Raspberry Pi Zero Timelapse Camera: Step-by-Step Guide | PiShop |
Did you know that despite its tiny size, the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W boasts a quad-core 64-bit processor, making it ideal for embedded or portable projects such as a dedicated timelapse camera.
This article will guide you through the process of transforming a credit-card-sized computer into a portable, low-power timelapse camera. Whether you’re a seasoned maker looking for your next weekend project, a photography enthusiast eager to explore new creative avenues, or an educator seeking an engaging STEM activity, building a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W timelapse camera offers a fantastic opportunity to learn about embedded systems, Python programming, and the magic of capturing subtle changes over time. By the end of this guide, you’ll not only have a functional timelapse camera but also a deeper understanding of how these versatile devices can be harnessed to create something truly remarkable.
The Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W timelapse camera is a custom-built imaging solution leveraging the minuscule yet mighty single-board computer. This project matters because it offers an exceptionally low-cost, low-power, and highly customizable alternative to commercial timelapse cameras, many of which come with hefty price tags and limited flexibility. Its diminutive size and minimal power consumption make it ideal for prolonged deployments in remote locations. Imagine capturing the subtle bloom of a rare flower in your garden over several days, monitoring construction progress on a building site for months, or documenting the slow drift of clouds across the sky from a mountaintop—all autonomously and without constant supervision.
What you’ll need:
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2WH
- Raspberry Pi Camera Board V2 (8MP,1080p)
- Raspberry Pi 5 and Zero Camera Adapter
- Uninterruptible Power Supply UPS HAT For Raspberry Pi Zero, Stable 5V Power Output
- Raspberry Pi Zero 2 WH Acrylic Kit (with pre-soldered header)(Optional)
- The Official Raspberry Pi Camera Guide(Optional)
Assembly Instructions:
Follow these steps carefully to assemble your timelapse camera:
- Attach the Camera Adapter to the Camera Board:
- Gently open the black clasp on the CSI connector of the Raspberry Pi Camera Board V2.
- Insert the larger end of the flexible ribbon cable into this connector, ensuring the silver contacts face the clasp.
- Close the clasp firmly to secure the cable.
- Connect the Camera Adapter to the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W:
- Locate the camera connector on your Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. This is a small, narrow connector.
- Gently open the clasp on this connector.
- Take the smaller side of the ribbon cable that comes with the Raspberry Pi 5 and Zero Camera Adapter (this cable will be shorter and narrower than the one from the camera board).
- Insert one end of this smaller ribbon cable into the camera connector on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, with the silver contacts facing the side of the board. Close the clasp.
- Install the Waveshare UPS HAT:
- Align the 40-pin GPIO header of the Waveshare UPS HAT with the GPIO pins on your Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.
- Carefully press the HAT down, ensuring all pins are properly seated. The HAT should sit snugly on top of the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W.
Timelapse Script and Calculations
#! /bin/sh
cd /home/timelapsepi/Desktop/
rm -rf timelapse timelapse.mp4
mkdir timelapse
rpicam-still --timeout 600000 --timelapse 2000 -o timelapse/image%04d.jpg
ffmpeg -r 30 -f image2 -pattern_type glob -i 'timelapse/*.jpg' -s 1280x720 -vcodec libx264 timelapse.mp4
You’ve now got all the knowledge to build your very own Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W timelapse camera. We’ve covered why this tiny powerhouse is perfect for capturing the world in motion, from its compact size and low power consumption to its processing capabilities. You also saw a detailed, step-by-step guide to assembling the hardware, including the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, the Camera Board V2, the necessary camera adapter, and the Waveshare UPS HAT for uninterrupted power.
This project isn’t just about building a camera; it’s about unlocking a new way to observe and document the world around you. We encourage you to give this exciting project a try! Share your experiences and incredible time-lapse videos in the comments below or on social media using #pishop or #pishopsa. If you need any of the components or want to explore other exciting Raspberry Pi accessories, check out the What you need list above and the rest of our projects in our blog. Happy timelapsing!
