Brinno BFC100 - User Manual

TimeLapse
BFC100- Self-Portrait Camera
BFC100
Quick Guide
w w w . b r i n n o . c o m

Summary

Camera Installation and Setup

Install Self-Portrait Mirror

Attach the magnetic holder onto the camera lens ring as illustrated for proper positioning.

Install Shutter Line

Connect the Shutter Line to the camera's extension port for remote operation.

Configure Settings and Start Up

Switch the camera ON and observe the LCD displaying the set up screen.

Recording Configuration and Alignment

Set Stop Motion and Output Folder

Specify output folders (File A/B/C/D) for captured shots and confirm settings.

Align Face Position

Use the self-portrait mirror's Aiming Point, Vertical, and Horizontal lines for precise face alignment.

Recording Process and Applications

Start Recording and Monitor Status

Capture shots by pressing shutter for 1s, wait 5s, maintain distance, and watch LED indicator.

Track Childs Growth Example

Visual demonstration of tracking a child's growth progression over time.

Visual Pregnancy Diary Example

Illustrates creating a visual diary to document pregnancy progression.

Traveling Journal Example

Shows how to create a visual journal for travel experiences.

Finalizing Recording and Specifications

Finish Recording Session

Hold 'OK' button until 'Processing' and 'Ready' text appears to complete recording.

Technical Specifications Overview

Details power source, memory storage, image format, and minimum focus distance.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Usage Scenarios

The Brinno BFC100 is a self-portrait camera designed for time-lapse photography, specifically tailored for capturing personal changes and events over time. Its primary function is to simplify the process of recording visual diaries such as child growth, pregnancy progression, weight loss journeys, or travel logs, by providing a consistent setup for self-portraits.

Function Description:

The BFC100 operates as a time-lapse camera, capturing still images at regular intervals which can then be compiled into a video. It is optimized for self-portraits, featuring a unique self-portrait mirror and shutter line accessory (ATS110) to ensure consistent framing and easy operation. The camera allows users to select different output folders (File A, File B, File C, File D) to categorize recorded shots, making it easy to manage multiple time-lapse projects. The "Continue Saving" feature ensures that if the same folder is selected, the system will append new recorded shots to the last recorded image in that folder, maintaining a continuous sequence.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Power Source: The camera can be powered by 4 AA batteries or via a 5V DV IN (Micro USB connector).
• Memory Storage: It supports SD cards up to 32 GB.
• Image Format: Images are captured in JPEG format with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels.
• Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 30 cm.
• Included Components: The package includes the TimeLapse Camera (TLC200 f1.2) and the Self-Portrait Mirror & Shutter Line (ATS110).

Usage Features:

The BFC100 is designed for ease of use with a straightforward installation and configuration process:

1. Installation:

   • Self-Portrait Mirror: A magnetic holder attaches the self-portrait mirror onto the camera lens ring. This mirror is crucial for face alignment during self-portraits.
   • Shutter Line: The shutter line plugs into the extension port of the camera, allowing for remote triggering.

2. Configuring Settings:

   • Power On: The camera is switched on using a dedicated "on/off" switch.
   • Setup Screen: Upon powering on, the LCD displays a "Set up screen" with options like "File," "StopMotion," "File A," "File B," and "OK."
   • Output Folder Selection: Users can select "Stop Motion" or specify an "Output Folder" (File A, B, C, or D) to store captured images. This helps in organizing different projects, such as "Activities" or "People." The system will continue saving to the selected folder, appending new shots to the last recorded image.
   • Confirmation: Settings are confirmed by pressing the "OK" button.

3. Face Alignment (Self-Portrait Mirror):

   • The self-portrait mirror is essential for consistent framing. It features an "Aiming Point (A)," a "Vertical Line (C)," and a "Horizontal Line (B)."
   • To align, users look at the Aiming Point (A), place the Vertical Line (C) at the middle of their face, and align their mouth or chin to the Horizontal Line (B). This ensures the face is centered within the captured frame.

4. Starting Recording:

   • To capture a shot, the shutter button is pressed for 1 second.
   • There is a 5-second delay before the next shot is captured, allowing the user to maintain position.
   • Capture Distance: Maintaining the same "Capture Distance" is emphasized for consistency across shots.
   • LED Indicator: A blinking red LED indicates that the camera is recording. Users should remain in position until the LED turns green, signifying the completion of the recording sequence.

5. Finishing a Session:

   • To finalize a recording session, hold the "OK" button until the LCD displays "Processing." This indicates that the camera is closing the file.
   • Once processing is complete, the LCD will show "Ready," confirming that the recording session is finished.
   • Users can then remove the SD card and insert it into a computer or laptop to view their time-lapse videos.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, the design suggests standard care for electronic devices:

• Battery Management: The use of AA batteries implies regular battery replacement or recharging if rechargeable AAs are used. The option for 5V DV IN via Micro USB allows for continuous power, reducing reliance on batteries for longer projects.
• SD Card Handling: Proper insertion and removal of the SD card are crucial for data integrity. The "Processing" step before removing the card ensures that all data is written correctly.
• Cleaning: As with most cameras, keeping the lens and mirror clean would be important for optimal image quality.

Usage Scenarios:

The BFC100 is specifically marketed for:

• Tracking Child's Growth: Documenting a child's physical development over time.
• Visual Pregnancy Diary: Creating a visual record of pregnancy progression.
• Record Weight Loss: Capturing the physical changes during a weight loss journey.
• Traveling Journal: Documenting personal experiences and changes during travels.

The Brinno BFC100 is a specialized tool that simplifies the creation of personal time-lapse videos, making it accessible for individuals to document their life's changes and journeys with consistent and well-framed self-portraits.

Brinno BFC100 Specifications