What this tool does
The Timelapse Interval Calculator helps photographers and videographers plan timelapse sequences by determining the exact interval between shots. You enter how long the real event lasts (such as a 2-hour sunset), how long you want the final video to be (such as 30 seconds), and what frame rate you are targeting. The calculator tells you exactly how many seconds to wait between each photo, how many total frames you need, and how much storage space those images will require.
Planning a timelapse without doing the math first can lead to wasted time, missed shots, or full memory cards. This tool eliminates the guesswork so you can configure your intervalometer with confidence and focus on getting the shot right.
How it calculates
**Core formulas:** \`\`\` Total Frames = Playback Duration (seconds) x Frame Rate (fps) Interval = Event Duration (seconds) / Total Frames Storage = Total Frames x Average File Size \`\`\`
**Where:** - **Event Duration** is the real-world time of the scene you are capturing - **Playback Duration** is the desired length of the final video - **Frame Rate** is the frames per second of the output (24 fps for cinematic, 25 fps for PAL broadcast, 30 fps for standard video) - **Average File Size** depends on whether you shoot RAW or JPEG and your camera's megapixel count
**Example:** A 2-hour sunset (7,200 seconds) compressed into a 30-second video at 24 fps needs 720 frames. Dividing 7,200 by 720 gives a 10-second interval between shots.
Common timelapse intervals
Different subjects move at different speeds, so the ideal interval varies:
- **Street traffic** (1-3 seconds): Fast-moving cars and pedestrians create smooth motion at short intervals - **Clouds** (3-5 seconds): Cumulus clouds drifting across the sky look natural at moderate intervals - **Sunset or sunrise** (5-10 seconds): The gradual change in light and color works well with longer intervals - **Stars and night sky** (20-30 seconds): Long exposures are needed to capture enough light, so intervals must be longer - **Construction projects** (5-10 minutes): Progress happens slowly over days or weeks - **Plant growth** (10-30 minutes): Sprouting and blooming happens over hours or days
These are starting points. Adjust based on wind speed, cloud coverage, and how dramatic you want the motion to appear.
Storage and battery planning
Long timelapse sessions can fill memory cards and drain batteries quickly. RAW files from a 24-megapixel camera average around 25 MB each, meaning 1,000 photos requires about 24 GB of storage. Switching to high-quality JPEG reduces that to roughly 8 GB for the same number of frames.
For shoots longer than 2 hours, consider using an AC power adapter or battery grip. Most camera batteries last for 300-500 shots under normal conditions, but cold weather can reduce that by 30-50 percent. Always carry spare batteries and memory cards as backup.
How to use
1. Enter the event duration in hours and minutes (how long the real scene will last) 2. Set the desired playback duration in seconds (how long the final video should be) 3. Choose the output frame rate (24 fps for cinematic, 25 fps for PAL, or 30 fps for standard video) 4. Select your file format (RAW or JPEG) and camera resolution for the storage estimate 5. Read the interval result and configure your intervalometer accordingly 6. Check the warnings section for any battery or storage concerns 7. Review the common intervals table to compare your settings against typical timelapse subjects
Tips for better timelapses
- **Lock your exposure**: Use manual mode to prevent flickering between frames caused by auto-exposure adjustments - **Shoot RAW**: You lose nothing by having more data, and RAW gives you full control over white balance and exposure in post - **Use a sturdy tripod**: Even small vibrations between frames can ruin a timelapse sequence - **Disable image stabilization**: Lens or sensor stabilization can cause slight shifts between frames when the camera is on a tripod - **Turn off autofocus**: Switch to manual focus after locking in your composition to prevent the lens from hunting between shots - **Account for changing light**: For sunrise or sunset timelapses, consider using aperture priority with exposure smoothing in post-production software like LRTimelapse
FAQs
**Q: What frame rate should I use for my timelapse?** A: 24 fps gives a cinematic look and is the most popular choice for timelapse videos. Use 25 fps if your final output is for PAL broadcast, or 30 fps for standard web video. Higher frame rates like 60 fps will make the timelapse appear smoother but require twice as many photos.
**Q: How do I set the interval on my camera?** A: Most modern cameras have a built-in intervalometer in the shooting menu. For older cameras, you can use an external intervalometer that plugs into the remote shutter port. Set the interval to the number of seconds this calculator provides.
**Q: Can I shoot a timelapse with my phone?** A: Yes. Most smartphone camera apps have a timelapse mode built in. However, phone timelapses typically use fixed intervals and do not give you individual frames to edit, so an intervalometer app gives you more control.
**Q: How long should my timelapse video be?** A: For social media, 15-30 seconds is the sweet spot. For a standalone video or portfolio piece, 30-60 seconds gives viewers enough time to appreciate the scene without losing interest.
**Q: What if the calculated interval is less than 1 second?** A: If the interval drops below 1 second, your camera may not be able to capture individual frames fast enough. In this case, consider increasing the event duration, shortening the playback time, or simply recording video and speeding it up in post-production.
**Q: How much storage do I need for a full-day timelapse?** A: It depends on the interval and file format. A 12-hour timelapse at 10-second intervals produces 4,320 photos. In RAW at 24 MP, that is roughly 105 GB. Switching to high-quality JPEG brings it down to about 34 GB.
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