What is an Intervalometer? Do I really need it?
Jul 3, 2019 00:50:03 #
Scruples wrote:
A friend asked if I could photograph some fireworks. I have my Canon 5D MarkIV, a 24mm wide angle and a 28-135 prime zoom lens. The dial set to "B" for Bulb. I have a good shutter range, f/stop choices and phenomenal ISO choices. I have a great tripod and will be weighing it down with my bag. I have my folding chair all dusted off. I will be shooting at Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. I have two questions. What is an intervalometer?
Do I need it?
Do I need it?
A 28-135 isn't a prime lens. I think it's called a short telephoto zoom. Maybe not short.
Jul 3, 2019 01:41:50 #
Angel Star Photography
Loc: Tacoma, WA
Angel Star Photography wrote:
Rather than using an external intervalometer, I re... (show quote)
I had planned to post a few shots with my reply but couldn't at the time. Here are few of several shots taken last year. All shots were in manual mode and manual focus. Settings and focal length are in the description of the photo. As stated earlier, the exposure time varied depending upon the fireworks in the air. The Canon cell phone was very useful as it was like an electronic viewfinder with which I could walk around while enjoying the show and taking the photos.
Camera: Canon 5D Mark IV, tripod mounted
Lens: 24-105mm, f/4L
ISO 100, 24mm, f/11, 14 seconds
(Download)
ISO 100, 42mm, f/11, 25 seconds
(Download)
ISO 200, 42mm, f/11, 5.7 seconds
(Download)
ISO 200, 42mm, f/11, 7 seconds
(Download)
Finale, ISO 200, 42mm, f/11, 13 seconds
(Download)
Jul 3, 2019 02:45:59 #
Scruples wrote:
Thank you for all the information. While I'm not a professional, I'm more of a hobbyist. I came to the Ugly Hedge Hog forum not to impress anyone. I'm very delighted to learn something new with my new camera.
Scruples, I respect what you say. Truth be known, it's unlikely ANYONE knows everything built in modern cameras. After all we're all human, (maybe with exception to search engines etc.)
Jul 3, 2019 06:33:30 #
jdedmonds wrote:
A 28-135 isn't a prime lens. I think it's called a short telephoto zoom. Maybe not short.
Thank you for catching that.
Well I made a mistake. Call it a typo. But you can chalk it up to me being inexperienced.
Jul 3, 2019 06:34:43 #
Angel Star Photography wrote:
I had planned to post a few shots with my reply bu... (show quote)
That is a great set. Thank you.
Jul 3, 2019 06:39:07 #
GENorkus wrote:
Scruples, I respect what you say. Truth be known, it's unlikely ANYONE knows everything built in modern cameras. After all we're all human, (maybe with exception to search engines etc.)
After I was told about the section in the user manual, I tried out a few settings. It seems that other Hoggers are more experienced and have provided great insight. It seems it would be hard to photograph fireworks using an intervalometer. Thanks for the advice.
Jul 3, 2019 09:40:46 #
Scruples wrote:
Thanks Mac and JohnSwanda. You caught a great typ... (show quote)
I got my generic ones for my nikon for less than 30 and they work just fine. I use mine for a remote shutter release mainly and very handy in my opinion. Mine have a 100ft range also allowing you to set up the shot and sitting back to wait for the moments to happen from a distance. I do not regret getting mine at all.
Jul 3, 2019 12:01:54 #
Angel Star Photography
Loc: Tacoma, WA
Scruples wrote:
After I was told about the section in the user manual, I tried out a few settings. It seems that other Hoggers are more experienced and have provided great insight. It seems it would be hard to photograph fireworks using an intervalometer. Thanks for the advice.
Scruples, I would agree that using an intervalometer to photograph fireworks does pose some additional problems. If this is your first time photographing fireworks, I would not recommend the use of an intervalometer.
In my previous posts, I neglected to mention that I opened the shutter at the moment I heard the report of the mortar, or shortly there after. This allowed for the capture of the trail before the burst detonation. I would then close the shutter as the burst settled and faded. Exactly when to close the shutter was variable depending upon the brightness and the capture I wanted to achieve.
I do recommend taking a few test shots as the show begins and adjust as you see fit. Shortly after the show begins, you are not going to have much time to zero in your settings. If you can practice on a pre-fourth show, take advantage of that.
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