
With its high-resolution video, waterproof construction, built-in image stabilization, compact size and low cost compared to the majority of DSLR cameras, GoPro is one of the best time lapse cameras available. Not to mention, HyperSmooth technology makes it possible to shoot a smooth action time lapse, which we call a TimeWarp.
Time Lapse Video vs. Time Lapse Photo
Learning how to time lapse with GoPro cameras is easy. To start, it helps to understand that GoPro cameras provides two time lapse modes. In both modes, GoPro cameras captures still images at regular intervals. In Time Lapse Video mode, GoPro cameras automatically stitches stills into a video file. This is the easiest way to create time lapse video.
In Time Lapse Photo mode, GoPro cameras save each still image separately and you can stitch them together yourself with your preferred software. Yes, this involves more work, but it also gives you more control.
To shoot time lapse in either mode, simply swipe left-to-right or right-to-left to select Time Lapse on the back LCD screen or toggle to Time Lapse by pressing the power button. By swiping top-to-bottom, you can access ProTune settings and choose between Time Lapse Video or Photo mode under Format.
Time Lapse vs. TimeWarp
GoPro's Time Lapse mode is used for standard time lapse capture-GoPro sits on a stable surface and doesn't move for the duration of the shot. In TimeWarp mode, GoPro applies HyperSmooth stabilization technology, which means you can move GoPro and still get smooth action time/hyper lapse shots.
Simply put: Use Time Lapse for stationary shooting and TimeWarp for movement.
Imagine capturing your marathon or a tedious road trip or even a top-to-bottom trail and being able to share quick, compelling AND dynamic content without shake. This is exactly what TimeWarp delivers. Plus, in TimeWarp, you can jump to Real Time (aka regular video)by tapping the screen, allowing you to create creative ramp-up shots.
Time Lapse settings
GoPro Time Lapse settings include:
Resolution: Shoot at up to 4K resolution with HERO11 Black Action Camera, Mini (Small Action Camera) and HERO10 Black.
Interval: This is how often GoPro cameras capture a still-anywhere from half a second to an hour.
Lens: Choose Wide, Narrow or Linear just as you would in normal video mode.
Format: Choose between Time Lapse Video or Photo mode.
Scheduled Capture: This allows you to schedule when time lapse starts. This can also be used to toggle the camera on and start capture when its been placed somewhere strategic.
Duration: Define how long GoPro should capture time lapse footage. Set to no limit to capture until you stop it.
Timer: Set a start delay so you can get into the shot (or out of it).
Zoom: Zoom in from 1.0x (all the way out) to 2.0x.
In addition, you can change ProTune settings just like in normal video mode and choose Night Lapse mode for night time lapse with more low-light friendly shutter speeds. HERO11 Black also adds three new Night Effects called Star Trails, Vehicle Lights and Light Painting modes for a whole new range of creative possibilities.
The best Time Lapse accessories
Time Lapse and TimeWarp are easy out of the box, but a few accessories can help ensure you nail the shot. For stability in Time Lapse mode, use the Volta (External Battery Grip / Tripod / Remote), which is a tripod and external battery. GoPro can shoot time lapse for as long as the battery lasts, so having an external power source is handy to extend your shoot.
Either Volta or the Enduro Rechargeable Battery will provide extra juice for long TimeWarp videos too, say on a long bike ride or hike. Finally, try the Protective Camera Housing + Waterproof Case for HERO11 Black to get intense deep water TimeWarp video.
Time Lapse is one of the coolest video effects you to experiment with, and it's a cinch with GoPro. Get out there and try your hand at some creative time lapse video today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GoPro good for time lapse?
GoPro cameras are excellent for time lapse, both in a fixed position and on the move!
What is the best time lapse camera?
With multiple time lapse modes, HyperSmooth image stabilization and GoPros special TimeWarp mode, GoPro cameras is one of the best time lapse cameras around.
Difference between Time Lapse Video vs Time Lapse Photo vs TimeWarp on GoPro?
Time Lapse Video mode captures images at regular intervals, automatically stitching them into a video file. Time Lapse Photo captures the same images but saves them as individual files you can stitch together yourself. Finally, TimeWarp adds HyperSmooth image stabilization for moving time lapse and the ability to drop into regular video mode on the fly for cool ramp-up effects.
How long can a GoPro do a time lapse?
GoPro cameras can time lapse as long as the battery lasts and theres room on the SD card. This means it depends on the resolution you shoot at, the type of battery youre using and the size of your SD card.
How to time lapse with GoPro?
Time lapse with GoPro cameras is easy. Just choose Time Lapse mode by swiping on the home screen or pushing the power button to scroll through modes.
GoPro time lapse settings?
In Time Lapse mode, you have access to all the video and ProTune settings like resolution, color profile, field of view and so on. Plus, you can choose Time Lapse Video or Time Lapse Photo mode, interval, TimeWarp mode, scheduled capture or set a timer.
Best GoPro accessories to shoot time lapse video?
To enhance your time lapse experience, we recommend extra battery life from Volta or the Enduro Rechargeable Battery and for amazing deep water TimeWarp, add the Protective Housing.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
11/08/2026
Weekly immersive broadcasts will feature 8K 3D video, a 180-degree field of view...
11/08/2026
By Briana Brady, Social Media Manager, Production Hub
Sports content is having ...
11/08/2026
She addresses why media organizations need more than asset storage, how sports t...
11/08/2026
Remote commentary has improved significantly on these broadcasts
At a clip of ...
11/08/2026
A pair of LANTIME IMS M2000 PTP Grandmasters deliver resilient timing infrastruc...
11/08/2026
LTN has announced expanded capabilities for its Live Event Master Control offering, providing sports broadcasters, leagues, rights holders, and content owners w...
11/08/2026
WTA Ventures has appointed IMG as its managed production services partner in a multi-year agreement commencing with the 2027 season. The partnership is the late...
11/08/2026
The New York Jets and CBS New York have agreed to a multi-year extension of their partnership, keeping CBS New York as the official broadcast home of the team. ...
11/08/2026
Nielsen Holdings and DoubleVerify have announced a definitive agreement under which Nielsen will acquire DoubleVerify in an all-cash transaction with an enterpr...
11/08/2026
The Audio Engineering Society has announced the results of its 2026 Board of Dir...
11/08/2026
The CSN co-founder details its network and affiliate' model, how creator wi...
11/08/2026
Gravity Media is providing host broadcast operations for the Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026, supporting ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) in delivering the tournament to glo...
11/08/2026
TAG Video Systems has released a memory usage optimization for its MCM software that reduces the cost per channel by up to two-thirds for compressed workflows. ...
11/08/2026
SMT is expanding its technology partnership with the Cincinnati Open this year, adding new LED displays, production capabilities, and fan-facing experiences at ...
11/08/2026
The Pac-12 has announced that home Olympic sports broadcasts throughout the fall season will be available free on the conference's YouTube channel at youtub...
11/08/2026
Spreading a message of faith requires both widespread accessibility and uncompromising visual quality. Real Life Network (RLN), a free, faith-based digital stre...
11/08/2026
Taking the synergy of sports and entertainment a step further, the NFL venue in Nashville will house iterations of two iconic music clubs
The marriage of Taylo...
11/08/2026
Free library captures pro classical string section
There's no shortage of freebies in The Crow Hill Company's line-up, with their Vaults series offe...
11/08/2026
Percussion instrument introduces all-new engine
Emergence Audio have just introduced a instrument that brings together a vast collection of percussive analo...
11/08/2026
Introduces new all-in-one Spatial Panner tool
Boris FX have recently announced the latest major update for their mastering and broadcast-focused DAW softwar...
11/08/2026
Rohde & Schwarz installs millimeter wave security scanners at Airports of Thaila...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
farmerswife and Cirkus will return to IBC 2026 to showcase new tools designed to help broadcast, media and post-production teams manage workflows with greater s...
11/08/2026
LiveUs LU900Q intelligent production unit played a central role in the host broadcast operation for the Games in Glasgow (July 23 to August 2, 2026). The host b...
11/08/2026
Jigsaw24 has appointed James Morse as Client Director, Media Sales, as it deepens its focus on sports, live events and integrated production. His appointment co...
11/08/2026
Net Insight today announced that DMC Production Norway has selected its Open Live Media solution to centralize the production of Blinkfestivalen 2026. Combining...
11/08/2026
Modular HEVC and JPEG XS workflows enabled resilient, ultra-low-latency delivery for leading linear and digital media platforms across all 104 matches
Appear A...
11/08/2026
Homecoming Artist Spotlight: Fabiola M ndez The first cuatrista to graduate from Berklee talks about the community that shaped her career ahead of her Homecom...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
11/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced Dalet Solution Suites, a new portfolio of cloud-native solutions ...
11/08/2026
Mediagenix, a global leader in smart content solutions to profitably connect the right content to the right audience, will showcase how media companies can prep...
11/08/2026
Transforming your audience into advocates with Kelsey Gamble 10 August 2026
Building community, harnessing fandom for marketing and activating the four stages ...
11/08/2026
Whether gamers are looking for high-octane action or a laid-back afternoon, Appl...
11/08/2026
Hosts D ith S and Kathryn Thomas rose to the occasion on Tuesday (August 11)...
11/08/2026
Every new generation of accelerated computing demands more from the infrastructure underneath it - more compute performance, higher rack density and more effici...
11/08/2026
A Day in May airs Wednesday 12 August at 9.35pm RT One and RT Player
A Day in May revisits the people and stories behind Ireland's historic marriage equa...
11/08/2026
As AI shifts from chatbots to autonomous agents, open models are serving market ...
11/08/2026
The open source ecosystem is making it easier for AI enthusiasts and developers to build, customize and run increasingly capable agents locally.
Throughout Au...
10/08/2026
Weekly immersive broadcasts will feature 8K 3D video, a 180-degree field of view...
10/08/2026
Saturation plug-in free until 20 August 2026
fedDSP have announced the launch of Raiju, a new guitar pedal-style saturation plug-in that's capable of de...
10/08/2026
New mix-comparison & feedback tool
Independent Swedish record label I/O Music have recently released a handy new tool that provides artists, engineers, prod...
10/08/2026
Additive soft synth gains free counterpart
Sound Radix have just released a free monophonic additive software synth that's based on the same engine as t...
10/08/2026
Chroma integrates MXO oscilloscopes into ATS 8000 platform, rounding out its hig...