Magic Lantern Forum

Hi,

I am looking to develop an extension to Magic lantern to be able to trigger the camera to record movie for a short amount of time and then turn off after a set time?
The trigger is through the Lanc port of a 550D.
We are trying to look into ways of filming elusive big cats and creating camera traps to capture footage.

Dose anyone have any advice/ help or willing to make this as soon as possible? (If you do build it for me - I will pay for your services)

Thanks
All the best
Duncan

Are you asking for an "auto stop video after x seconds" feature?

550D (or any DSLR for that matter) doesn't have a LANC port (maybe you meant the 3.5mm microphone port?).

Sorry I dont mean a Lanc port, I mean the wireless trigger 2.5mm jack.
ML already allows you to trigger video via this in the wireless

I want to be able to use a trail master (wireless IR beam trigger) to trigger a 550D to record video. I can use the current ML with the IR beam to turn on the camera and trigger it to record a video, but i need this somehow to be a predetermined time and stop - then auto power off turns off the camera. This would allow minimal battery use.

Would this be something that is possible to make?

As I said, the wireless trigger turns on the camera and another trip of the trigger starts the video,
but Ideally I need the camera to turn on, start the video and then stop after a predetermined time.
Then I can just let the auto power off turn off the camera.


I hope that makes sense.

Thanks
Duncan

Here is the IR beam trigger. which just sends one trigger to the camera (like a wireless remote would), somehow, I need that one trigger to turn on the camera start the video and stop it after a predetermined time?

http://www.trailmaster.com/tm1550.php

Quote from: nanomad on October 03, 2012, 01:27:24 PM
Are you asking for an "auto stop video after x seconds" feature?

I guess I am, but also to allow one trigger from the wireless trigger to turn on the camera and start the video.

Thanks
D

Alright then, the auto-stop after X minutes is done and working nicely. Now, to fix the other issue...how about an "auto start recording at power on" option?

Is the auto stop after x mins in the current version of ML?

An auto start recording at power on would be brilliant! - but I would need for it to work with the rec key half shutter option (already in ML) to allow the wireless trigger to turn on the camera and start a movie recording.

I need to make it quite easy to use, as I wont be the only one using it.
How difficult would it be to make a menu:
with say: Camera trap trigger
. auto stop recording after x mins
. Movie rec key (half shutter/ default) auto start recording power on - allowing one trigger from the wireless remote to turn on the camera and start recording.

The auto power off (already in ML) should kick in after the x mins has been recorded?

I hope this all makes sense
If this is possible, how long would it take to add to ML?

Thanks for your help
Duncan

Also if possible to save batteries even more it would be great if this feature (above) could work with the setting (already in ML) to turn off the display after x sec or totally when recording video?

Dont worry if this is not possible?

It's not in the current version of ML or in the repository, I'll upload once it's done

- Auto stop recording after x mins menu option -> Done (it's called clip length, it goes from "do not override" up to 30 minutes)
- It's working nicely with power options
- Auto start recording when resuming from ML automatic powersave (if not already recording :P)

Btw the last option is pure awesomeness if you're doing reportage and such

Quote from: nanomad on October 03, 2012, 08:47:46 PM
It's not in the current version of ML or in the repository, I'll upload once it's done

- Auto stop recording after x mins menu option -> Done (it's called clip length, it goes from "do not override" up to 30 minutes)
- It's working nicely with power options
- Auto start recording when resuming from ML automatic powersave (if not already recording :P)

Btw the last option is pure awesomeness if you're doing reportage and such

Hi,

Thank you very much.
That would be fantastic.


All the best
Duncan

Source code updated, the features have been implemented  :)


changeset:   4885:073d5b5731eb
branch:      unified
tag:         tip
user:        nanomad
date:        Wed Oct 03 21:55:03 2012 +0200
summary:     Allow user to start recording by simply waking up the camera via halfshutter press

changeset:   4884:8d8406825c5b
branch:      unified
user:        nanomad
date:        Wed Oct 03 20:59:22 2012 +0200
summary:     Allow user to auto-stop recording after a set amount of minutes


You have done it already? how can I download it?

Quote from: nanomad on October 03, 2012, 09:55:44 PM
Source code updated, the features have been implemented  :)

Code Select Expand


changeset:   4885:073d5b5731eb
branch:      unified
tag:         tip
user:        nanomad
date:        Wed Oct 03 21:55:03 2012 +0200
summary:     Allow user to start recording by simply waking up the camera via halfshutter press

changeset:   4884:8d8406825c5b
branch:      unified
user:        nanomad
date:        Wed Oct 03 20:59:22 2012 +0200
summary:     Allow user to auto-stop recording after a set amount of minutes


Thank you very much.
I cant believe you did it so fast.

How can I get it into a ML download so I can use it?

Duncan

You need to compile magiclantern yourself.  ;)

Hi,

Please see: "Camera trap trigger" in General discussions.

I think this may have already been worked out but anyone interested in adding ideas to it?

I am trying to make SLR camera traps to filming big cats in the wild remotely.
They are triggered through the wire remote port on a 550D and maybe other cameras?

Would it work for 5D mark II?

Thanks
Dunc

eek, That sounds complicated!!

Would it be possible to get you or someone else to do this?

Thanks
Duncan

Yes it will work on almost every ML camera

edit: a small donation to the team may help you  ;)

That is brilliant!

would it be possible to make a donation to ML developers and get this feature added, so I could use it in a few weeks!!?

Thanks

Duncan

I'm quite sure that if you donate you'll get a special edition just for you. Keep in mind that it is UNSTABLE code so it may crash your camera ....

No problem,

I will make a donation and try it all out and then let you how I get on?

Thanks for all your help

All the best
Duncan

Quote from: nanomad on October 03, 2012, 10:36:10 PM
I'm quite sure that if you donate you'll get a special edition just for you. Keep in mind that it is UNSTABLE code so it may crash your camera ....

Just out of interest.
When you say UNSTABLE code what could be the consequences of trying in out? ML v2.3 works for me just fine with no issues.

I am happy to risk it to try it out.

Thanks

Duncan

Anything could happen, ML 2.3 is several months old and the upcoming version of ML (the one that has the feature you requested) is under active development and not considered stable

Ok, I see.

How long will it be until the new version of ML do you think?
I only ask because I have to build housing for the camera traps and test it all works before the middle of November.

Thanks

Duncan

It should be out by the end of the year I think. No guarantees :)

Quote from: nanomad on October 03, 2012, 11:13:29 PM
It should be out by the end of the year I think. No guarantees :)

Is there anyway getting something made up slightly earlier?
Is it something I could do with the excising Magic Lantern template?

Would you make a version for me, with the extra cameratrap trigger settings - I would pay for your time.
I really need it as soon as possible, as I plan to go to Russia to try and capture Tigers on film in November.

Thanks

All the best

D

 :) Where do I start if I want to try and make it myself?

Hi,

Nonomad was very helpful and added some features to ML for use in a cameratrap.
It all works in my compile except once the camera turns off the sensor (powersave mode), when you wake it up again it needs a secord trigger to start the video.

Is it possible to add to the ability once the sensor has turned off (the camera makes shut down noise) using a wired remote to turn back on the camera (which works) and record a video from one press of the trigger.
Currently I would need two presses of the wired remote (shutter release) to trigger a video.

Thanks

D

Even if you set "Simulate rec on resume" to 1 (should be ON actually :P)

Quote from: nanomad on October 06, 2012, 02:37:27 PM
Even if you set "Simulate rec on resume" to 1 (should be ON actually :P)

in standby mode I turn on simulate rec on resume (set to 1) set time video works perfectly with only on press of trigger
BUT
as soon as the power save mode turns off the sensor (click noise of mirror going down) when I wake it again (by pressing wired remote) it needs to be presse again to trigger video to record. Otherwise it is all perfect.

Would it be possible to make it kick into video as soon as it turns on?

Thanks for all your help

D

I just realized I had auto power off disabled on my camer ... oops  ;D
It shouldn't be too hard

Ok, Do you reckon it is possible then?
The time limit thing works great BTW!

Thanks

D

Yes, as I said I simply forgot to test that case  :P

It's fixed now

Hi Nanomad,


Thanks very much
I  will try it again.
Thanks

All the best
D

Quote from: nanomad on October 06, 2012, 03:00:52 PM
Yes, as I said I simply forgot to test that case  :P

It's fixed now

Hi,

could you add them to the Source code so I can continue to test it all.

Thanks very much

D

Quote from: Dunc101 on October 07, 2012, 11:40:15 PM
Hi,

could you add them to the Source code so I can continue to test it all.

Thanks very much

D

I already did

Isn't this feature redundant? ML already starts recording on half-shutter press (Movie REC key).

My understanding is that if you set REC key to HS then you have to press the HS twice when resuming from standby or powersave (one for resume, one to start recording/take a picture)
The "start recording as soon as I power the camera on" thing, instead, requires just one.

Right, I'll clean up half-shutter handling code. It should work by pressing half-shutter only once.

Edit: solved, works nice on 60D.

Your implementation was hooking in totally unrelated places and did not work on 5D3, so I've removed it.

Great, thanks a ton

Thanks very much,

Is it now in the source code?
I will try it out on my 550D and 5d Mark II.

Thanks for your help

D

Quote from: a1ex on October 08, 2012, 10:56:09 AM
Right, I'll clean up half-shutter handling code. It should work by pressing half-shutter only once.

Edit: solved, works nice on 60D.

Your implementation was hooking in totally unrelated places and did not work on 5D3, so I've removed it.

Hi Alex,

Thanks for all your help.
I have tried this on my 550D and once the lcd and sensor is turned off, it still takes two half shutter presses - one to turn on the camera, then another to start a video.

Nanomad's little "Start Rec on start up" feature worked and allowed you to record a video from one half press, The only problem with his feature was that once the sensor turned totally off (the mirror made a sound on shut down) you needed two half presses again.

Is it possible to slightly alter Nanomad's feature so it starts recording a video as soon as the mirror goes up when you start up the camera from total shut down?

I hope this makes sense, if not I can make a video to explain.

If this is possible, it would be a massive help for making a cameratrap that could capture videos of endangered wildlife, helping to raise awareness and help animals that are almost extinct.

Thanks

Duncan

Quote from: nanomad on October 08, 2012, 10:45:26 AM
My understanding is that if you set REC key to HS then you have to press the HS twice when resuming from standby or powersave (one for resume, one to start recording/take a picture)
The "start recording as soon as I power the camera on" thing, instead, requires just one.

Hi Nanomad,

This feature works perfectly in standby, BUT once you wait until the camera goes to total sleep (mirror goes down - shut down noise) using power save -  then it takes two presses - one to wake up the camera and one to start the video.

It is so close to being perfect for the camera trap - Would it be possible to slightly alter the feature so when ever you turn on the camera it starts a video straight away?

Thanks
Duncan

I fixed that but Alex fix of my fix probably broke it again :p

Hi Nanomad,

Would it be possible to get your fix back?

That would fantastic.
Thanks very much
D

maybe in this case its not a useful-for-everyone feature that still requires mainenance and is easy to get broken.
perhaps thats better a branch or "private mod"?

i actually find it quite useful if you're shooting wildlife or live events and want to capture the moment as soon as possible

Hold the shutter button for a bit longer and it will work.

The trouble is that he can't (I think) as he's using an external trigger

Quote from: nanomad on October 10, 2012, 09:23:21 AM
The trouble is that he can't (I think) as he's using an external trigger

Yes, I cant as I am using a IR beam trigger (that acts like a cable release cable/ wired remote) and only sends out one press.
Would this still be possible to add to ML or a "private mod"?

Thanks very much for everyones help.

D

Can you test this autoexec.bin? (remember to enable the "press REC" thing and leave the camera on movie mode)
http://nanomad.magiclantern.fm/550D/autoexec.bin

Hi Nanomad,

That works perfectly!!! Fantastic!
Are you going to add it to the source code?
If not would it be possible to have a 5D mark II version as well?

Thank you very much

All the best
Duncan

Well, at least now I know that my fix was indeed working. I'll merge it with alex's version

Quote from: nanomad on October 10, 2012, 03:53:59 PM
Well, at least now I know that my fix was indeed working. I'll merge it with alex's version

Thanks very much.
The 550D version works well.
Could you let me know once you have done it so I can download the 5D version, or will it be on the nightly build?

Thanks
D

It will be in one of the upcoming nightly builds... I'll update this thread when I've fixed it

only if we get a link where we can see the result of what your trap recorded :D

Thanks Nanomad,

Ok I will.

D

Bumbing, since my old fix wasn't really that clean, what would be a nice way to detect if camera was powered on using half-shutter (resume from auto power off)?

Quote from: nanomad on October 30, 2012, 12:24:32 AM
Bumbing, since my old fix wasn't really that clean, what would be a nice way to detect if camera was powered on using half-shutter (resume from auto power off)?

Yes that would work, resume from auto power off / or ML equivelent (powersave) but it would also have to start the video recording on resume with only one half shutter press.

Thanks
D

Hi Namomad,

I just tried the new nightly build on my 5D mark II, to make it wake up in live view on a 5D you must have the always force Live view setting on. Also auto power save (lcd off) while recording does not seem to work on a 5D mark II.

Did you manage to find a fix for the Rec resume on start up feature?, that is all I need now to make it work perfectly for the camera trap.

Thanks
D

Not really, it crashed my camera. I think the "hack" was not really that stable...

Quote from: nanomad on November 03, 2012, 02:48:01 PM
Not really, it crashed my camera. I think the "hack" was not really that stable...

Sorry to hear it crashed your camera, did you manage to fix it?
Do you think that it is still possible to build a stable version of this feature?

I can supply cookies! :)

As you said, being able to have a video recording as soon as the camera wakes up, potentially would be useful for other people filming weddings and fast events.

Thanks

D

Hi,

Thanks to all the developers on this Forum, This is working on a 550D and a 5D, as well as lots of other cameras.

Thank you for all the help over the last few months

I will post the results once I get them.

All the best
Dunc101

Hi,

As promised here is some of videos using ML camera trap settings.
http://youtu.be/4rxONK0cOW8

cheers

D

Its like the tiger sensed the camera and backed off...

he took the smell :D
thank for sharing!

Thanks for all your help.
more to come..

The version of ML you made me for the 5D mark II, would it be possible to make it work on the 550D?
As Nanomad's old version is missing a few features.

Cheers
D

Quote from: Dunc101
Hi,

As promised here is some of videos using ML camera trap settings.
http://youtu.be/4rxONK0cOW8

cheers

D

WoW great shots. Also very nice shots of the Clouded Leopard. What a beauty!
I assume the resolution to be a bit crippled for copyright purposes, because I get similar results with my Bushnell Trophy HD camera.

yes. That is right

Hi guys, I know I'm opening up an old thread here but I would love to be able to do exactly what Dunc101 wanted. I've got the latest nightly on the 600D and I have the same problem of needing two HS to start a recording, and I wasn't able to find a auto-stop after a certain amount of time. Any chance there is still some development on this?

Hi all,

Digging up a bit of an old topic but this feature is precisely what I want, only on the 60D.

Does anyone know if this feature can be added to the 60D or is it already in the code?

I've had a look but cannie find anything

All the best,
Jed

The recdelay.lua script looks pretty close (might require minor tweaking).

Thanks! I'll give it a go