High-Dynamic-Range (HDR) Time-lapse
The most recent development in time-lapse cinematography is the addition of High-dynamic-range imaging (photographic technique) to time-lapse. One of the first experiments was an 11-second series completed in un-automated form by Nicholas Phillips on July 8, 2006 . Modern time-lapse enthusiasts have started to follow suit as of May 2007. Ollie Larkin (work) and Jay Burlage (work) have both shot and processed HDR time-lapse footage in High definition, with motion control, using digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The first example of this technique in a full length film can be seen in Silicon Valley Timelapse (2008).
One method using a DSLR involves bracketing for each frame. Three photographs are taken at separate exposure values (capturing the three in immediate succession) to produce a group of pictures for each frame representing the highlights, mid-tones, and shadows. The bracketed groups are consolidated into individual frames (see HDR). Those frames are then sequenced into video. Time Lapse is also used for travel videoclips where the viewer can experience a faster traveling speed than the normal one, for example, traveling form Los Angeles to New York in 5 minutes.
However, the number of images required to be taken is relatively high. For a 30 fps video of HDR (each frame tonemapped with 3 images), 5,400 original images (60×30×3) are required for each minute.
Read more about this topic: Time-lapse Photography