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Time lapse shots with the Canon Utility software – using the timer function

Very few DSLR cameras can take shots at defined time intervals. However, this function is important for many fields of scientific research where the issue at stake is documenting processes (e.g. the growth of cells, bacteria or fungi, or the polymerisation of plastics, etc.). The free Canon Utility software offers a feature that enables time lapse shooting.

In microscopy, the camera is ideally controlled remotely via PC or Mac, as this eliminates image-degrading vibrations caused by physically pressing the shutter. At the same time, it is also more convenient and less time-consuming if the images can be checked and, where necessary, edited directly on the screen. In addition, no camera memory card is needed because the images are transferred directly to the PC and stored there.

Many scientific fields (medicine, biology, etc.) document changes. With time lapse shots it is possible to record films or capture images of motion sequences or developments at a lower image frequency than in real time over an extended period of time. They are then played back at normal speed so that changes are made visible that either would not be apparent, or would be hard to identify, in real time.

Later, the time lapse shots can be further processed (measuring, etc.).

Using the “timer shooting” function of the Canon Utility 2 software (version: 2.14.20.0) is very easy:

Clicking on the “clock” button (see the middle right image below) opens the window for the relevant settings.

Delay Setting:  When should time lapse shooting start?

Shooting Interval: At what intervals should shots be taken? The intervals are set in increments of seconds, ranging from 5 seconds to 99 minutes and 59 seconds.

Shots: How many images in total should be taken? The minimum number is two.

22.12.2015