1
\$\begingroup\$

I am considering buying a Sony Alpha a6000. One of the things I like to do is time-lapse, rather long ones, often several thousand pictures long. The specs of the camera say about 300 pics per battery, and one guy claimed to be getting about a thousand. Since I don't have the camera yet I am unclear about a couple of things I may be able to do to get the pics I need.

Can I turn off the lCD screen while shooting?

I understand the camera has in camera charging, can I plug the camera in to a car charger while shooting, and will this be enough to keep up with the cameras discharge? (I did time-lapse on a cell phone (Lumia) that even when plugged in to the car charger it still discharged)

This question is a duplicate, which was posted about a year ago and received no answers, hopefully someone is now around whom can answer this.

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
7
  • \$\begingroup\$ Doing extended time lapse with a mirrorless camera is not an ideal solution. The reason being that the sensor stays continually energized. The heat buildup can be a significant factor in image quality. I can also cause the camera to shut down for thermal protection. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Feb 23, 2017 at 5:08
  • \$\begingroup\$ This is not a problem with conventional digital cameras like a Canon EOS Rebel for example? \$\endgroup\$
    – Jon
    Feb 23, 2017 at 5:11
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ No, because with DSLRs the sensor isn't energized between exposures since the optical viewfinder doesn't require a signal from the sensor for composition, AF, or metering. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Feb 23, 2017 at 5:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ @MichaelClark Thank you very much, I think the A600 is off my short list. \$\endgroup\$
    – Jon
    Feb 23, 2017 at 5:27
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Well, shutter durability is also an issue with DSLRs for long timelapses. There's no free lunch. Some mirrorless cameras have a time lapse mode that puts the sensor to "sleep" between shots. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Feb 23, 2017 at 5:33

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
2
\$\begingroup\$

With A6000 can get longer battery life by making selection EVF-LCD manual. This is one of main consumers even the camera is switched off. You can set it to EVF and get more than 350 shoots

Also you can consider making focus manual, again to minimize energy consuming. And you can switch off prefocus (even if you are on manual focus) to save small amount of energy.

Unfortunately you can't on the same time charge the camera and operate it. To have camera charged via USB you need to switch it off. When you switch it on it stop charging.

P.S. For powering the camera you can consider using some battery adapter like this or this (never used and have no affiliate). Also you can check this article about some other options

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
0
\$\begingroup\$

Sony makes a plug-in AC adapter that will probably give you the power you need. I have not bought it or used it but it should work. I have an a6000.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
-1
\$\begingroup\$

Sony a6000 is not good for time lapse. It does not have option to turn off the shutter sound and it may damage the hardware if shot even for a couple of thousand shots

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ What does the shutter sound have to do with putting together a time lapse? Do you have a source or evidence that this camera won't last even a few thousand shots? Fairly certain that, since released in 2014, more than a few have gone well past a few thousand shots. \$\endgroup\$
    – OnBreak.
    Dec 18, 2019 at 6:50

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.