Timelapse question

[Craig Zerbe]

I have started to do more timelapse and use one of my 2 Sony's - A7Rii or A7ii. I prefer to use the A7rii because it has an electronic shutter mode (A7ii does not), so no wear on the shutter, but that ties up my best camera from doing single shots during the timelapse. It also means awfully big files at 42mpx a shot. The other issue I have with either camera is dust spots. Since I change lenses, it is inevitable that I have some. Not an issue to clean up on individual protos, but in video..... I have been thinking of getting a camera more dedicated to just timelapse. One that has a fixed lens to eliminate the dust issues. Electronic shutter would be good too. Most likely take individual shots to combine in post later, as it allows greater process options, though in camera 4k would be nice additional option. Don't want to spend a ton of money. Maybe around $500. Any suggestions? Sony RX100 iv, Lumix LX100 ??

 

[JimFox]

Jim Dockery has a Sony RX100, not sure which model though.

$500 is a pretty limiting factor. I was investigating similar camera's for May to use as sometimes she doesn't like lugging her D7100 around. One thing I found is that no matter how awesome the Sony RX100 and similar sensor size models are, their quality really pales compares to most any DX format crop sensor. That's not to say that the RX100 and similar camera's aren't good as Jim has posted some awesome photos here he has shot with them, but there still is a quality issue to consider.

Having a built in lens is good for eliminating dust spots. But if you decided to dedicate your A7ii to doing timelapse, just pick a lens, clean the sensor and then put that lens on and don't remove it. That would eliminate future dust spots for you. That also would not cost you a penny.

On a side note, when thinking about the Sony RX100's, when I looked at the price I was actually leaning towards the Sony A6300 as it has a way better sensor and wasn't a lot more costly. So if you decide to want to go to a new camera, I would suggest the Sony A6xxx series to be looked at.