Compatibility

Note: this page is for the Original Timelapse+ Intervalometer.  For camera compatibility with the VIEW Intervalometer, see the manual here: http://docs.view.tl/#camera-support-overview

The Timelapse+ works with a wide range of cameras, but not all features are available for all cameras or interfaces.

General Compatibility Info

Canon

Most Canon EOS DSLRs are supported via USB, and nearly all current models allow for control of the bulb via USB, so the shutter cable it not necessary.  Perfectly smooth bulb ramping can be achieved with most Canon cameras using a USB connection + PC Sync cable.  On most Canon DSLRs, the bulb mode can go as fast as 1/20.  Canon DSLRs up to the 50D, 7D & 5D II allow USB switching from manual mode to bulb mode, enabling high-range HDR sets and bulb ramping that starts in manual mode for higher shutter speeds.  Newer models such as the 60D, 6D & 5D III do not allow this, so manual intervention is required for functions requiring switching between bulb and manual.

Nikon

Most Nikon DSLRs are supported via USB, but the Timelapse+ is yet unable to control the bulb with USB, so a shutter cable is necessary in addition to USB for bulb ramping or long exposures.  Nikon rounds bulb exposure times to the next 8th stop, and the fastest bulb time seems to be a 1/5 second, so bulb ramping is not ideal with Nikon and will require some post-production deflickering.  Still, good bulb ramps can be achieved and the Timelapse+ is able to ramp the exposure much further than possible in aperture priority mode.  Most Nikon models allow switching between bulb and manual mode via USB, enabling high-range HDRs and starting bulb ramps in manual and then switching to bulb when the shutter time is greater than 1/5 second.

Sony

Our firmware was recently updated to add support USB control for the Sony Alpha A7 series of cameras. The Bulb time on the Sony can be as fast as 1/40, which should be fast enough for starting most day-to-night bulb-ramping sequences. Automatic mode switching between bulb and manual isn't supported, so if a faster shutter speed is needed, it will have to be done manually. USB control for Sony cameras is still experimental, and a special customized cable is needed for USB + shutter control, which is not readily available. It uses a Y-type cable that plugs into the " Multi Terminal connector” on the Sony, and this branches out into two connectors that plug into the USB port and AUX (shutter release) port on the Timelapse+. More information on this can be sent on request.

Other Brands

USB support for brands other than Canon, Nikon, or Sony is not available, so control of the camera is limited to opening and closing the shutter (no parameters can be changed by the Timelapse+).  There is a beta feature in the current firmware allowing manual stepping of the ISO during a bulb ramp, so with some intervention it should be possible to do fairly smooth ramping.  Without stepping the ISO, a bulb ramp is limited to about 8 stops at best, which is not enough to go from day-to-night (minimum of 14 stops).

USB Compatibility

Almost all cameras that have a shutter release port or IR support are supported by the Timelapse+ for basic time-lapse and limited HDR (using bulb mode with shutter speeds > 1/10). For cameras supported by the various shutter cables, see this page. At least in the current stage of firmware development, full bulb-ramping support requires USB control, which is still somewhat limited.

Far from complete, this section will be added to as more cameras are tested. The main/initial goal is to better document and track USB support. If you are wondering about a camera not on the list, or you have tested a camera not listed here, please contact me through http://support.timelapseplus.com.

For info on what cameras should potentially be able to be controlled via USB, see this list: http://www.gphoto.org/proj/libgphoto2/support.php

For info on what can be controlled by USB on a camera, see: http://www.gphoto.org/doc/remote

Feature Status

The Timelapse+ firmware is in constant development (it's easily upgraded, too, so past customers can always take advantage of new features as they're added).  This section is updated as development progresses.

Interfaces

Shutter Cable

This is the standard interface, basically connecting the Timelapse+ to the camera's shutter button. This allows the Timelapse+ to trigger photos, as well as control the bulb when the camera is in bulb mode. It does not enable the Timelapse+ to change any of the camera's settings. To test the adaptor cable, connect the appropriate cable to the upper-left port of the Timelapse+ and the other end to the camera. Go to Trigger -> Cable Remote to confirm it can take a picture and control the bulb (be sure to set camera to bulb mode for testing the bulb).

IR

The IR interface is primarily for use when no other interface option are available for the camera, such as with the Sony NEX series. Make sure Settings -> Camera -> Camera Make is set correctly. To test the IR interface, set the camera to "timer" or "remote" mode (necessary with most cameras, anyway) and then go to Trigger -> IR Remote and confirm it can trip the shutter by pressing "photo". Some cameras will also support a "delayed" release. To test if bulb mode can be controlled via IR, set the camera to Bulb and press "photo" in the IR Remote screen on the Timelapse+.

USB

The USB interface allows nearly full control of the camera's settings like shutter, aperture and ISO. It can also be used to trigger photos and in some cases, control bulb mode. Unfortunately, neither Canon nor Nikon adhere to the standards, though Nikon does more so. The worse part, though, is even within Canon and Nikon cameras, the protocol often varies a little between camera models. As progress is made through testing and reverse engineering, more models are being added to those supported. Controlling the bulb has proven especially difficult and variable between models. Some models, such as most older Nikons, do not even allow bulb control over USB. To test the USB control, connect the OTG adaptor cable to the lower-left port of the Timelapse+ and connect the camera's USB cable from the camera to the OTG cable. Then on the Timelapse+, go to Connect -> USB. It should display the name of the camera and the current exposure settings (set the camera to manual exposure). Press the upper-right button to test taking a picture. To test bulb control via USB, go to Trigger -> Cable Remote while the camera is connected via USB (and not the shutter cable). Then press "Bulb" to see if it opens and closes the shutter on the camera.

For more information about the different interfaces, check out the Interfaces page.