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If you’re diving into the world of Timelapse or Hyperlapse photography, you know it’s a mesmerizing art form that captures the passing of time in a visually stunning way. However, to create professional looking videos, you need more than just a camera. Keep reading to find out my 5 Timelapse Essentials. No time to read? I´ve made a YouTube Short on this topic
1. A Sturdy Tripod
Let’s start with the basics: a sturdy tripod. We’ve all begun our photographic journeys with those flimsy, lightweight tripods that seem like a good deal on Amazon. However, these budget options often fail to provide the stability needed for Timelapse photography, especially in windy conditions. A robust tripod can make all the difference, preventing unwanted shakes that can ruin your shot and saving you from frustrating hours of rework or even reshooting.
I use different Manfrotto tripods, but the main one which I carry with me day to day is a Manfrotto 190X with a Pro Ballhead. Get it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3wsi7rD
2. High-Quality ND Filters
Neutral density (ND) filters are essential for controlling light and achieving the right exposure settings for your Timelapse shots (180 degree rule). Especially if you are shooting during the day and wan´t to capture motion blur, you have to use an ND filter.
While there are a lot of cheap ND filter options available, investing in quality glass can significantly improve overall look of your footage. Look for filters that match the largest thread size of your lenses and use adapter rings for smaller lenses to save on costs as you have to buy just one filter. Also getting a variable ND (VND) (https://amzn.to/3wtr6sH) filter is highly recommend as you can quickly adapt to different light situations. I have been using NISI filters for a long time and was never dissapointed.
3. Memory Cards and Storage Space
Timelapse photography eats up storage space quickly, especially if you’re shooting in high resolution or for extended periods. Ensure you have enough memory cards to capture beautiful Timelapse videos. For my Canon R5 I have been using SanDisk CFExpress (https://amzn.to/3UwP0vt) and SDCards (https://amzn.to/4b4hdAT).
Additionally, having sufficient storage space on your computer or external drives is crucial for storing and organizing your Timelapse sequences effectively. At some point I recommend getting a NAS which will also protect your beautiful Timelapse videos. For the past two years I have been using a Synology DS923+ (https://amzn.to/4a4VeIE) for this task. It´s silent, has all the menu options I need and you can add an SSD Cache for even faster data transfer.
4. Power Solutions
Running out of battery power in the midst of capturing a breathtaking sunset is every photographer's nightmare. Make sure you have enough spare batteries or an external power source to keep your camera running throughout your shooting sessions. This foresight ensures you don’t miss out on crucial moments due to power issues.
When I am capturing a sunrise or sunset I hook up my camera with an Anker PowerCore (https://amzn.to/3y9fT0V) which can power my camera for a long time. This way I don´t have to worry about changing batteries mid shooting.
5. Dust Blower
A seemingly minor but incredibly useful tool, a dust blower (https://amzn.to/4b51Sju), is a must-have for any photographer, especially when shooting outdoors or in challenging conditions. Apart from quickly cleaning your lenses on the go, a dust blower can also help remove raindrops or other debris, ensuring your shots remain clear and free of distractions. This tool is always in my backpack and saved me many times when I removed some raindrops from my lens in the middle of a two hour sunset.
In conclusion, while the art of timelapse photography is about capturing time in motion, it’s also about being prepared and equipped with the right tools. By investing in quality gear right at the beginning you will safe yourself money, time and stress. Do you have a piece of gear which you would recommend to Timelapse beginners? Let me know!
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