Tech Review - Aputure Timer Remote Control - TC-80N3

Now that we are primarily shooting with DSLRs there is the constant search for finding solutions to tasks that  wouldn’t have posed an issue. In this case we are dealing with creating timelapses. We were able to do timelapses with the Sony EX-1 but of course it would be great to do this with a 5D MK2, a 7D, or any other DSLR camera. The way to accomplish this is by using an intervalometer which is a device that triggers the shutter for a set period of time.

What this creates is a great number of still frames that can be pieced together to form a movie. If you calculate that you need 24 frames per second this can translate into a lot of still pictures. This also creates additional problems such as powering the camera over long durations. But we won’t discuss that in this blog as it can be an exhaustive topic itself. However we were able to make do with a fully charged camera battery (LP-E6) for the timelapse below (approx. 4 hours). 

 Aputure Timer Remote Controller (Intervalometer) 

The intervalometer that Canon markets is the TC80n3 which goes for $144.95 US. Somehow that price didn’t sit right with me considering what it does (which goes for many things in our industry) so I did some scouring on the internet and found a version from China which costs $19.99. Not bad. Let’s order three. 

Connection compatible with EOS D series cameras such as 1D MK4, 5D Mk2 etc.

We are using these units with great success and they are now part of our kit. Whether it be capturing a sunset in the North West Territories or a sunrise in the mountains of northern France we have been able to add a welcome touch to our work. The only gripe I have with these timers is that there is no switch to turn them off so you have to remove the battery after each use. 

Battery (CR2032) housing open

Below is a description I pulled from the site we purchased from ... Linkdelight.com

“The LCD timer remote controller TC-80N3 EOS 7D is a very professional device dedicates for precisely schedule photo time, exposure length and other more functions. The timer remote for Canon TC-80N3 EOS 7D provides delayed shutter releasing exact to the second, intermittent shutter releasing, time exposure and continuous shooting with a number of pictures by choice. The canon 7d tc-80n3 timer remote can be set anywhere from 1 second to 99 hours which displayed on the LCD screen. A new dial enables you to easily enter the numeric settings with a single thumb. The LCD panel can also be illuminated.”

Our conclusion: The timer from LinkDelight is a great piece of equipment. It does what is says, it does it reliably, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone’s kit. Especially considering the price.

Stan 

Timelapse - Clouds

I apologize , I know its been awhile since we've updated. We've been staying busy here at Silverpoint Media. We have a couple videos lined up in the near future but until then I thought we could give you a little sneak peak of a timelapse montage that our very own Stan Yamashita is putting together. 

this particular clip was done outside Stan's balcony. Shot with the Canon 5d Mark II, Canon 24-70mm f2.8 lens, and the Aputure intervalometer.  We'll soon be reviewing the Aputure intervalometer, an awesome little gadget that we picked up primarily to do our timelapse videos. 

Anyways, be sure to look out for the completed timelapse piece and our tech review of the Aputure intervalometer soon.