New Sony DSC-RX0 II Time-Lapse Camera Solution Saves Money

Categories: Cameras, Time-Lapse, Uncategorised Blog PostsPublished On: October 28th, 202118.6 min read
Nigel Paine
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Cost Effective Long-Term Time-Lapse using the Sony DSC-RX0 II Cameras

Time-lapse videos are becoming increasingly popular for businesses to present all sorts of projects such as long-term events including building construction, machinery movement, infrastructure installations, etc.  Professional time-lapse photographers often use DSLR cameras to produce corporate videos because of the superb quality high resolution images and sensitivity that larger sensors facilitate.  The big issue with using SLR cameras for long-term time-lapse applications generally comes down to cost.  These systems can cost as much as £10-15K (€12-17.5K), an amount that any small construction company would prefer to invest elsewhere!  Valuable DSLR cameras and lenses are often tied up for a long time, are bulky making them visible when installed, and obviously expensive if stolen!

Action cameras are also popular for use in long-term time-lapse since they are much lower cost, smaller and tie up less capital.  However, a 4K resolution GoPro uses a small 1/2.3″ sensor with each pixel measuring just 1.12 microns.  This can present problems with camera’s low light sensitivity with the camera having a fixed wide angle field of view which can only be adjusted by digitally cropping the image.  Whilst this is not an issue for all applications, it is when compared to the quality of a DSLR camera system with a superior sensor and interchangeable lenses.

What is the most cost effective high resolution long-term time-lapse solution?

One compact action camera which stands out from the crowd is the Sony DSC-RX0 II camera.  This camera is capable of capturing 15.3MP images using a 1″ Sony IMX383 sensor which is 4 x larger than a normal 1/2.3″action camera sensor.

Sony DSC-RX0 II camera 3/4 view

The Sony DSC-RX0 II camera is now compatible with Camdo Solutions UpBlink Time-Lapse Intervalometer  and can integrate with existing CamDo DryX enclosure, battery and solar power solutions.  The standard camera features an 84 degree fixed 7.7mm Zeiss Tesar lens, however SeeSense also supply a modified version of the camera which enables users to fit interchangeable lenses just like you would in an SLR solution.  The Back-Bone modified Sony DSC-RX0 II camera is very popular in film, broadcast and other applications where a completely stand-alone hi-resolution compact camera needs to be deployed. The cost of a complete CamDo long-term time-lapse solution with Sony DSC RXO II camera with 1″ sensor starts at around £1500 or €1750.

Back-Bone DSC-RX0 II with Ricoh 25mm C-mount lens

 

A low cost time-lapse solution to match SLR cameras

The updated UpBlink Intervalometer allows users to deploy the Sony DSC-RX0 II for long term time-lapse in a completely off grid situation if required.  Alternatively the system can be mains powered including the ability to upload images to the cloud using CamDo’s CloudX package or your own FTP site using a WiFi connection.

Back-Bone modified Sony DSC-RX0 II cameras accept a wide range of high resolution interchangeable 1″and 1.1″ C-mount and MFT lenses and thus making the system a direct low cost alternative to larger SLR based time-lapse systems.

The CamDo DryX enclosure is compatible with the standard Sony camera and a special glass fronted enclosure option is available for any Back-Bone modified camera and lens combination.  Complete deployable solutions are available from SeeSense including a range of mounting brackets and power solutions including solar.

Existing UpBlink owners can upgrade their system to operate with this Sony camera simply by purchasing a replacement USB to Sony Multiport connection cable and updating the UpBlink firmware. Everything is available in from stock at SeeSense EU and UK offices.

CamDo UpBlink with DSC-RX0s and cable

The Sony RX0 II action camera features:
  • Large 1″ (1.0-type, 13.2mm x 8.8mm) Exmor RS CMOS sensor
  • Approx. 15.3 Megapixels
  • ZEISS Tessar T* Lens (24mm F4)
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • VERY comprehensive operating menu
  • Waterproof (IPX8) to 33’ (10m)
  • Crushproof
  • Shockproof
  • Dustproof