time lapse in bush

[stones]

We are filming for a doco in the bush and shooting night skies over 8-10 hours. We are using an e-mount with a motor and a Nikon 200D. Our big problem is trying to get a power source so that we don't have to frequently change the batteries. I also have a Canon 20D but don't have the remote time controller yet. I wonder if the Canon pathway might provide more options for getting power when we have no mains supply?

[Radar]

G'day Stone,

Welcome to the site mate.

Sounds interesting mate. What is the doco for?

What kind of e mount are you using to? I can give you more info about the power supply rating when I know what model you are using.

Good luck.

Regards

Ray

[stones]

Hi
It is a doco for ABC on Indigenous mythology.

I realise now that I did not explain very well. The e-mount is only one of the issues to deal with because is has 8 D Cell batteries and that is not too bad.

It is the Camera, Nikon D200 that is a really big problem. We have two lithium batteries but they will not get us through the night. We have no mains power in the bush.

Wonder what the astronomers do to get around this.

[Radar]

Hi Stones,

Try a 12 volt car battery jump starter pack. I have three when I go bush to do astrophotography.

http://cnb-host1.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/save-and-drive?imageID=1747&op=imgLib-viewImage

Get one that is at least 1000watts.

Hope that helps.

Regards

Ray

[stones]

hi again
The Nikon camera has an AC/DC power adapter, so should I get a 240v battery and plug the adapter into that and into the camera? I am thinking this because Nikon do not have a 12v to camera cord.

[Radar]

Hi Stone, can you post a link to the 240volt battery you are refferring to please. I'll check the specs.

[Draig]

Hi Stone and welcome to the group.

Waeco camping accessories make a small 12v DC to 240v AC power invertor. Just plug it into your cigarette socket on your car and it will give 240V all night. You may have to start your car a couple of times to keep your battery level up. Or alternativley you can plug it into the portable 12V jump power packs that Ray was talking about.

Here is a link to the convertor http://www.waeco.com.au/products.asp?id=297&catId=15&subCatId=-1&subCatId2=-1

Most camping stores (such as Rnager outdoor) will supply these.

Cheers Colin

[AstroTasmania]

Hi Stones,

I use a marine deep cycle sealed lead acid of 85 & 105 Ampere rating, a deep cycle battery is designed for heavy discharge without ruining the battery, it can be drained almost flat before a recharge. Car batteries do not like this deep discharge.

For extended use with the D200 (I have one) the new batteries for this model do not power the camera anything like as long as the ones in the D100 - which I also have. This info is posted on a review or on the Nikon info. I have the Nikon D200 battery grip (optional accessories) which uses two batteries to extend the shooting time. If you are just taking shots at intervals, this may work.

To overcome the power problem I would suggest an Inverter to get your 240 Volts for the mains power D200 unit. Be aware that using an inverter like this does put extra drain on your car battery, which is why I use a separate battery.

I have in the past made up a gel cell power pack for my Nikon's and an 18 Ampere gel cell last a long time. The special Nikon connectors make it difficult with the DSLR's.

Hope this helps

Clear Dark skies...

By the way, I have never heard of a 240 volt battery!!!!

[stones]

AHA you spotted me! It was fanciful on my part to raise the 240v battery. I am just the producer asking the questions until the DOP get back from the bush. He is in town today, so I am sending him your contributions. He was pleased to hear that I have connected to you all out there.