Time-lapse
The time-lapse workflow allows you to trigger the shutter based on a defined interval. You can specify when to start, how many images or videos to capture, and when to end. You can even capture a HDR time-lapse.
Capturing Images for a Time-lapse
Let’s capture one image per ten seconds for a total of five images.
- Connect to the camera.
- Go to the Workflow menu and select ‘Time-lapse’.
- Select ‘Start when the Capture button is Pressed’.
- Set the Shot Interval to 10 seconds.
- Set ‘Stop after (shots)’ to 5 captures.
- Press the ‘Capture’ button.
- If the SubFolders checkbox is checked, the images will be saved as a subfolder ‘\INT_YYYYMMDD_HHNNSS’ of your current image path with file filename an incrementing counter starting at zero. If the Subfolders checkbox is not checked, then the files will be stored in a /Timelapse folder with filenames as defined in the filename setup in the body tab.
Tips
- There will be no attempt to autofocus prior to each capture if you have set the body to not require focus before triggering the shutter. This is normally known as ‘Release Priority’.
- ControlMyNikon can capture the images but cannot create a time-lapse video.
- Keep the camera firmly mounted so that it cannot move.
- The interval should not be less than 5 seconds as it takes at least 2-3 seconds to transfer the image file. Even saving to the card has similar delays.
- Use high-quality JPEG or NEF. If you use NEF, you will need to convert these to JPEG before creating the movie.
- Try to capture a scene with very slow movement such as moving clouds or an opening flower.
- All Nikon shutters have a lifetime rating. For example, the D7000 is rated at 150,000 shutter activations after which the shutter may degrade. Check your manual to see what the limit is for your body.
- You can capture a HDR time-lapse. Just set up the HDR settings in the HDR workflow tab. Then put a checkmark beside the ‘Chain HDR’ option in the Time-lapse workflow tab. The captured images will be saved to a ‘TimelapseHDR’ folder.