Time Lapse Calculator
Calculate interval, total shots, and clip duration for time lapse photography. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Total Shots = Shoot Duration (seconds) / Interval | Clip Length = Total Shots / FPS
The total number of frames equals the shooting duration divided by the interval between shots. The resulting clip length equals the total frames divided by the playback frame rate. The speed-up factor equals the interval multiplied by the frame rate.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Sunset Time Lapse Planning
Problem: You want to capture a 60-minute sunset with 5-second intervals at 24fps. How long is the final clip and how many shots?
Solution: Shooting duration: 60 minutes = 3,600 seconds\nInterval: 5 seconds\nTotal shots: 3,600 / 5 = 720 frames\nClip duration: 720 / 24fps = 30 seconds\nSpeed-up factor: 3,600 / 30 = 120x\nStorage (25MB RAW): 720 x 25MB = 18GB
Result: 720 shots | 30-second clip | 120x speed | 18GB storage
Example 2: Target Clip Length Calculation
Problem: You need exactly a 15-second clip at 30fps with 3-second intervals. How long must you shoot?
Solution: Required frames: 15 x 30 = 450 frames\nShooting time: 450 x 3 seconds = 1,350 seconds = 22.5 minutes\nSpeed-up factor: 1,350 / 15 = 90x\nStorage (25MB RAW): 450 x 25MB = 11.25GB
Result: Shoot for 22.5 minutes to get a 15-second clip at 90x speed
Frequently Asked Questions
What interval should I use for time lapse photography?
The ideal interval depends on the speed of your subject. For fast-moving clouds, use 1-3 seconds between shots. For slow clouds or general cityscapes, try 3-5 seconds. For sunsets and sunrises, 5-10 seconds works well because the light changes gradually. For star movement, use 20-30 seconds (limited by the 500 rule to avoid star trails). For construction projects or plant growth, intervals of minutes to hours are appropriate. A good rule of thumb is to consider how fast the scene changes visibly and set your interval so each frame captures a noticeable but not jarring difference from the previous one.
How many frames per second should I use for time lapse playback?
The standard frame rates for time lapse playback are 24fps (cinematic look), 25fps (PAL broadcast standard), and 30fps (NTSC broadcast standard). For smooth-looking time lapse videos, 24fps or 30fps are the most common choices. Higher frame rates like 60fps create an ultra-smooth appearance but require twice as many photos for the same clip duration. If your time lapse will be integrated into a larger video project, match the frame rate of the main project. For social media sharing, 30fps is widely compatible. Most video editors default to 24fps or 30fps timelines, making these the safest choices for general use.
What camera settings work best for time lapse photography?
For consistent time lapse results, use full manual mode including manual focus, manual exposure, and manual white balance. This prevents flickering between frames caused by slight auto-exposure variations. Set your aperture for the desired depth of field (f/8-f/11 for landscapes). Use the lowest ISO possible to minimize noise across hundreds of frames. For shutter speed, a general guideline is to use a speed around half your interval (for example, 2.5 seconds for a 5-second interval) to create slight motion blur between frames, which produces smoother playback. Use an intervalometer or built-in camera interval timer to automate the shooting process.
How much storage space do I need for a time lapse shoot?
Storage requirements depend on the number of shots and file size per image. RAW files from a full-frame camera typically range from 25-60MB each, while JPEGs range from 5-15MB. For a one-hour shoot at 5-second intervals: 720 shots times 25MB (RAW) equals 18GB, or 720 shots times 8MB (JPEG) equals 5.76GB. For a 4-hour sunset time lapse at 3-second intervals: 4,800 shots times 25MB equals 120GB. Always bring more storage than calculated and shoot RAW when possible for maximum post-processing flexibility. Consider a camera with dual card slots for backup, and carry spare memory cards for extended shoots.
What is the speed-up factor in time lapse and how is it determined?
The speed-up factor tells you how much faster the final video plays compared to real time. It is calculated by dividing the total shooting duration in seconds by the resulting clip duration in seconds. For example, shooting for 60 minutes (3,600 seconds) that produces a 15-second clip has a speed-up factor of 240x, meaning the video plays 240 times faster than real life. This factor is determined by your interval and frame rate: speed-up factor equals interval times frame rate. With a 5-second interval at 24fps, everything appears 120 times faster. Understanding this factor helps you visualize how the final video will look before you start shooting.
How do I avoid flickering in my time lapse videos?
Flickering (also called time lapse flicker) is caused by slight exposure variations between frames, even in manual mode, due to mechanical aperture blade inconsistencies. To minimize it, use the lens wide open or tape the aperture ring. Enable exposure lock if your camera supports it. Shoot in aperture priority only if lighting changes dramatically (like sunset). In post-processing, use deflicker software such as LRTimelapse, Sequence, or Adobe After Effects. Another approach is to shoot slightly overexposed and correct in post, which gives more consistent results. Using electronic shutter mode instead of mechanical shutter can also eliminate aperture-related flickering on cameras that support it.