What camera setup works for a 2-year outdoor timelapse on Linux without wearing out the shutter too quickly?

Question

I need an outdoor camera for a proof-of-concept project that captures one image every 5 minutes during daylight, potentially for up to two years. It will be mounted on a mast, connected to a Debian Linux system, and ideally supported by gphoto2 or otherwise easy to automate. Low-light performance would help around sunrise/sunset, but cost matters too.

My main concern is durability: a DSLR such as a used Nikon D40 seems affordable, but its mechanical shutter life may be a limiting factor at this interval. I’m also constrained by cable length if I use USB directly. Are there better options for long-term timelapse in a harsh outdoor environment, such as action cameras, compact cameras, or ways to extend connectivity and power safely?

user4892 · Answer

I would look into hacking a GoPro camera/camcorder to use a continuous power source. The GoPro is very well suited to harsh environments, and already comes with a housing that could be utilized. Further, it is very reasonably priced. If you are serious about low light ability, the newest Hero3 Black Edition claims 2x better low light ability then the previous models and sensors. You can easily set them up to do timelapse, or shots every 5mins.

For more info about hacking one to work off a constant/hard wired power source, take a look at Google results. The first result seems to be a good example: http://www.jk720.net/post/9040461577/my-gopro-hard-wire-setup-and-remote-trigger-i

enter image description here

For more info about hacking one to work off a constant/hard wired power source, take a look at Google results. The first result seems to be a good example: http://www.jk720.net/post/9040461577/my-gopro-hard-wire-setup-and-remote-trigger-i

enter image description here

What camera setup works for a 2-year outdoor timelapse on Linux without wearing out the shutter too quickly?

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