Time Lapse Calculator
Calculate capture intervals, photo count, and memory usage for time-lapse photography
Time Lapse Parameters
Duration of the final time-lapse video (typically 10-60 seconds)
24 fps is standard for cinema, 30 fps for smooth motion
How long you'll spend taking photos (30 minutes to several hours)
File size of each photo (check your camera settings)
Time Lapse Results
Summary: Take 720 photos over 2h 0m with 10.0s between shots
Result: 30s video at 24 fps, 240× faster than real time
Recommendations
Example Time Lapse Project
Sunset Time Lapse
Goal: 30-second video of a 2-hour sunset
Settings: 24 fps, 5MB per photo
Calculation: 30s × 24fps = 720 photos needed
Interval: 120 minutes ÷ 720 photos = 10 seconds between shots
Storage: 720 photos × 5MB = 3.5 GB required
Cloud Movement
Project: 15-second clip, 1-hour recording
Result: 360 photos, 10s interval, 240× speed-up
Perfect for: Dramatic cloud formations and weather changes
Popular Time Lapse Types
Sunrise/Sunset
Duration: 1-3 hours
Interval: 5-15 seconds
Best for dramatic lighting changes
Star Trails
Duration: 2-8 hours
Interval: 30-60 seconds
Requires dark sky conditions
Clouds
Duration: 30 min - 2 hours
Interval: 2-10 seconds
Fast-moving subjects
Construction/Growth
Duration: Days to months
Interval: Minutes to hours
Long-term projects
Equipment Essentials
Sturdy Tripod
Essential for camera stability
Intervalometer
Automates photo capture timing
Extra Batteries
Long shoots drain power quickly
Large Memory Cards
Calculate storage needs first
Understanding Time Lapse Photography
Key Calculations
- •Photos Needed: Clip Length (seconds) × Frame Rate
- •Capture Interval: Recording Time ÷ Number of Photos
- •Memory Usage: Photos × Image Size
- •Speed-up Ratio: Recording Time ÷ Clip Length
Planning Tips
- •Start with shorter projects (30 seconds or less)
- •Use manual camera settings to maintain consistency
- •Consider battery life for long shoots
Frame Rate Guidelines
- 12 fps: Minimum for smooth motion
- 24 fps: Standard cinema rate
- 30 fps: Smooth video, good for most projects
- 60 fps: Very smooth, professional quality
Interval Guidelines
- •Fast motion (clouds): 2-10 seconds
- •Medium motion (sunrise): 10-30 seconds
- •Slow motion (stars): 30+ seconds
- •Construction: Minutes to hours