[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm1fFQfGc9M&feature=player_embedded]
A simple panning motion can add impact to the already-dramatic effect of time lapse photography. To accomplish this, frugal cinematographers sometimes build [Rube Goldberg] contraptions from clock motors, VCR parts or telescope tracking mounts. Hack a Day reader [Stephan Martin] has assembled a clever bargain-basement system using an Arduino-driven stepper motor and a reduction gear system built up from LEGO Technic parts, along with some Processing code on a host PC to direct the show.
While the photography is a bit crude (using just a webcam), [Stephan’s] underlying motion control setup might interest budding filmmakers with [Ron Fricke] aspirations but Top Ramen budgets. What’s more, unlike rigid clock motor approaches, software control of the camera mount has the potential for some interesting non-linear, fluid movements.
Really well done, I’m impressed, I may just use something based on this for an upcoming project. Thank for the post.
See my low tech $3 drop dead simple how to video on how to make a panning device here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnmhTjPHHOM
and a quick sample of it working here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl9bwdcrkS4
he should have disabled the autoexposure on the webcam
innsbruck ah yes scary airport between the mountains!