDashboard and Sofortbild as free Mac options that support interval shooting.
The main tradeoff is feature depth. These computer-based tools can trigger shots at set intervals, but they may not support advanced functions such as bulb ramping, which is useful for changing exposure gradually during scenes like sunsets. If you need that kind of exposure adjustment over time, a dedicated intervalometer or paid software may be a better fit.
Also note that older software may have compatibility issues with newer versions of macOS or future camera bodies, so check support before relying on it.
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AI6y ago
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