Timelapse Calculator
Plan perfect timelapse sequences with precision. Calculate the optimal shooting interval, total frames needed, and storage requirements for any timelapse project—from quick sunsets to multi-day construction timelapses.
Recommended Intervals by Subject Type
Choose the right shooting interval based on how quickly your subject moves:
| Subject | Recommended Interval | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Traffic | 1-2 seconds | 15-30 min | Busy intersections, highways |
| People/Crowds | 1-3 seconds | 30-60 min | City streets, events |
| Sunset/Sunrise | 3-8 seconds | 20-40 min | Golden hour period |
| Moving Clouds | 5-10 seconds | 1-3 hours | Depends on wind speed |
| Shadows Moving | 15-30 seconds | 2-4 hours | Mid-day to afternoon |
| Star Trails | 20-30 seconds | 2-4 hours | Use 15-25s shutter speed |
| Construction | 1-5 minutes | Days/weeks | Long-term projects |
| Plant Growth | 15-30 minutes | Weeks/months | Requires consistent lighting |
Frame Rate and Resolution Guide
Frame Rate Selection:
- 24 fps - Most cinematic, standard for films and professional timelapses
- 25 fps - PAL video standard (Europe, Asia, Africa)
- 30 fps - NTSC standard (North America), smooth motion
- 60 fps - Ultra-smooth, allows for slow-motion effects in post
Resolution and Storage:
- 1080p (Full HD) - ~3 MB per JPEG frame, good for web and social media
- 4K (UHD) - ~10 MB per JPEG frame, standard for professional work
- 6K - ~18 MB per JPEG frame, allows cropping and stabilization
- 8K - ~30 MB per JPEG frame, maximum flexibility, large file sizes
Pro Tip: Shoot at a higher resolution than your final output. This allows you to crop, pan, or stabilize in post-production while maintaining quality.
Related Photography Calculators
Enhance your timelapse photography with these complementary tools:
- Golden Hour Calculator: Plan your timelapse shoots around golden hour and sunset times for spectacular lighting conditions.
- Exposure Calculator (ND Filter): Use ND filters during bright timelapse shoots to maintain consistent exposure and create motion blur in each frame.
- Depth of Field Calculator: Ensure your entire scene stays in focus throughout your timelapse sequence by calculating the optimal aperture and focus distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What interval should I use for a timelapse?
The ideal interval depends on your subject. Fast-moving subjects (traffic, people) need shorter intervals (1-3 seconds). Medium-speed subjects (clouds, shadows) work well with 5-15 second intervals. Very slow subjects (construction, plant growth, star trails) can use 30 seconds to several minutes between frames. A good rule: choose an interval that captures noticeable change between frames, but not so long that motion appears jumpy.
Q:How long should my timelapse video be?
Most timelapse videos are 5-30 seconds long. A 10-second timelapse at 24fps requires 240 photos and works well for social media. Longer timelapses (30-60 seconds) are better for showcasing extended processes or for use in documentaries. Very short timelapses (3-5 seconds) are perfect for quick transitions or montages.
Q:How much storage do I need for a timelapse?
Storage depends on: (1) Number of frames, (2) Image resolution, and (3) File format. For example, a 2-hour shoot with 5-second intervals at 4K produces 1,440 frames × 10MB = 14.4 GB. Always bring more storage than calculated—shoot in RAW if you want maximum post-processing flexibility (files will be 3-5x larger than JPEG).
Q:What is the best frame rate for timelapse?
24 fps is the most popular choice for timelapses because it gives a cinematic, film-like quality. 30 fps provides slightly smoother motion and is standard for video. 25 fps is used in PAL regions. Higher frame rates like 60 fps are uncommon for timelapse but can be useful if you plan to slow down the video in post-production.
Q:Can my interval be shorter than 1 second?
Yes, for very fast-moving subjects (like busy traffic or crashing waves), you can shoot intervals under 1 second. However, make sure your camera can handle the burst rate and that your shutter speed is fast enough. Most cameras have a practical limit of around 0.5-1 second intervals due to processing time between shots.
Q:How do I avoid flickering in my timelapse?
To prevent flicker: (1) Shoot in full manual mode (manual exposure, manual white balance, manual focus); (2) Avoid changing settings mid-shoot; (3) Use an intervalometer or built-in camera interval timer; (4) Disable auto ISO and auto white balance; (5) If shooting outdoors, use an ND filter to maintain consistent exposure as light changes. Post-processing deflicker tools can also help fix minor flicker.