First attempt of Time Lapse of Comet Lovejoy

[Star Hunter]

This is my first attempt at TL of ghe stars. The comet is seen towards the end of the clip.

http://vimeo.com/34206003

The movie was shot over Dec.25/26 between 1930hr and 0220hrs. Camera and lens used: Nikon D3s, 16/2.8.

852 images at 20sces at 30 sec, intervals. ISO was 800 but should have been 1600. Next time I will shoot in RAW not JPG.

Constructive comments welcome!

[Kevnool (Kev)]

Hi James i was waiting and waiting but when i saw the Crux rising i knew it wasnt far behind then bang it was there really quick.

But overall its comet Lovejoy a sight to behold.

Cheers Kev.

[venus (Lydia)]

Good work pleasure to watch...

[rogerg (Roger)]

I'd suggest increasing the gamma on the video if you can, like you say it needs more exposure, although 20 seconds at ISO 800 and F/2.8 should produce a brighter image than you have I think. My recent timelapse of Orion was 800ISO 25 second, F/4, and was significantly brighter. Perhaps RAW and post processing makes the difference.

Those last few seconds are nice. It would have been good if you'd kept going a bit longer I think, as the video stops with the tail and stars still visible, it'd be nice to captalise on the time you have the object.. get a few more seconds maybe.

Good on you for giving it a shot