Monday, September 14, 2009

Make A Timelapse Video With A Digital Video Camera

Time-lapse video was once something only cameras with special lens could record. Those days are history. Now you can make your own time-lapse video with your digital video camera. It takes a bit of patience, but you can soon learn do this special process.


Instructions


1. Decide what you are going to record. Something that you don't normally see change in less than three minutes is a good choice. Your only limit is the amount of recording space on your digital video camera.


2. Set up your camera. You want to have a steady shot, so it's best to put the camera on a steady surface or set it up on a tripod. If you are going to be recording a time span longer than the life of your batteries, plug the camera into an electrical outlet.








3. Start recording. Periodically check the camera to make sure the subject is still in focus. Also make sure you haven't run out of disk space or tape. When you feel like you have enough footage, turn off the camera.


4. Import the recorded material onto your computer. No matter what video editing software you use, most can create time-lapse video. And most perform the task in a similar manner. Do check your editing software for specific directions.


5. Shorten the video. Locate the "Edit" option in your editing software. Look for "Effects." There should be an option for speed. Choose a high rate of speed. Generally this number is in percentage format. Try setting it at 10,000 percent.


6. Play the video. If the effects are not dramatic enough, go back to Step 5 and raise the percent. If that doesn't work, try lowering the percent. Work with the video until it has the look you want.

Tags: editing software, make sure, time-lapse video, your digital, your digital video, your editing