Time-Lapse Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What interval should I use for clouds?

2-5 seconds is ideal for fast-moving cumulus clouds. Slower-moving cirrus or fog may need 10-15 seconds. Review a short test sequence to confirm the motion looks natural before committing to a full shoot.

When do I solve for interval instead of clip length?

When you have a fixed event duration and a required clip length - for example, a 2-minute broadcast segment from a 4-hour event - solve for the interval that produces exactly 2 minutes at 24 fps.

Should I use RAW or JPEG for time-lapse?

RAW gives maximum flexibility for color grading and exposure correction across a sequence. JPEG saves storage and is often sufficient for web delivery. Many photographers shoot JPEG for long unattended sequences and RAW for short critical ones.

How do I avoid flicker in my time-lapse?

Use fully manual exposure and manual white balance so every frame is identical. Aperture flicker (from lens aperture variation) can be addressed by using a 'lens twist' or by shooting in Av mode on cameras that support aperture-priority time-lapse with consistent exposure.

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Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

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How It Works

A time-lapse compresses a long real-world event into a short video clip by photographing it at a regular interval and then playing those frames at a higher rate. Two equations govern everything: frames = event_duration / interval and clip_length = frames / output_fps.

Knowing any three of the four quantities (event duration, interval, clip length, output fps) fixes the fourth. This calculator solves for whichever variable you choose. It also estimates total storage: storage_GB = frames x average_file_size_MB / 1,024.

Event duration is entered in minutes for convenience and converted internally to seconds for the calculation. Output fps is typically 24, 25, or 30 for cinema or video playback standards.

Use Cases

Time-lapse planning applies to any project compressing time:

Sunrise and sunset sequences: a 2-hour event at 5-second intervals with 24 fps output gives a 60-second clip

Star trails and Milky Way rotation: 20-30 second intervals for celestial motion

Construction and plant growth: minutes to hours between frames for very slow subjects

Weather and cloud formation: 2-5 second intervals to show storm dynamics

Urban flow and traffic: 3-10 second intervals to compress city activity into an atmospheric sequence

Tips

The interval must always be longer than shutter speed plus card write time - a 25-second exposure cannot use a 10-second interval.

For stars, a 20-30 second interval balances exposure length against the star movement visible between frames.

Check battery life before starting - a 4-hour shoot at 5-second intervals needs the camera to fire 2,880 times; most mirrorless cameras need AC power for unattended overnight captures.

Budget extra frames at the start and end of a sequence - the first and last frames are often the most dramatic, and you may want to trim the in-between footage in post.

RAW sequences consume storage rapidly; verify the storage estimate with your card capacity before pressing start.

FAQ