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Awesome hint. Helps me get into Automator.

I'm bummed that Automator's Take Picture action doesn't recognize my Apple LED Cinema Display.

Maybe that's because I have it attached via an extension cable (which extends the displayPort and USB connections).

Shouldn't make a difference. I mean, it probably does, but it *shouldn't*.

mooncaine, on 04 May 2011 - 02:25 PM, said:

Glad you liked the workflow.

It's not the extension cable. The Take Picture action doesn't support the iSight camera.

The Take Video Snapshot action will take a snapshot using the iSight camera. THe image won't be the same resolution at a stand-alone camera, but it will work.

Thanks for the info. I created my automator application and proceeded to take 300 photos over a 2.5 hour time frame. After the photos were imported into iPhoto, the Apple Script attempted to run, but it failed at this line:

"click radio button "QuickTime™""

The tab is clearly visible in the export window, but it doesn't go any further. So I decided to complete the export manually. The only problem here is that with 300 photos and a Display Image time of 0.5 seconds creates a video over 7 minutes. I tried 0.01 as the display time, but it only cut the video time to 5 minutes. I would like to speed this up considerably, but it seems that there are some limitations with exporting. I then imported my video into iMovie and was able to speed up it so that it would display the video in a little over 1 minute.

Any idea on why the script would fail and why the export doesn't allow for a faster time?

I also made sure that I checked the "Enable Access For Assistive Devices"

Thanks

diver91, on 05 May 2011 - 02:56 PM, said:

You're using the latest version of iPhoto?

diver91, on 05 May 2011 - 02:56 PM, said:

Yes I have the latest update to iPhoto. It turns out that the problem is the little "TM" after "QuickTime" in the script was changed to a full size "TM" when I copied and pasted the script into the workflow. It is working fine now.

Thanks

This post has been edited by diver91: 05 May 2011 - 04:31 PM

I got all set up - easy instructions for using automator...my first foray. I hooked up my Canon EOS 40D and it was recognized. When I hit "run," the take picture function didn't work...how long should that direction take? Is there a setting I should be using on my camera. Looked through all my manuals and found no help from Canon. I'd appreciate any ideas you may have!

Thanks!

Nancysax, on 07 May 2011 - 04:25 PM, said:

I'm a Nikon shooter so I can't test this, but have you installed the EOS Utility on your Mac? My understanding is that you need it to shoot tethered.

I appreciate your quick response. I wrote to Canon at the same time yesterday (well...shortly after asking here) - they tell me that the 40D is not compatible with Automator. So even though it shows up in the Take Picture screen, it will not shoot. Fun trying, though, and I did learn a bit more about my Mac. Thank you!

Nancysax, on 08 May 2011 - 06:04 AM, said:

Chris Breen, on 07 May 2011 - 08:22 PM, said:

I am a Nikon shooter and do not understand why Nikon does not work with automator (or this application)? Thanks in advance for info.

diver91, on 05 May 2011 - 04:30 PM, said:

So did it work for you with a large "TM" or small "tm"? I didn't put the tm in mine and it sopped at the same point. Was surprised that it had to be in there at all! I have tried both. I tried copy and paste too. I even tried with and without space between QuickTime and the TM with no luck. Still stops at same point ("click radio button "QuickTime™") with the export button selected from what I can tell. Version of iPhoto 9.1.2, QuickTime 10.0... now I do have QuickTime 7 but can't think its being selected as QuickTime doesn't even start up. Any ideas guys? Oh for testing I only have it loop three times.

Thanks for this. If you're using battery power you have to make sure your camera doesn't go to 'sleep' between frames. Canon 5D-II