Easy Time Lapse for Most DSLR'S

This is a step by step build guide to making your own intervalometer on the cheap, allowing you to take timelapse footage.

The problem:

I filmed timelapse footage before using my CANON A480 compact camera, which was made very easy using CHDK (the canon hack and development kit) firmware hack. How ever I really wanted the footage to be of higher quality so I wanted to use my Nikon D40.

My Solution:

Most low end DSLR's like mine, have an Infrared remote as the sole external trigger. Other cameras may have pre-made wired intervalometers onsale, but these cost hundreds of dollars. Yet the majority of them have IR remote cabability. This means you can buy a cheap knock off, of your camera's remote and HACK 'IT' UP.

Step 1: Get The Parts

For this easy build you will need :

1. An IR remote for your make of camera. (this is Crucial for sucess)
2. An arduino of any type, however the nano is a good size.
3. A single 2N3904 NPN transistor, yet any comparable NPN will do
4. One 10K resistor.
5. PP3 9V battery *
6. PP3 battery clip *

Extra's that you may want to make it special:

1. A nice project box or enclosure
2. Metal toggle switch
3. L-ion battery pack *

Comments

[nicholas1951]

Very nicely done! Thanks.

[eXtremeSomething]

Thank you. I have now salvaged the arduino from this project so it is now more :( but just wait till you see what I have done with it.

[Datawolf]

You should add some result pictures.

[eXtremeSomething]

I am waiting for the solid grey cloud over england to do something more interesting than just sit there, but I will do.