Time Lapse + Panning, Tilting and Zooming

[Cody Hoerig]

Hey guys,

I have a question about some effects that I am trying to achieve while I shoot time-lapse with my D90 (in still photos, using an interval-meter)


Basically I am trying to make some time lapse shots for the feature I am working on, and i want some of the shots to pan left or right, just like they did in some of those beautiful Planet Earth time-lapse shots on Discovery

I know they used a motion control system for the Planet Earth ones. They basically set a special pan and tilt head to gradually pan or tilt over the course of a few days, thus resulting, in a smooth pan for the finished product.

Since I do not have the money for an expensive motion control system, my question is, how can i do this at home?

My initial thought was i could shoot the lime-lapse, then throw it onto my computer in 2k or 1080p and then just do it all digitally, like have a digital "window" pan or tilt on the larger image. Since my feature is in 720p i figured this would be a good idea.

The problem is, I have no idea how to do this. I would assume that it would be done in Final Cut and After Effects or Motion.

Can anyone shed some light onto how i might go about doing this?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

(I do not know if this is the right forum, because it is a complex question so i am going to post it in a few sections)

Thanks,

 

[Eki Halkka]

My initial thought was i could shoot the lime-lapse, then throw it onto my computer in 2k or 1080p and then just do it all digitally, like have a digital "window" pan or tilt on the larger image. Since my feature is in 720p i figured this would be a good idea.

The problem is, I have no idea how to do this. I would assume that it would be done in Final Cut and After Effects or Motion.

You should be able to do it in all of those. Essentially you just enlarge the shot and move it around. It's a very simple effect to do. I don't use motion or FCP, but in ae you just adjust the image scaling, then in the first frame, move the layer to a nice staring position, enable the "stopwatch" for the layer position to animate it, go to last frame, move the layer to end position... and you're done.

Of course, actually moving the camera while you shoot will usually look cooler. I recently made a modded version of a small RC car, it moves about an yard / a meter a minute. Put a sandbag on top, time lapse camera on board and set it rolling. It worked surprisingly well, for such a rough prototype: i managed to make some pretty fun time lapse dolly shots with it for a project...

Here's the contraption with HV20 on board:

 

[Cody Hoerig]

Thanks for the info about doing it digitally, Im def going to try that.


Nice rig! Do you have any test stuff with that?

 

[Eki Halkka]

Thanks for the info about doing it digitally, Im def going to try that.


Nice rig! Do you have any test stuff with that?

I'll send you a PM with a link that has shots done with the rig - can't post it publicly...

 

[Andreas Reischl]

There are a bunch of very talented guys on this board, I am sure at least one of them know how to help you.

In the meantime take a look around here, especially in the off-topic section, you will find quite a few threads concerning time lapse shooting.

 

[Antony M]

I recently made a modded version of a small RC car, it moves about an yard / a meter a minute.

Here's the contraption with HV20 on board:

Can you provide any details about how to modify the car? Sounds like a neat idea.

What stops it from rolling off those rods?

 

[Paul Lee]

go to:
www.timescapes.org
and go to the discussion pages. All the knowledge you seek awaits...

PS- Look through this forum for Tom...

 

[Tom Lowe]

Yeah, Cody, post this question under the main DSLR Timelapse Discussion forum at Timescapes:

http://www.timescapes.org/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=4