Time Lapse Photographers: How often, how big? (exposures, that is)

[geocrasher]

I usually do 1600x1200 quality with an exposure every 5 seconds, but that lasts only about 4 hours tops. For longer lapses, I'd like to keep the exposure rate as low as possible. For 24 hours it would have to be about every 30 seconds. I could do 640x480 for 24 hours and keep them under 10 seconds between, but that seems like a very low resolution. What do you think?

[wontolla]

It looks like you are concerned about battery life, because you want to keep shooting for 24 hours.

But then, it looks like you are concerned about memory space, because you talk about reducing the picture size.

What is it you whan to achieve?

For 24 hours you may need to use external power supply.

And the size will depend on the media you are going to show your timelapse. For web, I think 640x480 is fine.

[geocrasher]

Actually, I've got battery life figured out with an external battery power supply. I posted it here:

http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=74eeb794e89a44a858d21e1b316fdd81&topic=5196.msg53113#msg53113

I share my time lapses on Youtube, but I always try to achieve the highest resolution possible.

So, do I keep the high resolution at the expense of longer delays, or do I sacrifice resolution for shorter delays?

That is my dilemma.

[wontolla]

So, do I keep the high resolution at the expense of longer delays, or do I sacrifice resolution for shorter delays?

It depends, what is the subject of your timelapse?

For example: For a car ride, the frequency is as high as possible, 1 photo every 1 or 2 seconds. On the other hand, for a timelapse of a building site, a picture a day is enough.

I normally keep the size to 1600x1200, you can always reduce it for web. I also try to reduce the delay between shots, although I have to change 2Gb memory cards every 1/2 hour. The larger the card, the better.

Depending on your camera model, you can also reduce the JPG compression quality instead of its size.

[sumoetx]

My timelapses are generally car rides so I try to shoot frequently, every 1-2 seconds. I shoot at 1600x1200 only because the software I use to put it together (Photolapse) seems to not like higher rez images. If I'm worried about battery life or memory, I'll cut it to 640x480. I always use a old headphone jack to turn off the LCD and I've found it a good idea to cover the camera with something when it's on the Dash of the car for too long so it doesn't over heat, from the sun shining through the windshield. I've also had it overheat in the winter due to the defrost blowing.

What programs do you all use to convert your stills to video? I've tried Photolapse, JPEGVideo, Vdub and even Photoshop CS3 extended. Any hints would be greatly appreciated!