Want to take scheduled 'point in time' snapshots

[ChrisAlb]

Hello,

I am looking for a camera/software that is capable of taking a single snapshot every xx minutes (i.e., 30 minutes, 60 minutes, etc) and then saving the snapshot off to a local directory (with maybe the filename altered each time, i.e., file0001, file0002, etc)

I am about ready to start a pool construction project, and am looking to capture a ‘point in time’ snapshot (single capture every 30 minutes apart from 7:00a – 7:00p , Mon – Fri) of the entire construction process (over a 6 week timeframe). I will later string the captures together and make a construction summary of the build.

Is anyone aware of a hardware/software solution that is capable of providing scheduled captures like this? I have been researching different products with different software functions, but have not been able to find a product with a function like this. Web camera would be ok for this function...

Appreciate your feedback.
Chris

[Photo-John]

Chris-
That's an interesting project you have planned. There are a bunch of cameras that will do what you want. I think there may be some software solutions, too. I know the Canon S70 and S80 will do what you want. And I think the Canon G6 and S3 IS might also. I believe all of the new wireless digital cameras do can also shoot at timed intervals. Here's a link to an article I wrote on wireless digital cameras. It compares all the specs and has links to the review pages and manufacturer sites:

Wireless Digital Camera Guide >>

Hope that helps get you started. Let us know if you have more questions.

[Rocket_Scientist]

Yes, the S3 IS can do this, too. Although, I suppose you would want to get a power adaptor, rather than depend on batteries, and you might need to change the memory card periodically. There is also some way to get a PC to control taking the pictures, but I do not know if they can be downloaded automatically.

[Photo-John]

Yes, the S3 IS can do this, too. Although, I suppose you would want to get a power adaptor, rather than depend on batteries, and you might need to change the memory card periodically. There is also some way to get a PC to control taking the pictures, but I do not know if they can be downloaded automatically.

I know someone who's done this with the Canon PowerShot S70. I'll see if I can get him to post something. Breeze Systems makes some software that will help:

Breeze Systems PSRemote Software >>

[Erik Stiegler]

Canon's Remote Capture software will take a series of photos at a designated interval, and download them to the computer over USB. It works with some, but not all, Canon cameras. It's included with compatible Canon cameras.

I think you'll have to start the Remote Capture yourself, I don't believe the intervalometer has a scheduler. It's kind of a bare bones solution, but it's free.

[ChrisAlb]

Thanks for everyone's input. I will review the cameras that has been mentioned and look into the Breeze Systems software. Again, thanks a bunch........