Time lapse photography setup for documenting long-term construction projects

Gear

ZephyrCan I fly my Alexa or RED on a Zephyr?389

Master SeriesIs a used Master Series rig worth buying as a first big rig?191

BFDHow do I power my BFD receiver from my camera or sled?186

VoltCan I retrofit a Volt onto my existing sled or gimbal?168

ArtemisHow do I power my camera and accessories from an Artemis sled?166

MDRWhere can I mount my Preston MDR on my rig?143

ModulusIs there a Modulus option for HD wireless video?141

G-70Will my G-70 fit my vest, gimbal or sled?126

FI+ZCan I control iris and zoom wirelessly, not just focus?60

HU3Where can I get my HU3 repaired, refurbished or repainted?60

CineLiveHow do I pack and case my CineLive rig for transport?54

G-70XHow does the G-70X compare to Pro Titan, Xarm and other arms?46

Trinity 2Is Trinity 2 SUP 3.0 firmware safe to install or buggy?46

Ultra VestWhich vest should I choose for my body size, comfort and operator type?39

2010Off Topic forum

16 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.

A DSLR camera with built-in interval recording is suitable for extended time lapse work, with Nikon models being advantageous because the firmware includes this function without requiring additional parts.
For a 27-month outdoor project, using a permanent power supply rather than batteries is recommended to ensure continuous operation.
Camera position must remain fixed throughout the project; moving the camera between sessions produces poor results and creates alignment challenges.
The optimal daily frame rate depends on balancing video length with practical constraints; one frame per day produces roughly a 30-second final video, while more frequent intervals require managing larger file volumes and nighttime unusable frames.
Detailed documentation of camera setup including tripod position, marking reference points on the ground, focal length, focus distance, and tilt/pan angles enables accurate repositioning for maintenance or camera replacement.
Shooting at noon daily reduces exposure variation caused by seasonal lighting changes compared to variable shooting times.
A minimum of 12 frames per day can provide smoother transitions between weather conditions, though this requires either automated interval timers or manual frame selection during post-production.
Test shots should be compared in image editing software several weeks apart to verify camera positioning accuracy before committing to the full schedule.

Nighttime hours produce unusable frames when using frequent interval shooting, requiring either daytime-only capture or advanced solutions that increase complexity and cost.
Long-term exposure of equipment to weather elements requires protective measures not detailed in the discussion.
Seasonal changes in lighting cannot be completely mitigated and will be visible in the final video regardless of frame rate chosen.
Consensus was not reached regarding optimal daily frame count; participants disagreed on whether 1, 12, or 24 frames per day provides the best balance.