320MB may be a SmartMedia limitation. CF cards are of two types: either
less than or equal to 2GB or greater then 2GB. 2GB is the break point
since that is the limiting size of a disk formatted as "FAT16" (16 bit
entries in the File Allocation Table). Disks/cards larger than 2GB must
be formatted at FAT32 (32 bit entries which, theoretically at least,
takes you into the terrabyte realm.). Based on the age of the E-20 it
likely doesn't know how to format or read FAT32 cards but it *should* be
able to handle 2GB with FAT16. But that doesn't mean it was actually
implemented that way. To be sure, stick the 2GB CF card in the camera
and format it. Then take it to your computer's card reader and check
the disk size.
While they may exist, I don't know of any DSLR that has a built-in
intervalometer like the E-20 and my Minolta A1. Those things seem to be
the province of the high-end DSLR-like P&S cameras. I don't know why.
For Canon DSLRs you can buy a separate remote timer like this Canon
TC-80N3 for $137
<http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/164271-REG/Canon_2477A002_Timer_Remote_Controller_TC_80N3.html>
or this Chinese ebay knock-off for much, much less at $48 with shipping
<http://cgi.ebay.com/TIMER-REMOTE-SHUTTER-FOR-CANON-EOS-40D-5D-30D-TC-80N3_W0QQitemZ250285959468QQihZ015QQcategoryZ64345QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem>
However, the TC-80N3 only seems to work for the single and double digit
canon bodies and not the 400D that has been proposed.
Here's a wireless remote for Olympus gear. I don't know anything about
it other than it looks expensive. I don't know what Oly sells.
<http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Timer-Remote-for-Olympus-E-1-E-3-E-300-C-8080_W0QQitemZ170252034295QQihZ007QQcategoryZ64345QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem>
I see one other potential problem with your plan if you really intend to
run for a couple of years. You need at least one identical backup
camera as well as backup AC power supplies, CF cards, intervalometer and
maybe other things. Something may well fail in the long term and you
need to have a ready replacement that's going to operate identically.
Chuck Norcutt
David D Miller wrote:
> We're looking at doing a time-lapse film of a building project - with no
> immediate budget and very little time to get started. We've been given the
> use of a north-facing window that overlooks the site, with power and network
> connections - and that's it!
>
> For a trial, we'll be using an E-20, WCON-08B wide converter, and an AC
> adapter - using the camera's built-in interval timer - and someone visiting
> to change the memory card a couple of times a week.
>
> If the trial is successful and we get funding, we may switch to more
> up-to-date digital SLR with a super-wide-angle or fisheye lens - 18mm and
> 16mm OM lenses are being considered. The camera would be driven by a
> networked PC and upload the images directly to a server - so we can see what
> it's doing remotely (and visit only when it stops working). We really want
> something that we can fit and forget for a couple of years.
>
> I have a couple of questions:
>
> What size of CompactFlash card or Microdrive can the E-20 cope with: The Oly
> website says it will only support up to 320Mb, but I'm happily using a 2Gb
> Microdrive at the moment! Am I just extremely lucky with my choice of card,
> or is 2Gb a more sensible limit? Are there any other limitations of the
> E-20 that I should be aware of?
>
> Secondly, anyone got advice on building a box or shade to prevent
> reflections from stray light within the building. The WCON-08B or 18mm
> Zuiko (with 49-72 adapter) might be OK pressed hard against the window,
> perhaps with masking tape around the edges. But the Zuiko fisheye, or
> another wide-angle lens set at a different angle, might need a bigger
> enclosure. Any issues with a very shallow plastic cone, matt black on the
> inside, close fitting around the lens mount, and taped to the window?
>
> Any thoughts on keeping the lens dust-free for an extended period? Outside
> of the window should be washed regularly, but that (and the weather) are out
> of our control. But inside will be an office full of papers and books, and
> we can't stop it being used for the duration of the project.
>
> Finally, are any of the current E System bodies capable of doing the job
> instead of the C*non D400 that's currently proposed?
>
>
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