Time-lapse videos are beautiful, capturing a series of moments, as they happen, throughout some time. Time-lapse videos are useful for showing how some important changes happen as the construction progresses over time at the project site.
They are also a great way to showcase the details of a project, as it gets developed from ground zero upwards. Once you start recording time-lapse videos, it’s easy to see how these videos can be used for so many different purposes. From sharing periodic project progress reports to senior management to utilizing these videos for marketing purposes. From communicating important milestones with stakeholders to attracting potential investors. The list goes on…
If you’re looking to produce construction time-lapse videos, but aren’t entirely sure where to start, then this is the article to read. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about the different important elements required for developing a high-quality time-lapse video.
Time-lapse Camera
You can’t think of creating a video without first thinking of getting a camera. While the in-built camera of a mobile phone or a DSLR is an option, we recommend that you go for a specialized time-lapse camera unit. The quality of your time-lapse video will depend largely on the quality of the camera used to shoot it.
The best time-lapse cameras are effective for shrinking long construction days, months, or even years, into a few seconds and creating the most engaging videos. Using devices other than a dedicated time-lapse camera will require that you install a weatherproof enclosure for the camera to withstand the harsh conditions at the construction site. Additionally, a continuous power supply, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an SD card for local storage may have to be provided, which can prove to be cumbersome for hassle-free usage at a project site.
At Studio 52, we use 100% solar-powered & 100% wireless, all weatherproof, 3G / 4G / LTE enabled integrated time-lapse camera units that guarantee a 4k/6k quality output. Our cloud-based, remote management interface gives you instant access to your camera using your smartphone, tablet, or, PC and offers uninterrupted access for monitoring your project site.
Project Site
You are most likely recording a time-lapse video to show the construction progress. So, it is important to prepare the project site before the installation of the time-lapse cameras. Depending on the area to be covered, the appropriate number of cameras can be decided to ensure optimum coverage. Also, a detailed technical site visit by experts can help finalize the most suitable strategic point for camera installation and the field of view to be captured. These site visits can also help determine and additional requirements to prep the project site, like requirements of scaffolds to install the cameras, clearing of the area for erecting the scaffolds.
The time-lapse cameras will remain fixed at a particular location at the project site from a few months to a few years. Hence it is important to select the strategic location for camera installation at the project to avoid any disturbance to the cameras or blocking of view over some time which may then result in the relocation of cameras. Thus hampering the entire purpose for which the cameras were installed.
Storage
Time-lapse photography involves capturing images of the project site from the same fixed angle at a scheduled time frequency, 15 mins / 30 mins / 45 mins, there should be sufficient storage available to save all the images for the entire project duration. While memory cards with an adequate capacity may suffice, it is more advisable to go the route of secured cloud storage. That way, you get to surmount the different limitations of local storage, including facing the risk of data loss due to corrupt files.
Network Data
Many time-lapse cameras come with features that can be controlled remotely via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. So, you must make plans for a stable network. To curb instances of poor internet connection, have multiple options that include Wi-Fi, and the use of mobile or SIM card data.
Network data is particularly important for navigating through the camera functions including online access to the cameras, live streaming, and cloud storage.
Compact & Integrated Unit
It is best to work with a compact and integrated unit. The more portable the setup, the better. Cameras specifically designed for time-lapse photography always come with an in-built intervalometer. This way, you have to carry fewer appendages.
Overall, special time-lapse camera units are better than DSLR cameras for recording your time-lapse images. However, if you have to use a DSLR camera, consider its weight, because while they also produce high-quality output, they are very bulky and would need an additional weatherproof enclosure.
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