When you pick up any camera-or new item of technology/hardware for the first time-it's a learning curve.
This curve encompasses both the tech itself, the process, app and the outcome. In most cases, you are able to grab the device, powered it on and go in “auto” mode. Easy, right?
Learning to use the Afidus camera system is learning about time lapse. How to use the app to achieve the end result by programming it to record according to schedule.
In our Preflight check list a typical Time Lapse deployment you should:
Always start with fresh batteries and check the stats of the card.
Confirm your schedule recording with the information screen
Focus: Dial it in and check. Take a snap shot for image alignment.
Select Time Lapse Recording mode. Start your recording.
Confirm the camera is recording with a visual check of the green LED light.
When your first test is complete-Stop the recording with a long press of the power button.
The WiFi will activate. Wait for the blue check mark to appear (iOS users) Then open the Afidus App to check the results.
Tip: Save screenshots along the way for your long term projects. (this is for you to draw on information recalling the facts of what you set up)
Programming your first time lapse test
Use these settings below to generate your first test time lapse.
The Settings Menu:
Wide angle: ON/OFF set according to your satisfaction
DIS: OFF
AE Optimizer: OFF
Compression : Compatible h.264
Split File by Date: ON
Recycle: OFF
LED indicator: ON
Buzzer: ON
Recording Schedule:
Select one hour of the day from the time menu. This is noted in US military time
Custom day: KEEP THIS OFF
Weekday: Sun-Saturday tap them all on BLUE to turn them ON
TIP: If it's GRAY it's OFF.
Recording Appointment: OFF
Capture Frame Rate: 30
(This is for Continuous Interval ONLY. There is little need to change this setting unless you will do a monitored recording with a large card.)
Video Lapse: length 3 seconds
Timestamp: OFF
Anti-Flicker: 60hz
WiFi Password: No need to change this.
Back up/Apply: No need to change this.
Reset: Please DO NOT select this. If you do then proceed to this article.
Check the information screen, it should be similar to this. Except your hour will be different.
Select Record icon
Select the recording mode: Schedule Time Lapse
You will see a confirmation screen pop up with settings to confirm. The Afidus app has a reminder for you to check the focus, battery and storage before recording.
Final confirmation screen
You will hear an audible BEEP-BEEP
The LED will blink approximately every 6 seconds.
The camera is now recording to the schedule you set.
Later that same day you will need to, STOP the camera recording.
To do this you must Long press the power button at the top of the unit. You will hear an audible "BEEP". The Green LED will be solid. Now you can connect to WiFi and open the Afidus App to check the results.
From the Gallery (image)
Select the clip and it should be approximately 427.6 MB in size.
Congratulations on your first time-lapse!
What the camera will produce
The Afidus Time Lapse camera will output video files in .mp4 file format. All video files will have a file size limited up to 537 MB in size.
Why 537 MB?
Great question, this is the limit for Downloading to phone if you should decide to do this for your content saving method.
TIP: If you have the Split file by date selected ON, found within the settings app, then your files will be split into days up to that file size.
Next steps.
Proceed with some of the following ideas;
Keep the file on the card and try more tests out.
Download to phone for review
Remove the card, save the footage to your computer.
Using Editing Software, tell your time-lapse story and polish to perfection.
Share away on Social Media!
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