# Raspberry Pi Camera Timelapse Case

## Overview

https://youtu.be/ZJW3ZNAZUsA

Build a timelapse rig with the new camera module from Raspberry Pi! We were able to capture stunning timelapses with dynamic exposure thanks to the new HDR mode. 

The new camera module features autofocus and a 12-megapixel sensor and an HDR mode giving you excellent image quality.

High dynamic range means you can capture perfect exposures in your timelapse videos.

 

![raspberry_pi_hero-rig-kit.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/237/medium640/raspberry_pi_hero-rig-kit.jpg?1681737275)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/279/medium800thumb/raspberry_pi_Everest-.jpg?1681759503)

3D print our snap fit case to house a Pi 4, Pimoronoi’s 4-in HyperPixel display and the new camera module.

Whether you’re looking to capture blooming plants or gorgeous clouds, you don’t have to worry about blown-out or underexposed images.

![raspberry_pi_hero-front.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/239/medium640/raspberry_pi_hero-front.jpg?1681737561)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/280/medium800thumb/raspberry_pi_monstera.jpg?1681759523)

## Parts
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/241/medium800/raspberry_pi_parts.jpg?1681737804)

### Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

[Raspberry Pi 4 Model B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4297)
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the newest Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 4 better than the 3? How about a _faster_ processor, USB 3.0 ports, and updated Gigabit Ethernet chip with...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4297)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4297/guides)
![Angled shot of Raspberry Pi 4](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4297-02.jpg)

### Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens

[Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658)
Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is a compact camera from Raspberry Pi. It offers an IMX708 12-megapixel sensor with HDR, and features phase detection autofocus. Camera Module 3 is available in standard and wide-angle variants, both of which are available with or without an infrared cut...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5658/guides)
![Close up of Raspberry Pi Camera ](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5658-04.jpg)

### Flex Cable for Raspberry Pi Camera or Display - 200mm / 8"

[Flex Cable for Raspberry Pi Camera or Display - 200mm / 8"](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1647)
This cable will let you swap out the stock 150mm long flex cable from a Raspberry Pi Camera (either 'classic' or 'NoIR' type) or Raspberry Pi Display for a different size. Works great, just carefully open the connector on the Pi and slip this one in.  
  
This cable is...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1647)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1647/guides)
![Angled shot of Flex Cable for Raspberry Pi Camera or Display - 300mm / 12".](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/1647-03.jpg)

### Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad

[Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad](https://www.adafruit.com/product/922)
Add a miniature wireless controller to your computer project with this combination keyboard and touchpad. We found the smallest wireless USB keyboard available, a mere 6" x 2.4" x 0.5" (152mm x 59mm x 12.5mm)! It's small but usable to make a great accompaniment to a computer...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/922)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/922/guides)
![Angled shot of Miniature Wireless USB keyboard with touchpad](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/922-12.jpg)

### Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw

[Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392)
_Whaddya got a screw loose or something?_

This **3/8" to 1/4"**  **Adapter Screw** is super handy if you're building projects that connect to a tripod or a camera. It's a simple fix for getting a tripod with a 1/4" machine screw...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2392/guides)
![Camera and Tripod 3/8 to 1/4 Adapter Screw](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2392-01.jpg)

### Part: M2x6mm standoffs
quantity: 4
M2x6mm standoffs
[M2x6mm standoffs](https://amzn.to/3mFVZ8h)

### Part: M2x4mm screws
quantity: 4
M2x4mm screws
[M2x4mm screws](https://amzn.to/3L6lB7F)

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/266/medium800/raspberry_pi_setup-galaxy.jpg?1681749206)

# Raspberry Pi Camera Timelapse Case

## 3D Print

## Parts List

STL files for 3D printing are oriented to print "as-is" on FDM style machines. Most parts are designed to 3D print without any support material.  Original design source may be downloaded using the link below.

![raspberry_pi_3d-parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/243/medium640/raspberry_pi_3d-parts.jpg?1681741248)

[Editable Design Files](https://a360.co/43CC5vs)
[Download STLs](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5976437)
### Slice with settings for PLA material. 

The parts were sliced using CURA using the slice settings below.

- PLA filament 220c extruder
- 0.2 layer height
- 10% gyroid infill
- 60mm/s print speed
- 60c heated bed

## Supports

- Support Extrusion Width: .2
- Support Density: 4%
- Support Overhang Angle: 50
- Support Z Height: .21
- Interface: On
- Support Roof: On
- Support Pattern: Zig Zag

## Build Plate Adhesion

- Type: brim
- Line Count: 4

![raspberry_pi_slice.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/244/medium640/raspberry_pi_slice.jpg?1681741445)

![raspberry_pi_slice-supports.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/245/medium640/raspberry_pi_slice-supports.jpg?1681741465)

# Raspberry Pi Camera Timelapse Case

## Assemble

## Camera Cable

Start by installing the camera’s ribbon cable through the slit in the front cover. Use M2x5mm screws to mount the standoffs. 

 

Short standoffs secure the camera to the front while the Pi is secured to the back with M2.5x5mm machine screws.

![raspberry_pi_ribbon-pass.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/246/medium640/raspberry_pi_ribbon-pass.jpg?1681741746)

![raspberry_pi_cam-mount.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/247/medium640/raspberry_pi_cam-mount.jpg?1681742091)

## Mount Pi

Align the USB ports to to edge of the printed part. Gently bend the camera cable around the Pi to connect.

##  

## Attach Display

Use the included GPIO riser to fit the display over the Pi.

 

![raspberry_pi_pi-screws.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/250/medium640/raspberry_pi_pi-screws.jpg?1681742474)

![raspberry_pi_pi-screen-attach.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/251/medium640/raspberry_pi_pi-screen-attach.jpg?1681742512)

## Attach Screen cover

Place screen cover at an angle, over the display and ribbon cable.

##  

## Align snap fits 

Gently bend the two parts over the snap fits to attach the case.

![raspberry_pi_screen-cover.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/252/medium640/raspberry_pi_screen-cover.jpg?1681744324)

![raspberry_pi_case-snaps.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/253/medium640/raspberry_pi_case-snaps.jpg?1681744473)

## Tripod attachment

Use M3x10mm screws to attach the tripod mount.

Fit a 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw to mount a tripod.  

 

![raspberry_pi_tripod-parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/254/medium640/raspberry_pi_tripod-parts.jpg?1681744821)

![raspberry_pi_tripod-mounted.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/255/medium640/raspberry_pi_tripod-mounted.jpg?1681744860)

## Camera cover

 

Align the cut out on the camera cover part over the ribbon cable. 

Press fit the three tabs into the slots on the case to attach.

![raspberry_pi_cam-cover-attach.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/257/medium640/raspberry_pi_cam-cover-attach.jpg?1681745175)

## Pan tilt swivel 

 

This tilt ball head makes a nice addition and allows you to position the camera in all sorts of different angles.

 

![raspberry_pi_pan-tilt-attach.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/256/medium640/raspberry_pi_pan-tilt-attach.jpg?1681745053)

# Complete!
![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/258/medium800/raspberry_pi_hero-rig-pandora.jpg?1681745809)

# Raspberry Pi Camera Timelapse Case

## Use

The default installation of Raspberry Pi OS Bullseye includes support for the V3 cameras. A full list of commands is linked below.

![raspberry_pi_mutli-task.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/259/medium640/raspberry_pi_mutli-task.jpg?1681746069)

[Raspberry Pi Camera Commands](https://www.raspberrypi.com/documentation/computers/camera_software.html)
## Preview camera

open a terminal window and load a preview window to frame up the camera.

```python
libcamera-hello -t0 --hdr
```

## Timelapse settings

We used the settings below for quick on location timelapses.

For 10 mins it will take one picture every 1 second.

```python
libcamera-still -t 600000 --timelapse 1000 --datetime --hdr
```

![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/120/260/medium800thumb/raspberry_pi_falcon.jpg?1681747345)


## Featured Products

### Raspberry Pi 4 Model B

[Raspberry Pi 4 Model B](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4297)
The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B is the newest Raspberry Pi computer made, and the Pi Foundation knows you can always make a good thing _better_! And what could make the Pi 4 better than the 3? How about a _faster_ processor, USB 3.0 ports, and updated Gigabit Ethernet chip with...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4297)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4297/guides)
### Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens

[Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 - 12MP 120 Degree Wide Angle Lens](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658)
Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 is a compact camera from Raspberry Pi. It offers an IMX708 12-megapixel sensor with HDR, and features phase detection autofocus. Camera Module 3 is available in standard and wide-angle variants, both of which are available with or without an infrared cut...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5658)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5658/guides)
### Flex Cable for Raspberry Pi Camera or Display - 200mm / 8"

[Flex Cable for Raspberry Pi Camera or Display - 200mm / 8"](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1647)
This cable will let you swap out the stock 150mm long flex cable from a Raspberry Pi Camera (either 'classic' or 'NoIR' type) or Raspberry Pi Display for a different size. Works great, just carefully open the connector on the Pi and slip this one in.  
  
This cable is...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1647)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1647/guides)
### Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad

[Miniature Wireless USB Keyboard with Touchpad](https://www.adafruit.com/product/922)
Add a miniature wireless controller to your computer project with this combination keyboard and touchpad. We found the smallest wireless USB keyboard available, a mere 6" x 2.4" x 0.5" (152mm x 59mm x 12.5mm)! It's small but usable to make a great accompaniment to a computer...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/922)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/922/guides)
### USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter

[USB Type A to Type C Cable - 1ft - 0.3 meter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473)
As technology changes and adapts, so does Adafruit. This   **USB Type A to Type C** cable will help you with the transition to USB C, even if you're still totin' around a USB Type A hub, computer or laptop.

USB C is the latest industry-standard connector for...

Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4473)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4473/guides)
### USB Battery Pack for Raspberry Pi - 10000mAh - 2 x 5V outputs

[USB Battery Pack for Raspberry Pi - 10000mAh - 2 x 5V outputs](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1566)
A large-sized rechargeable battery pack for your [Raspberry Pi](http://www.adafruit.com/raspberrypi) (or [Arduino](http://www.adafruit.com/arduino), or [Propeller](http://www.adafruit.com/category/26), or anything else that uses 5V!). This pack is intended for...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1566)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/1566/guides)
### Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw

[Camera and Tripod 3/8" to 1/4" Adapter Screw](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392)
_Whaddya got a screw loose or something?_

This **3/8" to 1/4"**  **Adapter Screw** is super handy if you're building projects that connect to a tripod or a camera. It's a simple fix for getting a tripod with a 1/4" machine screw...

In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2392)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2392/guides)
### Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter

[Swivel-Head Pan Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2464)
This **Swivel-Head Pan-Tilt (PTZ) Shoe Mount Adapter **allows you to attach something with standard 1/4" machine screw mount to a camera's shoe mount,  with free range of motion! Loosen the side screw and the ball-joint is free to move all around, then...

No Longer Stocked
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2464)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2464/guides)

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