Timelapse with GoPro HD Hero2

[MartynVRS]

I'm thinking of trying it since I never have to record the stars. My main concern would be battery life. How have people done it in the past? Was suggested I buy a second hand case and drill a hole in it to put a USB power cable in. Then what software are people using to process it?

[Craikeybaby]

I'm not sure about drilling the case etc, I just run mine on battery.

For processing, I use Lightroom to bulk edit the images, then the GoPro software to join them into a video clip.

[MartynVRS]

Craikeybaby said:

I'm not sure about drilling the case etc, I just run mine on battery.

For processing, I use Lightroom to bulk edit the images, then the GoPro software to join them into a video clip.

I'm just thinking of extra power because I'm not sure how long the battery would last. Was thinking of letting it run for 6-8hrs overnight.

[baz7175]

Just buy a skeleton case, then you can keep it plugged in without having to mod a 2nd normal case

[MartynVRS]

Going to do a test run tonight just to see how it goes. Any recommendation for what interval to try first? Being stars and not moving that fast I'm guessing 5 or 10 secs would be fine?

[baz7175]

MartynVRS said:

Going to do a test run tonight just to see how it goes. Any recommendation for what interval to try first? Being stars and not moving that fast I'm guessing 5 or 10 secs would be fine?

Bear in mind that the GoPro isn't really the best for low light conditions

[Lee_sec]

^ +1 and the DOF being so shallow are you actually going to pick anything up? interested to see how it comes out! Good luck!

[MartynVRS]

baz7175 said:

Bear in mind that the GoPro isn't really the best for low light conditions

I know that now Didn't catch a thing just 762 black images. Presumably there's nothing you can change on GoPro for this? When I've seen time lapses before of night skies I'm guessing it's done with proper SLR Cameras?

[Dr Slotter]

baz7175 said:

Just buy a skeleton case, then you can keep it plugged in without having to mod a 2nd normal case

Albeit for timelapse indoors, I've put the camera into the front half of the standard case backwards then secured with a cable tie.

[14-7]

MartynVRS said:

When I've seen time lapses before of night skies I'm guessing it's done with proper SLR Cameras?

I have a GoPro 3 Black and it struggles with low light. As you have found out there is no way one would pick out the stars or Milky Way.

An SLR is needed for night time work. I have used my Canon Compact for some night shots of the stars but the noise generated is way too much to compile a series of them in to a timelapse.

[Lunja]

MartynVRS said:

I know that now Didn't catch a thing just 762 black images. Presumably there's nothing you can change on GoPro for this? When I've seen time lapses before of night skies I'm guessing it's done with proper SLR Cameras?

You're right - night-lapses are usually done with DSLRs. This week I was using a Canon 1000D with the standard 18-55mm kit lens, wide open at f3.5 and ISO 200 and was opening the shutter for 30-60 seconds per shot. The shots STILL weren't as bright as I'd have liked! GoPro's sensors simply aren't sensitive enough to let enough light in the intervals given I'm afraid.

[MartynVRS]

Lunja said:

You're right - night-lapses are usually done with DSLRs. This week I was using a Canon 1000D with the standard 18-55mm kit lens, wide open at f3.5 and ISO 200 and was opening the shutter for 30-60 seconds per shot. The shots STILL weren't as bright as I'd have liked! GoPro's sensors simply aren't sensitive enough to let enough light in the intervals given I'm afraid.

I only have a point and shoot Lumix but does let me mess around with how long I can keep the shutter open. Wont be able to timelapse with it but will try to take a picture to see what happens.