Animations with a Digital Camera
Educational Uses
| Show natural processes, such as eclipses or phases. | |
| Demonstrate procedures. | |
| Document student work for assessment or portfolios. | |
| Create multimedia displays or presentations for PowerPoint or HyperStudio that can include student activities or work. | |
| Use animations such as Morphing to show relationships between two images. |
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Capturing Images
Animations can be created from a minimum of two images. The maximum number of images is unlimited, however the file size grows with each additional image. Once all the images are collected, they must then be rendered into a single animation file and this process can take a large amount of memory. If you are going to take a sequence of images, it is recommended that you use a tripod or other support stand for the camera to help maintain consistency and stability. Some digital cameras have built in timers to assist in time lapse photography, while others are designed to take a fast sequence of motion images.
When the images have been collected use animation or morphing software to combine the images into an animation file. Such software can be purchased or downloaded. Examples of animation software include GIF Construction Set, Metamorphosis, Morph, and QuickTime Pro.
File Formats
- MOV or QuickTime
Useful for Windows or Mac in most presentation software, but requires plug ins if you wish to use on the Web.- AVI
The video for Windows format, useful in presentation software or by itself.- GIF
The current Web animation standard.- MPG
The future Web animation standard, currently requires an additional viewer.- Other specialized formats do exist for proprietary software.