Continuous Mode Limitations

jmichaelhamon

New member
I'm new here. I registered to post this problem:

I am trying Star Trails for the first time.
My method is to use a rubber band to hold the shutter release down while camera is in Continuous Mode.
My exposure time is 30 seconds. I have Noise Reduction off.
For now, I am just experimenting in my backyard in the city. A lot of light noise, but I am getting favorable results, nonetheless.
I would like to take it to the next level and go out away from city lights, using a nice foreground such as trees or a lake.
Here's my problem...after only about 100 exposures (about 50min.), the camera shuts down. I thought maybe it was something I had read about the image sensor overheating. It's been very warm here, and I assumed overheating is related to environmental conditions. Tonight it is much cooler, but the same results occur.
Is sensor overheating due to amount of light hitting sensor? If so, why do I have this issue shooting the night sky?
Maybe it's not sensor overheating at all, but something else?
Has Nikon put a default limitation of exposures into the Continuous Mode?
I don't know if I am getting an error message on the screen when it stops, because I set it up and return to the house.
When I go back to check, the camera has ceased operation.
Last night I waited about 40 minutes after the camera shut down the first time, and restarted the sequence. (It would not resume the sequence immediately)
I combined the two sets of 100 exposures, but this method risks camera movement between the sets, and the star trails have that large time gap.
All I want is to take continuous shots for at least 2 hours, and maybe more. 50 minute Star Trails look good, but I want a much longer timeline result.
Can anyone help or advise?
Thanks.

P.S. Attached photos show - A) 100 exposures@50 minutes.
B) 200 exposures - 2 sets of 100 exposures with 40 minute gap.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133762009@N02/
 

Attachments

  • Star Trails - 100exp.  50min.jpg
    Star Trails - 100exp. 50min.jpg
    491.5 KB · Views: 168
  • Star Trails - 200exp.  50min-gap-50min.jpg
    Star Trails - 200exp. 50min-gap-50min.jpg
    547.5 KB · Views: 154

jmichaelhamon

New member
Okay, I initially thought it was sensor overheating, but after scanning through some of the posts here, I found a couple of old threads that indicate Nikon has built in a 100 exposure limit on Continuous Mode.
Is there a good reason for this limit and is there any way around it?


Thanks.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

First, I would recommend getting rid of the rubber band and getting a real remote control. I do not own a D3200 so can't really comment on the 100 photo limit, but I am sure Nikon has some reason for this limitation. I am sure someone else will be along to help you more
 

jmichaelhamon

New member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

First, I would recommend getting rid of the rubber band and getting a real remote control. I do not own a D3200 so can't really comment on the 100 photo limit, but I am sure Nikon has some reason for this limitation. I am sure someone else will be along to help you more

Thanks, Bikerbrent.
The rubber band is not the problem. It works very well...until I get one of those fancy-schmancy gizmos.
Although I plan to get an intervalometer, the need was never there until I began playing with this Star Trail thing.
For now, it would be senseless to get one just for a few Star Trail photos.
I have an IR remote for single-shot long exposures.
I'm not hopeful there is a solution to the limit, but I thought I would give it a shot.
Maybe there is some kind of Firmware hack that is harmless?

Regards. Hamon
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum,my thoughts are Nikon put the limit on to stop the camera being fired in the camera bag by accident and flattening the battery.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
@Scott Murray do you have any info to help? Haven't you taken star trail images? (Scott is away right now but hopefully will weigh in when he returns).
 

jmichaelhamon

New member
Thanks, Mike.

I did some experimenting.
Until I get an intervalometer, I discovered that immediately after the first series of 100 shots, I can switch the camera to "Auto" mode, power Off/On, switch back to "Manual" mode, and begin another 100 shot sequence. The only caveat is camera shake, but if managed carefully, can be overcome.
Also, I must be at the camera when the first series ends to prevent a gap in the Star Trails. This method can be done in less than 10 seconds.
I suppose I'll shop around for a programmable remote trigger so that I don't have to use Continuous Mode. (Like Bikerbrent suggested)

Regards, Hamon
 
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jmichaelhamon

New member
Thanks, spb_stan and Texas. Good suggestions, but I'm "old school", and have neither Smart phone nor laptop.
When the personal technology boom began, I refused to take part out of stubbornness and Old Geezer Syndrome. Now I suffer from it. :nightmare:
I've resigned myself to acknowledging the best solution for me on this issue is probably a programmable remote trigger.
 

Scott Murray

Senior Member
A remote trigger is the way to go. I am not familiar with the D3200 but I know even my D800E has a limit unless I use a trigger, the D810 is much better though. I used to use the older style one that you could lock on which are quite cheap and maybe the way to go to see if it takes your fancy.

Something like this.

N3 Shutter Release Remote Switch Cord for Nikon D7100 D5200 D3200 D610 D600 D90 | eBay

disclaimer I have not used this one on your camera or a similar camera, mine was a different brand but it is here for a suggestion of the type.
 

jmichaelhamon

New member
I purchased this programmable remote trigger. It was reasonably priced and has all the features one might need. Exposure time, delay, interval, etc. Now I just have to choose the right location, and wait for the optimum weather conditions.71qtcA6TtLL._SY355_.jpg
 

aroy

Senior Member
One method of overcoming the limit is to use an intervalometer and shoot a couple of hundred images and then create a composite in computer using any free software. That not only keeps the sensor cool, but you can process the images to create a lot of interesting effects.
 
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