How to Create a Real-Time Time-Lapse with a Shutter Speed of One Second

Creating a real-time time-lapse video where one minute of recording plays back in one minute but with a shutter speed of one second can be a rewarding project. Follow these steps to achieve this unique visual effect.

Understanding the Concept

The key to this project lies in maintaining a real-time playback while utilizing a very slow shutter speed. Shutter speed, in this context, refers to the duration for which the camera shutter is open to capture each frame. A shutter speed of one second means that the camera is capturing each frame for one second, resulting in a slow frame rate if you want to play it back in real-time.

Recording Setup

Camera: You will need a camera that allows you to set a manual shutter speed. This can be a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or a smartphone with manual shutter speed settings.

Interval: Since you want to capture a time-lapse effect but play it back in real-time, set your camera to take a photo every second. This means you will have 60 photos after a minute of recording.

Capture the Images

Duration: Set your camera to capture images for one minute.

Interval: If your camera does not have a built-in feature to take one photo every second, use an intervalometer to ensure consistent intervals between shots.

Post-Processing

Image Sequence: After capturing, you will have a sequence of 60 images, one for each second.

Video Editing Software: Import these images into video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even free software like DaVinci Resolve or Blender.

Creating the Video

Frame Rate: Set the project frame rate to 60 fps (frames per second). This means that each image will be displayed for one second, giving you the desired effect of one minute of recording playing back in one minute.

Export: Once you have arranged the images in the timeline, export the project as a video file.

Final Output

You will have a video where the scenes evolve in real-time but each frame shows a moment captured with a one-second shutter speed, creating a unique visual effect.

Summary

Set your camera to take a photo every second for one minute. Use video editing software to compile these images at 60 fps. Export the final video.

This method will give you a real-time playback with the desired shutter speed effect, providing a unique and creative way to capture and present your scenes.