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Time Lapse Calculator
Calculate intervals and duration for time lapse photography
About Time Lapse Photography
Time lapse photography captures a series of images at specific intervals to show changes over time. This calculator helps you determine the optimal interval between shots and the final video duration based on your desired outcome.
Time Lapse Photography Tips
- Battery Life: Ensure your camera can last the entire duration or use external power
- Storage: Calculate storage needs: Total Frames × File Size per Image
- Weather: Protect your camera from rain, wind, and temperature changes
- Composition: Choose a scene with interesting movement or changes
- Interval Selection: Faster intervals for quick changes, slower for gradual changes
- Post-Processing: Use software to smooth transitions and adjust exposure
Time Lapse Interval Guidelines
| Subject | Recommended Interval | Total Duration | Final Video Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clouds | 2-5 seconds | 1-4 hours | 30-60 seconds |
| Sunset/Sunrise | 3-10 seconds | 1-2 hours | 20-40 seconds |
| Construction | 30-60 seconds | Days to weeks | 1-5 minutes |
| Flowers Blooming | 5-15 minutes | Days to weeks | 30-60 seconds |
| Traffic | 1-3 seconds | 30-60 minutes | 20-30 seconds |
| Stars | 20-30 seconds | 4-8 hours | 30-60 seconds |
| Plant Growth | 1-6 hours | Weeks to months | 30-60 seconds |
| Weather Changes | 10-30 seconds | 2-6 hours | 30-60 seconds |