MIOPS has undeniably played a significant role in shaping modern photography. With their pioneering products like MIOPS Smart+ camera trigger, they have revolutionized the way beginners and professionals approach challenging fields of photography, such as the intimidating yet rewarding field of high-speed photography.

Today, the team behind the first versatile and smartphone-controlled camera trigger in the market is making headlines again because of one major product that continues to put them on top of the pedestal: the MIOPS Capsule360. 

Capsule360 enabled the firm to dominate the world of motion photography, thanks to its uniquely engineered camera control device that can work independently or with other MIOPS devices. 

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In this article, talk about the MIOPS Capsule360 and why it is the best motion box in the market today. We’ll also discuss how this device can help you take on different types of photography genres and sub-genre, even with just your entry-level camera. 

Let’s first talk about the definition and some basic information about what the Capsule360 offers as a camera device.

Getting to Know MIOPS Capsule360

MIOPS Capsule360 is a highly-compact motion device that is designed to pan, tilt, and rotate for 360 degrees to complete a whole, full-frame image or video. The device features a pocket-size, puck-shaped form and weighs just almost 9 ounces. 

MIOPS Capsule360 Weight Capacity and Compatibility

Although small in size, it can carry and mount cameras as heavy as 15 pounds. It is also compatible with camera phones, DSLR, SLR, and mirrorless camera devices. Regardless of your camera model, the device makes use of a universal mounting design so you can easily mount entry-level or advanced gears. 

Capsule360 Battery Life for Photos and Videos

The device has a built-in battery that can last for a maximum of 24 hours for taking timelapse images and over 8 hours of shooting continuously moving videos. It features an ideal battery life that makes it perfect for outdoor shoots and weeklong field photography work.

Capsule360 Cables and Connection

When connecting to your camera, Capsule360 only uses one intervalometer cable to sync with your gear’s functionality, especially in triggering the camera at the right moment while the capsule tilts or pans or in between photographs. 

Capsule360 Charging Options Indoors and Outdoors

In terms of charging, the device can accommodate charging via an external USB battery or a power bank, so you can use the device whenever you want, for as long as you want. Longer field runtimes are especially common for timelapse photography and nature photography in general, so having this option is very practical.

Capsule360 Mobile Application

Just like other MIOPS devices, Capsule360 can be connected to your smartphone through the MIOPS mobile application. From there, you can explore several modes, settings, adjustments, and customizations for a wide range of photography types.

Through the application, you can choose from basic timelapse, long exposure timelapse, bulb ramping timelapse, interval ramping, HDR timelapse, basic video, panorama, focus stacking, star tracker, turntable, and free mode, among others.

Setting Up Capsule360 Parameters

Finally, from the mobile app, you can easily set up, save, and load your set parameters for future use. If it’s your first-time using MIOPS Capsule360, here’s a quick way to use the device through the app.

1. Connecting Capsule to Your Mobile Phone

First, turn the Capsule360 ON by clicking the power button to set it to pairing mode (flashing blue). Then, go to your MIOPS app, click Capsule360, choose pan, if you only have a single capsule device, and click Connect.

2. Setting Up Basic Timelapse Mode for Starters

In order to set up the basic timelapse option, you can click on the Basic Timelapse icon. Go to Degrees and adjust the angle according to your preferences. Set up the number of frames per second (FPS). Next, set your designer interval or the time it takes in between the shot exposures. Finally, decide on the duration of the video by adjusting Play Time. After that, you’re ready to hit Start. 

Now that you know the basics of using MIOPS Capsule360, it’s time to explore the many possibilities that this device offers. 

7 Types of Photography Fields and Genre Where You Can Use Your MIOPS Capsule360

Whether you are a beginner photographer or a professional, you can try and be successful in the different photography fields. With Capsule360 as your camera control companion, you can master these genres below:

• Timelapse Photography

Timelapse photography allows shutterbugs and professional photographers to capture the flow and movement of the world around them. This field of photography lets you take a video of the change that an object or a landscape undergoes over a long period of time. 

Timelapse videos of a growing plant, a melting and moving glacier, clouds floating and cruising across the skies, the moon rising and falling, among many others, are some of the most common subjects of this genre.

Using MIOPS Capsule360, you can use your SLR, smartphone, or mirrorless camera to focus on a stable and fixed position and take motion videos or multiple frames at set time intervals. As the best motion box for timelapse sessions, Capsule360 allows your camera to follow a panning, tilting, or even rotating movement to capture a full, 360-degree frame of the landscape. It’s also the best companion for travel photographers, especially solo backpackers who love exploring the great outdoors or capturing urban landscapes and skylines.

The same panning and rotating motions are perfect in taking another sub-genre of timelapse photography, astrophotography.

• Astrophotography or Astronomical Imaging

Astrophotography is one of the most mesmerizing sub-genres of timelapse photography. It helps individuals capture the movement of astronomical objects, such as the moon, the sun, nearby planets, and the stars. 

Astrophotography can also pertain to astronomical imaging and recording of celestial events, such as meteor showers, comet events, and even observing a rocket launching into space. It’s also a popular genre for those lovers of nebulae and visible galaxies, such as our own Milky Way.

There’s a common misconception that astrophotography is a complex photography field and only professionals can take successful astronomical images and timelapse. While this was initially the case during the early days of photography, the introduction of MIOPS Capsule360 changed that.

MIOPS Capsule360 allows your camera to have a stable, silky smooth movement as it opens its lens to accept the distant light of these heavenly objects using a long-term exposure setting. Aside from a sturdy tripod, the stability and flawless motion of Capsule360 help you capture crisp, high-definition videos of the night sky, as the stars, galaxies, and planets move across it.

Aside from capturing the mesmerizing movement of celestial objects, Capsule360 is also an ideal companion for extreme weather timelapse shoots, especially when recording lightning events.

• Stormlapse Photography

Stormlapse photography is basically a timelapse of storms. The main subject of this photography genre is high-speed lightning, tornadoes, dark storm clouds, and how these elements interact during violent storms. 

This field of photography is common among storm chasers. These extreme photographers are willing to go to great lengths just to position themselves and their camera in the most perfect spot. 

Capsule360 adds excitement to this type of photography by helping storm chasers ditch the fixed-framed storm videos and replace them with moving, panning, tilting, and full-degree footage of this spectacular natural event.
Capsule360’s remote control capabilities let photographers stay away from danger zones and let their cameras do the rest. The capsule’s motion control can also be combined with MIOPS Smart+ camera trigger’s Lightning Mode for full-performance coverage.

• Videography and Filmmaking

Capsule360 has also helped videographers produce stunning images and memorable motion pictures. The movement that this device offers can transform a simple indoor or outdoor scene into a dynamic spectacle.

Whether used for movie filming or professional commercial shoots, combining your advanced camera set-up with the smooth motion control of Capsule360 can help filmmakers produce amazing videos and one-of-a-kind cinematography that truly deserve a standing ovation.

Aside from filmmaking, the Capsule360 is also a perfect device for upgrading any product photography and videography shoot.

• Commercial Photography

In definition, product photography focuses on shooting images of commercial products. The images from this sub-genre are expected to be high-quality and high-resolution as they will be used in a wide range of promotional materials. 

These images are used on large billboards or professional websites and ads postings to attract customers to the featured products. In other words, commercial product photography is a demanding genre in terms of image quality. Additionally, these photos should stand out among hundreds of competitors.

This is where the role of Capsule360 comes in, especially when it comes to making unique and eye-catching product images and videos. The device elevates even a regular camera into a professional product photography shooter. 

Let Capsule360’s Turntable Accessory Do the Job!

Capsule360 lets you capture a full 360-degree view of your product using its dedicated MIOPS Turntable Accessory. Your Capsule360 turntable can act as a motion box that rotates the turntable, smoothly and steadily, to give your camera a good view of the subject from every angle. 

The turntable can handle the weight of the most common products in the market. Shoes, bags, action figures, houseware, as well as gadgets and gaming consoles can be great subjects for any shoot. You can also showcase food and other consumable products for your food photography shoot.

Through the MIOPS App discussed earlier, you can set your preferred timing, including the speed at which the turntable rotates. You can also directly connect the Capsule360 and turntable tandem to your camera to synch the number, frequency, and interval of shots that you want per take.

• Personal or Commercial Vlogging

As part of MIOPS’ vision to respond to the evolving needs of modern photography and filmmaking, they designed the Capsule360 to respond to their users, literally, through the device’s Follow Me Mode.

What is the Capsule Follow Me Mode?

Follow Me Mode is designed for professional vloggers or even for beginners who want to get into vlogging. By combining the intuitive motion-sensor technology of your smartphone and the smooth panning and movement of the Capsule360, you can take dynamic and interesting video blogs using your DSLR. 

Through the MIOPS Mobile app, you can control set up face tracking or object tracking functions. You can tell your camera which object to focus on by drawing a box on the screen to set your subject. For face tracking mode, your camera will automatically detect your face, highlight it, and focus on it throughout the recording time.

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Once your settings and tracking targets are complete, Capsule360 will do its job and move with the tracked object to ensure that they stay focused and in the middle of the frame. 

This independent motion sensing and camera motion control give you the freedom that you need, especially when shooting a vlog without a team or anyone to hold the camera for you. Convenient and intuitive, right?

• Portraiture or Portrait Videography

Speaking of completing an entire photography or videography session alone, Capsule360 is a great companion for influencers who usually do their shoots alone. 

Aside from feature vlogging, Capsule360 can also help individuals shoot portraiture and portrait videography as an addition to their portfolio. Using the device’s Follow Me mode and its ability to be connected to the DSLR to trigger the camera shutter, you won’t need to hire an extra hand to complete your shoot.

Prepare your background, position your flashguns, adjust your camera settings, and mount your camera onto the Capsule360. Set up your MIOPS app, and start your shoot. Let the camera follow your movement, set up a shooting interval, and pose with confidence!

Don’t Limit Your Creativity! Explore the Many Possibilities When Using MIOPS Capsule360

Aside from all the photography genres and subgenres that we mentioned here, there is still a long list of fields that you can explore with a portable, compact, and intuitive MIOPS Capsule360. They’re just waiting to be discovered!

Just like every single person who pioneered the most popular photography fields today, you have the chance to rise to the top and establish your unique genre, even with just an entry-level camera by your side.

With the Capsule360, MIOPS has proven once again how its technology, insight, and creativity can expand the world of photography, and help beginners and professionals to break the limits of their imagination. 

Whether you’re a long-time fan of MIOPS or you’re just planning to start your photography journey with us, we can help you take the next steps. 

Know more about our latest MIOPS products and offerings today!

Blog Credit: Charm Villalon

Charm is a writer and a visual artist. Her drive to share ideas and stories is evident in her background in communication arts and language studies. Years of professional experience in content creation have given her a broad proficiency with the process of engaging online communities. An appreciation for multiple languages and cultures drives her to seek out experiences and capture these moments through her writing, digital art, and photography.

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[faq q1="what is a motion box?" a1="In this article, talk about the MIOPS Capsule360 and why it is the best motion box in the market today." q2="what is follow me mode in a motion box?" a2="Follow Me Mode is designed for professional vloggers or even for beginners who want to get into vlogging." q3="what kind of photography I can do with a motion box?" a3="Whether you are a beginner photographer or a professional, you can try and be successful in the different photography fields."]

Food photography is increasingly popular, especially in promoting products and services in the commercial photography scene. A great photograph makes an impressive introduction to a food business and showcases the hard work and expertise that has gone into preparing the food.

Since many people make their food choices based on what the product looks like, professional-quality photos are a must for food businesses’ promotional materials. 

You’ve probably experienced whipping your camera out to take a quick shot of your appetizing dinner at a restaurant. But the resulting image doesn’t quite capture the detail and vibrancy of the dish.

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Experienced food photographers actually use a variety of tools and techniques to create the right levels of sharpness, contrast, and color balance in their photos. 

Professional food photography is not as simple as it may seem - but it’ll be much easier if you start out with the right tools, like a camera slider. The right equipment and techniques can help you produce professional-quality food photographs at home, even with an entry-level camera.  

In this article, we’ll give you information that will help you take professional food photos with a camera slider, including tips about food staging, lighting, camera settings, and more.

What is a Camera Slider?

If you’re a beginner, camera sliders may seem like a complicated option to add to your equipment. However, the basic structure of most camera sliders is pretty simple: it’s a moveable carriage on a track, onto which you mount your camera.

Most camera sliders move back and forth on a horizontal plane, and some can be modified with attachments to enable panning and tipping motion. This combination provides the multi-axial shots that are an essential ingredient to movie magic.

No longer the exclusive domain of high-budget filmmakers, the camera slider has made its way into the essential equipment of many photographers. Since food photos and videos usually depict static subjects, introducing movement is a sure way to add instant production value to your food photography, and make your images stand out.

One of the best camera sliders that’s currently dominating the market today is the MIOPS Slider+. Its compact, portable, and intuitive mechanism helps professionals and beginners alike to up their game in commercial photography.

Achieve Professional Results with the MIOPS Slider+

The MIOPS Slider+ is a professional-quality motorized camera slider designed to be user-friendly. The innovative structure replaces the conventional multi-tubular frame with a sleek, elegant body. The robust build ensures that you don’t have to sacrifice portability for load capacity, while the compact size allows you to mount the Slider+ on a tripod with ease and stability.

What Makes MIOPS Slider+ Stand Out as Food Photography Must-Have Gear?

The 40cm camera slider provides the perfect length for food photography, offering a wide range of creative possibilities while keeping your setup light and convenient.

The superb hardware of the MIOPS Slider+ is paired with an equally beginner-friendly app, which allows you to direct every aspect of your camera slider’s operation, including the speed, direction, and duration of motion. The Slider+ also provides an intervalometer function, and camera control for exposure value. This smartphone-controllable device enables you to create sliding time-lapse videos and focus-stacking with a few easy clicks.

Most importantly, if you’re a fan of MIOPS and its smart camera devices, you can take the functionalities of your slider to the next level. Through the brand’s dedicated mobile app, you can have your slider work with other MIOPS devices, such as the MIOPS Camera Trigger and CAPSULE360.

With MIOPS Slider+, you can get started on your food photography for your product photoshoot.

Now, let’s take a look at the essential camera equipment that you can use with the Slider for your first commercial photography session.

Essential Equipment for Food Photography with a Camera Slider

Below is a complete guide on how to set up your studio for a successful commercial food photography session. To find out what camera equipment you need to prepare along with your camera slider to achieve the shots that you need, follow these tips and instructions.

a.   Choose a compatible camera and tripod to use with your camera slider.

You can use an entry-level camera with a manual mode, as long as the specifications are compatible with your camera slider. The MIOPS Slider+ has a standard-sized screw mount for your camera, and a mounting thread underneath to easily attach to a tripod.

The Slider+ is compatible with any DSLR or mirrorless camera that has a cable remote port. 

b.   Include a variety of lenses in your equipment.

You’ll want to explore the creative possibilities of food photography, from table scenes to flat lays to macro shots and everything in between. A 50mm lens is an ideal entry-level lens for food photography, as it gives a detailed image of wide scenes without the distortion that sometimes results from using wider focal lengths.

Since food photography usually consists of close-ups, you also need to include at least one lens with macro qualities.

c.    Create a versatile lighting setup.

Like most types of product photography, your subject should be fully illuminated. Rich and vibrant colors are a vital part of the appeal of food photography. Since every shoot is different, you’ll need to adapt your lighting setup and experiment with different types of lighting.

A typical studio lighting setup includes flashguns, reflectors, and light stands. A light box is also an effective tool for all types of product photography. The diffused light illuminates the subject brightly without making it look washed-out. Move your light sources around until you’re satisfied with the effect.

Many food photographers also prefer to work with natural lighting. This is more challenging, but you’ll still be able to control the light by using diffusers and light bounces to soften harsh contrasts. 

d.   Use backdrops and props that highlight your subject.

Styling and staging can be one of the most enjoyable parts of food photography but be careful not to go overboard. Avoid using any colors, textures, and backdrop that will distract from the food.

Since you’re shooting for commercial purposes, it will be helpful to factor in the brand’s colors and signature style, and design compatible staging. In most cases, neutral backdrops and props will work best.

e.   Get inspiration from famous food photos and come up with an original and unforgettable concept.

If you’re a beginner in food and product photography, don’t hesitate to get inspiration from famous brands and photographers. Doing so will give you an idea of what strategies work on your target market and how effective these concepts are in getting their attention.

However, make sure that you don’t rely too much on these inspirations. Come up with a unique idea that will help your product stand out. Rely on your understanding of your brand and your target audience.

The sections below will also help you explore some creative techniques that you can use in your present and future projects. We’ll also talk about how adding an item or two to your camera bag can make a big difference when curating your commercial photography portfolio.

Creative Techniques for Food Photography with a Camera Slider

Now that you have everything you need, let’s try some techniques that you can do with your camera and slider combo.

1.   Create Detailed Images with Focus-Stacking

Say a fine dining restaurant brand commissioned you to create a photo portfolio of their extensive menu. The concept is requiring you to capture their specialties and cherished dishes, all laid out on a table.

While staging won’t be a problem, focusing on different subjects, all in different textures and color intensities can be challenging. The most common solution is to set your camera’s focus to infinity and capture the entire frame. However, as a commercial photo, you’re going to need a high-resolution and detailed shot.

This is where focus stacking comes in. Focus stacking is a photography and digital processing technique that makes use of multiple images with different focusing distances, stacked together to create a high-definition image with a finer and better depth of field.

Focus stacking using the MIOPS Slider+

MIOPS Slider+ can help you capture sharp details of multiple subjects in one frame because of its precise camera control, stability, accuracy, and micro-step movements. From the mobile app, you can easily set the shot’s parameters, including the number of images taken in one session, the exposure value, shot intervals, and the distance between every shot.

This technique, with the help of a slider, can produce high-quality and high-resolution images needed for marketing posters, billboards, magazine spreads, and other product endorsement materials.

2.   Create Time-lapse Videos with a Camera Slider 

Using the settings and with the customizations that the slider provides, you can also create a smooth time-lapse video of food preparation.

Capture the mesmerizing process of bread baking inside the oven. Witness the glorious transformation of red meat into a sumptuous, juicy steak. Admire the transformation of ingredients into some of the most beloved dishes in the world. Time-lapse videos are supposed to let the viewers experience the surreal and fascinating world of gastronomy and it’s your job to deliver just that.

As the popularity of time-lapse videos has increased, it’s now necessary to introduce other elements to make your time-lapse videos stand out. A camera slider provides a sense of movement that is strikingly different from a simple panning motion, because it changes the viewer’s perspective.

3.   Use the “Reveal Shot” to Engage Your Audience

The “reveal shot” is a common cinematic effect in mainstream films. The camera is focused on one area, then gradually pans out or moves away to reveal a wider scene. You can use this striking technique to tell a story about your subject. For example, you can program the camera slider to begin with a narrow focus on one product, and then move away to reveal the surrounding props.

The “reveal shot” is a great way to provide context for a food product, and help the audience visualize the product’s ingredients and qualities as represented by the props - all while keeping a dramatic focus on the food product itself.

4.   Use Tracking Shots to Capture Tablespaces and Food Displays 

You can use a camera slider to create tracking shots, which give the viewer an immersive experience with your video. A tracking shot simulates the way that the viewer could move within the scene in real life: for example, browsing a display of cookies at a bakery, or admiring a lavish table overflowing with steaming dishes. A camera slider will allow you to showcase each item in turn, making sure that nothing is left out.

Tracking shots is also a creative way to present even the most humble and simplest dishes in an interesting way. Using this technique, you’re directing the audience’s eyes to the underrated and often unnoticed features of the dish that makes it stand out.

5.   Document the Food Preparation Process in Motion

Tracking shots are also incredibly effective for taking videos of the various steps in the food preparation process. For example, you can take videos of a chef cooking a meal, using long takes that follow the subject’s motions. This can be a much more engaging experience for viewers instead of using jump cuts. The shifting perspective makes the viewer feel like they’re in the middle of the action.

Since food photography mostly consists of close-up work, creating tracking shots with the Slider+ is relatively easy. You can plan a simple choreography with your subject, then program your camera’s settings and motion path in advance with the smartphone app.

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Get Ready to Take on Commercial Photography with MIOPS

Commercial photography is one of the most exciting and in-demand photography genres that you can explore today, especially if you’re focusing on the creative, colorful, and inspiring world of food photography. Aside from the camera slider, there are other equally innovative camera equipment that will surely take your portfolio to the next level.

 If you want to know more about what these devices can offer, especially for your commercial photography career, then you’re in the right place. Check out some of our most recommended camera devices and see the difference!

Blog Credit: Charm Villalon

Charm is a writer and a visual artist. Her drive to share ideas and stories is evident in her background in communication arts and language studies. Years of professional experience in content creation have given her a broad proficiency with the process of engaging online communities. An appreciation for multiple languages and cultures drives her to seek out experiences and capture these moments through her writing, digital art, and photography.

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[faq q1="what is a camera slider?" a1="If you’re a beginner, camera sliders may seem like a complicated option to add to your equipment. However, the basic structure of most camera sliders is pretty simple: it’s a moveable carriage on a track, onto which you mount your camera." q2="what is food photography?" a2="Food photography is increasingly popular, especially in promoting products and services in the commercial photography scene" q3="what is focus stacking in food photography?" a3="While staging won’t be a problem, focusing on different subjects, all in different textures and color intensities can be challenging. The most common solution is to set your camera’s focus to infinity and capture the entire frame."]

Ray shares his journey to becoming an in-demand professional and how he continues to stay one step ahead of his competition.

The post Interview With Commercial Photographer Ray Detwiler appeared first on MIOPS.

Find out how Michael Sewell, Elinchrom Ambassador, and Olympus Mentor, has stayed at the top of his game in a number of specialisms for over 35 years.

The post Interview With Professional Photographer Michael Sewell appeared first on MIOPS.