How can I shoot an all-day timelapse with a Nikon D3300?
Asked 9/8/2017
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I want to create a long timelapse over a full day with a Nikon D3300, including sunrise, clouds, traffic, and sunset. I’m unsure whether this should be done as video or by taking still photos at set intervals, and I’m also concerned that the battery may not last long enough. What equipment and settings are typically needed for this kind of day-long timelapse?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
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You can get an AC power adapter that fits into the D3300's battery bay for less than $40 US.
As for the rest of the issues you've identified, as well as some you have not, we've got a good base of existing questions and answers that address them.
How to deal with large exposure shifts during time lapse?
What are good exposure and timing choices for time lapse photography?
How can timelapse sequences be shot without in-camera support?
What is bulb ramping?
How to create awesome nature time lapses
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a full-day timelapse, shoot still photos at fixed intervals rather than recording normal video. Use an intervalometer/remote trigger to fire the camera every set number of seconds or minutes, then assemble the images into a video later.
Power is a real concern for an all-day shoot. A practical solution is an AC power adapter that fits through the battery compartment, so you’re not relying on a single battery. Extra batteries may also help, but external power is better for very long sessions.
Exposure is the tricky part. Light changes dramatically from sunrise to midday to sunset, so camera settings need planning. Manual exposure gives the most consistent results, but you may need to adjust settings as light changes. Auto exposure is easier for beginners, though it can cause visible flicker between frames.
Your interval depends on how fast you want motion to appear. Longer gaps give a faster-looking result; shorter gaps make motion smoother but require many more frames. A tripod and stable framing are essential.
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