Pclix LT Owner's Manual page 21

Tricks
Some of these tricks might also be considered tips but they have to fall into one or the
other so under tricks they will be. Many cameras are full of features and user options, others
are not which leads me to say that all cameras are different in both operation, setup and
quality. For example the steps needed to change the image quality on a Nikon camera would
be completely different for a Canon camera. So it is very important that you read your camera
manual and understand how to change it's user settings and features.
- For the most part you will want to keep your camera in manual focus. I say this for a
few reasons, first you don't generally want the focus to change from one frame to the
next. Say something passes very close to the lens causing the focus to change and
then on the next frame once the frame is clear it changes yet again, you get the idea.
Another reason is that it might take longer for your camera to focus than the interval
you have chosen causing your camera to skip intervals.
- Many cameras have an automatic "White Balance" feature. At times this can cause
problems depending on the subject matter. Every once in while the White Balance will
not be set correctly in my experience. By manually setting the White Balance to the
proper lighting conditions you will be guaranteed consistent White Balance from frame
to frame.
- Aperture and Shutter Length are two other settings which you should to pay close
attention to. If for example you are shooting a time-lapse sequence where the lighting
conditions will not change at all, then consider manual mode for these two variables.
However if say the lighting is going to change drastically over time, a sunset perhaps,
then setting the Aperture to a fixed F-stop and letting the Shutter compensate for the
changes in light is perhaps a better way to go. It really comes down to this. Between
the Pclix LT and your camera there are many settings which can be adjusted, each one
for the most part will affect and influence the others. You should also consider covering
the eyepiece of your camera when shooting time-lapse images, extra light can enter
through the eyepiece and affect the light meter readings. Experiment a little, get to
know the ins and outs of your particular camera and how you can use it's different
shooting modes to your advantage. Also pack your camera manual in your camera bag
just in case.
- I'd recommend that whatever surface you place your tripod on should be as solid as
possible. Be aware that the legs of your tripod can shift part way though your shoot if
you are on sand, soft ground, snow, etc. If the surface is soft or has a bounce to it
you'll see it in your finished sequence.
- Ensure that the tripod legs and head are tightened down securely and that your camera
is solidly mounted to your tripod. Wind can be a problem at times causing small
movements of your camera. These small movements will be much more evident the
longer the lens you use.
- Your camera allows you the ability to change the size and image quality of the shots
you take. Consider this when shooting time-lapse sequences. If for example you are
intending to use the results in a setting where high resolution and quality are necessary
say in the shooting of stock footage then use of high resolution and better quality are a
must. In other cases smaller frame sizes and or image quality might be acceptable. Just
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