I'm working on setting up a remote timelapse waterproof system for a long term project. The idea is to have it on solar power.
I'm currently playing with the CHDK firmware on a Canon PowerShot Elph 130. I'm also using a MiFi and Eye-Fi SD card. The CHDK firmware takes 1 photo every 10 minutes between 6am and 6pm. Once a photo is taken, the Eye-Fi card uploads it to my servers. This allows for "real-time" updates from the field, and also allows me to monitor that the rig is working as expected (not powered down, no birds making a nest in front of the lens, etc).
I am running into problems with power. Mainly because the Elph 130 cannot power on without a human pressing the power button. This results in having to have the camera on 24 hours a day, and the battery requirement for that is growing.
I'm looking to be able to have a nice quality camera that can power down and power on remotely. I'm ok with using an Arduino or Raspberry Pi to wake it up, if needed, but perhaps a camera with a power SWITCH instead of BUTTON?
As a photographer myself, I'm familiar with the big gear (5d [mk2 & mk3]), but I'm not well versed in the point and shoot market (anymore). So looking for some help here.
I've tried game cameras (that strap to a tree), and the quality is lacking (perhaps its the photographer in me needing clarity and clear photos). I've also tried a GoPro, but it has too wide of a viewing angle for my needs.
So for the photography community:
Can you suggest a camera that meets my needs above and uses an SD Card Eye-Fi?
I'm open to suggestions that are not Canon (but can use SD), but right now the CHDK firmware has a script that'll let me run the timelapse from 6am to 6pm. Which suits my needs, I just want to power it down at night to save on the solar battery.