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."]

The world of photography is not just focused on still images. There’s a subgenre that has allowed everyone to witness a whole new perspective in reality: timelapse photography. In definition, timelapse photography creates a compressed view of the world. You’ve probably seen those amazing image sequences of the sun making its way across the sky, flowers blooming, or even stars moving in their predestined trails across the night sky.

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Capturing these slow and subtle processes instills a deeper appreciation of our world. Whether you’re wondering how to start using timelapse photography, or you want to build on your current experience, these tips will help you achieve significant improvement with just a few tweaks.

What is Timelapse Photography?

Timelapse photography is a technique in which a series of images of the same frame is captured at regular intervals over a period of time. When these images are viewed in a rapid sequence, the scene appears as if time is speeding up. 

A series of photographs capturing the image of a flower once every 20 minutes, for example, when viewed at a rate of 30 frames per second, would make the flower appear to bloom in a matter of seconds. Some timelapse sessions can last for days, depending on the subject and the shots that the photographer wants to achieve. 

Why do Photographers use Timelapse?

What makes timelapse so special and why do many photographers focus on this genre? Many of them won’t have a definite answer but the result always speaks for itself. Imagine being able to capture these enthralling, captivating scenes of movements, growth, trails, and patterns that will never be experienced through your naked eye.

Timelapse photography is perfect for capturing slow movements and processes that happen over an extended period of time. Watching these events unfold in timelapse photography makes them appear more remarkable and interesting.

Timelapse photography can also capture fast-moving objects, and emphasize the speed of their motion. Some examples include waterfalls, rapids, and city streets.   

What are the types of Timelapse Photography?

Astro Timelapse

The night sky is one of the most fascinating sights that can be captured by timelapse photography. Some of the subjects covered in this type of photography are the moon in its various phases, northern lights, and the Milky Way. Astro timelapse requires more advanced skills than other types of timelapse photography. You’ll need to keep your aperture open for as long as possible to get a shot that takes in enough light while keeping the image sharp; then, set the interval to about three or five seconds longer than the aperture is open. The results are impressive when you succeed with Astro timelapse.

The MIOPS device takes the guesswork out of your camera settings using its built-in interval parameter. This will be explained in the sections below.

Storm Timelapse (MIOPS)

The cloud formations and lightning strikes of storms create an intense scene for photographers. A timelapse sequence will show a progression of this dramatic event in nature unfolding. You can capture this scene in safety using the smartphone-controlled MIOPS Smart Camera Trigger - all you need is a waterproof cover for your camera!

Timewarp

This effect is created with the long exposure technique. Timewarp allows photographers to shoot timelapse videos of fast-moving subjects with stability, making them appear as if they’re moving at hyperspeed. This technique is often used during athletic events, such as snowboarding and racing. Timewarp mode produces sharp images despite the rapid movements.

You can use this incredible technique even if you don’t have a time warp mode on your camera. The MIOPS Smart+ Camera Trigger has a time warp mode included in its extensive list of features. This versatile device can turn your camera into an advanced gadget, capable of capturing high-speed sequences. 

Sunsets and Sunrise Timelapse

Sunset and sunrise timelapse are probably the most popular techniques that beginner and professional photographers enjoy. This timelapse type may seem simple but it’s not as easy as pointing your camera into the horizon. The challenge is actually not in successfully capturing these events, It’s more about being creative and delivering a highly unique scene.

Photographers suggest that the intervals that you set should depend on how fast the sun sets or rises. Most tutorials suggest that five to ten seconds is a good range when it comes to shooting sunsets or sunrises.

Plant Timelapse

Have you ever seen a flower blooming? How about a plant growing and taking roots? It might not be too obvious and directly observable but plants are constantly moving and growing. The process is so slow that such phenomena can only be observed through timelapse photography.

Plant timelapse is a technique that allows the observers to observe the tiny movements that plants make over the course of hours or days. Flowers are also the most popular subjects for this type of photography. Unfurling, blooming scenes of your favorite buds are always captivating.  

Cityscapes Timelapse

The city offers many possibilities for timelapse photography. It’s easier to find dynamic, interesting subjects to include in your shoot. During the daytime, you can try shooting crowd scenes and foot traffic, to capture the vibrancy of the population in the area. Cityscapes are an especially attractive setting at night, and also give your images a smooth, flowing motion blur without the need for ND filters. 

Exploring Other Exciting Timelapse Scenes

Creating timelapse is not that intimidating as long as you do your research first. If your camera has a timelapse mode, start with the most basic shots.  You can start with simple scenes, such as skylines. As you become more comfortable, you can start experimenting with more challenging subjects, like flowers and city scenes. 

Choosing the Equipment for Timelapse Photography

You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to start using timelapse photography. You can start with the basics: a camera, a tripod, an intervalometer, and a tripod. 

A camera. You can use either a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. It doesn’t matter if you are just using an entry-level camera, as long as it has a Manual Mode that allows you to adjust the basic settings, such as ISO, Exposure Value, Aperture, and Shutter Speed, to name a few.

With the increasing popularity of timelapse photography, you may even be able to find a camera with a built-in intervalometer. This is also known as a timelapse mode that is especially meant for this photography type. Having this feature will be extremely convenient for your timelapse shoots.

A tripod. A tripod is a must for timelapse photography because the camera needs to remain completely still for an extended period of time while capturing the slow movements of your subject.

An intervalometer. This is available as an external device attached to your camera, or as installed software, that triggers your camera’s shutter at specified intervals for a specified amount of time. With an intervalometer, you don’t have to manually trigger your camera’s shutter for every image that you need to capture.

Smart Camera Trigger. A remote camera trigger can easily outperform a basic camera setup, because of the gadget’s added advantages. MIOPS’s Smart Camera Trigger, for instance, has a dedicated Timelapse Mode that gives you full control of your timelapse shoot.

Ordinary timelapse techniques for extraordinary timelapse videos with MIOPS

What can MIOPS do for you especially for timelapse shoots? This seemingly intimidating photography genre is made easier using the different features of this remote camera trigger. Here are the options and customizations that you can do with your MIOPS device:

Interval parameter. This setting determines the time or period that passes between each shot. You have the option of setting the intervals from millisecond to hours. Remember that the longer intervals you set, the faster the final videos will be. 

Frame parameter. This setting allows you to control the number of frames that you can take during the shot. MIOPS allows you to choose from an intuitive range. Fixing this setting to Zero will give you unlimited photos until you manually stop it.

Scheduling shoot. MIOPS’s timelapse mode will allow you to schedule your timelapse shots and set them up for a specific time. This will help you get the scenes that you want even without manning your camera 24/7.

Ability to save settings. For your future timelapse shoot, you can easily retrieve your old settings so you don’t always have to start from scratch.

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Wired or wireless options. MIOPS can be connected to your smartphone and access these settings using the dedicated MIOPS Apps. However, you can either set these parameters using the actual MIOPS device or your mobile app.

Real-time status. During the timelapse shoot, your MIOPS device will give you real-time settings and changes through a special status screen. The screen shows you important details, such as interval, exposure, frame, elapsed time, and remaining time.

Here are other accessories that can improve your time-lapse photos: 

Neutral-density (ND) filters. These filters reduce the amount of light that enters your camera lens. These are useful accessories to have for timelapse photography since they allow you to adjust your shutter speed while maintaining the amount of light in your images. This is especially convenient for achieving long exposure shots in the daytime. These filters need to be fitted to your lens, so check your lens size before purchasing.

High-capacity memory cards. Timelapse photography necessitates taking a long sequence of high-quality images, so you’ll need to have enough storage in your camera. Shooting your images in RAW format will ensure that you get the highest resolution possible, and give you more freedom in post-processing. Bring spare high-capacity memory cards to make sure that you don’t run out of storage in the middle of shooting your image sequence.

Timelapse Photography Techniques for Adjusting Camera Settings 

Aperture. You’ll need to experiment with your aperture to find one that will keep the entirety of your subject in focus while maintaining an adequate amount of light. Since the subjects of timelapse photography are so varied, your aperture setting can vary widely as well, depending on your subject. 

Focus. Use manual focus to maintain the same focus for every image, and prevent your camera from refocusing on different areas every time there is a movement in the frame. 

ISO. This depends on the light in your image. A low ISO will help you get sharper images, but shooting in low-light settings will necessitate a higher ISO.

Shutter speed. Your shutter speed setting always depends on the general look and feel that you want your images to have. Long shutter speeds (1/50 or below) give a motion blur effect, making images appear soft and flowing. If you want sharper images, a fast shutter speed (1/100 or above) can achieve that. One of the basic starting points to finding your ideal shutter speed is to double your frame rate. For example, when shooting at 15 frames per second, you would use a 1/30 shutter speed. 

Timelapse interval (speed). Once you’ve found your ideal camera settings, you’ll need to decide on the interval speed for your shots. This depends on your subject and the light conditions. Capturing timelapse photography that tells a story means that you need to get all the right scenes in the sequence: the faster the movement, the shorter the intervals have to be. Intervals that are too long will result in the images appearing jumpy.  

Are you ready for your first timelapse video and photography shoot?

We gave you an overview of the things, subjects, and scenes that you can explore using the different types and techniques of timelapse. While this photography subgenre can have its challenges, especially if you’re still learning about how you can maximize the potential of your camera features, trust us that it is worth it.

Aside from the methods, camera equipment, and suggested settings, upgrading your camera bag should give you the right boost to successfully complete your timelapse photo and video sessions. We have shown you how MIOPS Smart Camera Trigger can transform the often stressful and time-consuming camera configurations for timelapse, into an easy and ordinary session.

If you want to know more about how MIOPS can help you get started on timelapse photography and other types of photography, we have something special for you here!

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 Timelapse Photography?" a1="Timelapse photography is a technique in which a series of images of the same frame is captured at regular intervals over a period of time." q2="Why do Photographers use Timelapse?" a2="Timelapse photography is perfect for capturing slow movements and processes that happen over an extended period of time." q3="What are the types of Timelapse Photography?" a3="The night sky is one of the most fascinating sights that can be captured by timelapse photography."]

Do you desire to create the perfect timelapse photos or videos for a particular project? Do you want to find out how you can engage in timelapse photography like a pro even if you are just a newbie in this field?

To help you learn more tricks in timelapse photography and improve your skills and creativity, you can check out the tips below.