You don’t have to buy a specific time-lapse camera to take amazing footage. Many modern cameras offer the facility, and others can be used with an interval timer. This is a short round-up of some cameras that make the time-lapse genre easily accessible.
You do not have to look for a fast frame-per-second rate, speedy autofocus, or a tracking system. What is important is a high-resolution sensor, the ability to shoot in RAW, and work well in low light.
Our top pick is the GoPro Hero11. It combines amazing go-anywhere capabilities with simple time-lapse and hyper-lapse shooting:
What are the Best Time-Lapse Cameras for Photography?
This review looks at cameras for short-term time-lapse. Films that cover days, weeks, or months, like construction projects, use more specialized cameras. Before we look at the cameras in more detail, here’s a table with a summary of their features.
- Incredible photo resolution
- Fantastic 5.3K video resolution for vivid action footage
- 1080p live stream and webcam
- HyperSmooth image stabilization for smooth video recording
- Waterproof down to 33 ft (10 m)
- Best battery life from a GoPro
- Fantastic overall image quality
- Excellent 3D continuous AF tracking
- Long, 1,840-shot battery life
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Sharp 4K/30p Ultra HD video
- Excellent 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
- Dual Pixel AF with eye detection
- Decent frame rate of 10 fps
- Good, 1,300-shot battery life
- Live View and 4K/30p Ultra HD video
- Quick and accurate 693-point AF
- Wide ISO range with a low 50 setting
- Outstanding dynamic range and low-light performance
- Records stunning 4K video and has live stream capabilities
- 4K video at 120 fps
- Maximum 240 fps at 1080p
- Waterproof to 33' (10 m) without a case
- Modular design
- Flexible mounting options
Now, starting with our top pick, let’s look in a little detail at our recommendations.
1. GoPro HERO11 Black
| Brand |
Brand
GoPro
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
27 MP |
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/1.9"
|
| Field of View |
Field of View
155 |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
Electronic Image Stabalization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
|
| Slow Motion Speed |
Slow Motion Speed
 8x |
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi
 |
The GoPro Hero11 Black makes time-lapse and hyper-lapse video super easy. Hyper-lapse is a time-lapse movie where the camera is not in a fixed position. GoPro calls its time-lapse “TimeWarp” and the software does a great job of smoothing out the changes in exposure.
The other thing the GoPro smoothes out is camera-shake. The HERO11 is probably unmatched in its image stabilization. It is almost unbelievably smooth, and horizon leveling can now keep the horizontals remaining that way, even as the camera rotates 360 degrees.
Added to this it the ease with which you can attach a GoPro almost anywhere—there’s even a harness for dogs—giving you a wealth of possibilities limited mainly by your imagination.
2. Nikon D850
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F FX
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
45.7 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
153 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
7 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
 3.2" |
The Nikon D850 is not just an excellent pro-level DSLR, with all the features and capability you would expect. But it also has a built-in intervalometer and time-lapse movie shooting modes. The former allows you to take pictures at set intervals, then process them at a later date into a movie. The latter combines the images in-camera for ease of use.
You might want to choose the interval timer for capturing the best quality, or for processing individual frames (which are normal photos).
In every other respect, this is an excellent camera. It has a wealth of lenses to choose from, a top-quality sensor, and AF capability. You won’t be limited to time-lapse photos if you have the Nikon D850 in your bag.
3. Canon EOS 90D
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF/EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
33 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
45 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
 3" |
The Canon EOS D90 has the same time-lapse options as the Nikon. The main differences are in size—both of the sensor and body. The Canon has a 32.5 MP sensor, but it is APS-C rather than full frame.
One benefit of this is that the camera is lighter and easier to mount in places that might be appealing for a time-lapse video. It has similar advantages to the Nikon—a huge range of lenses available, highly-regarded AF and metering systems, and uses far beyond the one genre of time-lapse.
A great choice of camera which also includes the benefit of time-lapse photography.
4. Sony a7 III
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony FE
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.2 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
693 |
| Minimum ISO (Native) |
Minimum ISO (Native)
100 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
51,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| Video |
Video
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
Lots of people are fans of the Sony a7 III, and video is one of its main strengths. Its built-in intervalometer opens up the world of time-lapse as well. The full frame sensor produces images of the highest quality, and its low-light performance is excellent. This is important, as time-lapse really seems to come alive at night.
Like the other cameras in this review, the Sony a7 III is not a one-trick pony. It handles still and video photography with style, and it is a reassuringly well-made camera. Image quality is excellent, and its 693-point autofocus system is quick and reliable.
There aren’t as many E-mount lenses as you’ll find for Nikon and Canon cameras, but there are more than enough to meet your needs. And the Sony will deliver on a daily basis as an excellent camera whatever your needs.
5. DJI Action 2
| Released |
Released
2021
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
12 MP |
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/1.7"
|
| Field of View |
Field of View
155 |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
Electronic Image Stabalization
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Slow Motion Speed |
Slow Motion Speed
8x |
| Depth Rating |
Depth Rating
10 m
|
| Wi-Fi |
Wi-Fi
|
Like the GoPro, the DJI Action II combines amazing image stabilization and super-easy time-lapse. It also comes with a range of modular options from front-facing screens to magnetic mounting systems. For time-lapse on the go or in tough environments, it’s a great alternative to the ubiquitous GoPro.
Other features such as 4K video at 120 fps or super slow-motion 1080p at 240 fps are great for action camera enthusiasts.
There are almost limitless ways of mounting the DJI Action II, allowing time-lapse photography in all sorts of unusual places.
Conclusion
There are all sorts of ways of getting into time-lapse photography. If you’re looking to buy a camera with time-lapse as the main feature, you won’t go far wrong with our top choice. It can produce jaw-dropping images in the most difficult of situations.
Effortlessly create stunning time-lapse video and photos with our Total Time-Lapse course!
