Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

How To Make Time Lapse Video

25/08/2023

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.
LINK: https://gopro.com/en/gb/news/how-to-make-time-lapse-video...
See more stories from gopro

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

07/10/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Media Operations from Ingest to Distribution

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

Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Germany with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos

June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...

14/08/2026

AT&T Returns as Sponsor of Fifth-Annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit

AT&T returns as a sponsor of the DirtFish Women in Motorsport (WiM) Summit, which marks its fifth year Aug. 21-22 in Snoqualmie, WA. This year's event will ...

14/08/2026

Perfect Game Blends Broadcast Polish with Social Swagger as All-American Classic Makes Move to Citizens Bank Park

A six-camera flypack production will anchor Sunday's game while Perfect Game...

14/08/2026

UJAM introduce Virtual Drummer Neon

Latest instalment delivers disco-inspired grooves The latest addition to UJAM's virtual drum line-up has been designed with contemporary pop, disco, dan...

14/08/2026

Yorkville launch the EL24S

Elite range gains giant 24-inch powered sub The latest expansion of Yorkville's Elite range introduces what the company say is the world's first act...

14/08/2026

Call for the 20th South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAs20) Overall Judging Chairpersons Nominations

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Ar...

14/08/2026

LiveU, Panasonic LUMIX Launch 'Live Anywhere' Production Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

PBS Station Takes Iron Mountain to Court Over Archives

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

TV Globo Chooses Triveni Digital to Support TV 3 0 Footba...

Leading Brazilian Broadcaster Will Use Triveni Digital's TV 3.0 Broadcast Chain and Service Quality Assurance Solutions to Support Next-Generation Televisio...

14/08/2026

Beam Dynamics Makes IBC Debut with Major Expansion into L...

Beam Dynamics will make its IBC debut this September, marking a major step in the company's growth. Beam helps broadcast, live production and professional A...

14/08/2026

Conservative Groups Urge FCC to Stay Out of Affiliate Deals

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

LiveU and Panasonic LUMIX Launch 'Live Anywhere' Production Workflow

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

Cineverse Launches New Tools to Repurpose Audio Ads for CTV

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

Hearst Television Ups Derek Schnell to VP, News

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/08/2026

amaran Makes Its Global Debut in Audio With the Launch of...

amaran, pioneer of lighting tools for creators, today announced the amaran Mic, a 99 wireless desktop microphone that brings the brand into audio for creators ...

14/08/2026

Creative COW Roundtable: Introduction to the New After Effects Assistant - AEAI

Creative COW Roundtable: Introduction to the New After Effects Assistant - AEAI Brie Clayton August 13, 2026 0 Comments On August 23, 2026 at 9am PDT/...

14/08/2026

Life on Waves Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio

Life on Waves Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio Brie Clayton August 13, 2026 0 Comments Collaborative editing and color grading workflow supported by...

14/08/2026

Why Bulletproof Video Project Archiving Is Non-Negotiable

Why Bulletproof Video Project Archiving Is Non-Negotiable John Carboni August 13, 2026 0 Comments In video production, the work is far from over when ...

14/08/2026

Stacked with Boston Conservatory Talent, Shakespeare on the Common Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

Stacked with Boston Conservatory Talent, Shakespeare on the Common Celebrates It...

14/08/2026

Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, returning this September for a second season

Friday 14 August 2026 Breaking news! Sky releases trailer for The Paper, return...

14/08/2026

Cotswolds Designer Outlet, one year on

It's been one year since our client, Cotswolds Designer Outlet, opened its doors and we've loved seeing the scheme come to life. Together, we've hel...

13/08/2026

LaLiga Renews Broadcast Agreements with ESPN and DSports in South America Through 2031/32

LaLiga has renewed broadcast agreements with ESPN and DSports covering Spanish-l...

13/08/2026

Rockstar Energy Open Builds Third Portland Show Around AI-Powered Vertical Feed, Remote Operators

Three days of skateboarding competitions, live music, and other programming will...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Matrox Video to Showcase IP and Software-Defined Technologies

Matrox Video will showcase its portfolio of IP and software-defined technologies at IBC2026 (Booth 7.B15, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14). The portfolio includ...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: SMPTE to Present Sessions, Workshops, and Networking Events

SMPTE will present expert-led sessions, professional workshops, and networking events at IBC2026. The organization will be located in the IBC2026 Owner Pavilion...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Clear-Com to Showcase Communications Solutions

Clear-Com will exhibit at IBC2026 (Stand 10.D29, September 11-14, Amsterdam), showcasing FreeSpeak Cell, Avalon IP Station, updates to Arcadia Central Station, ...

13/08/2026

Advanced Systems Group Appoints Eran Binyamin Zeitoun as Senior Technical Program Manager

Advanced Systems Group (ASG) has appointed Eran Binyamin Zeitoun as Senior Techn...

13/08/2026

2026 SVG Venues & Teams Summit Heats Up Kaseya Center in Miami

Miami HEAT, Florida Panthers, Orlando Magic, University of Miami join leading vendors for a day of gameday-production talk in South Florida The 2026 SVG Venues...

13/08/2026

MLB at Field of Dreams Returns as Netflix Joins the Effort, Leans Into Cinematic Look at Newly Permanent Ballpark

NBC Sports is producing the Twins-Phillies game alongside the streamer, which is...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Oracle to Showcase Cloud Media Workflows

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) will exhibit at IBC2026 (Hall 5, Booth 5.A21, September 11-14, Amsterdam), demonstrating cloud-based workflows across low-late...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Dalet to Participate Accelerator Programme with AI Live Sports Workflow Demo

Dalet will participate in the IBC2026 Accelerator Media Innovation Programme, co...

13/08/2026

Cox Media Group Announces Local Broadcast Deals with Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets

Cox Media Group (CMG) has announced multi-year local broadcast rights agreements...

13/08/2026

Jnger Audio to Demonstrate Cloud-Based DTV+ Workflow at SET Expo 2026

J nger Audio will join Fraunhofer IIS and industry partners to showcase a cloud-based, DTV+-compliant workflow at SET Expo 2026 in S o Paulo, August 17-20. DTV+...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Olympic Broadcasting Services to Receive International Honour for Excellence

IBC has announced that Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will receive the Inte...

13/08/2026

NESN Expands Red Sox Broadcast Distribution for Jimmy Fund Telethon

NESN has partnered with WSBK-TV38 to broadcast Boston Red Sox games on August 17 and 18 over the air, extending the reach of the 24th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fun...

13/08/2026

LiveU and Panasonic LUMIX Launch Live Anywhere Mobile Production Workflow

LiveU and Panasonic LUMIX have announced the Live Anywhere workflow, demonstrated at NAB 2026 and InfoComm 2026 in collaboration with Social180Group. The work...

13/08/2026

IBC 2026: Chyron to Showcase Sports Workflow Solutions

Chyron will demonstrate its sports analysis, graphics, remote production, virtual production, and venue control solutions at IBC2026 (Booth 7.A23). This year...

13/08/2026

Ratings Roundup: Pro Football Hall of Fame Game Draws 7 Million During Quiet August for Sports

Ratings Roundup is a rundown of recent ratings news and is derived from press re...

13/08/2026

ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, Prime Video Set National Slates for Year 2 of NBA Rights Deal

Season tips off Oct. 20 and runs through April 11; Christmas Day, NBA Cup, All-S...

13/08/2026

VAEMI announce the Synterra

Company preview bio-interactive' synthesizer VAEMI have announced the upcoming launch of a new standalone bio-interactive' generative synthesizer....

13/08/2026

Ravine DSP update Inter::State

Plug-in host gains new Slot Scenes feature Ravine DSP have recently updated their innovative plug-in host, kitting it out with a new feature that brings yet...

13/08/2026

Tubi Media Group Partners with Gracenote to Unlock Additional Value in Content Discovery and Programmatic CTV Advertising

New Agreement Aims to Leverage Gracenote Infrastructure to Create More Relevant ...

13/08/2026

CMG Expands Local Sports Offering With Two NBA Deals

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

13/08/2026

Olympic Broadcasting Services to receive IBC2026 Internat...

IBC today announced that its most prestigious honour, the International Honour for Excellence (IHFE), will be presented to Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS), ...

13/08/2026

Dalet Demonstrates the Future of AI-Orchestrated Live Spo...

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced its participation in the IBC2026 Accelerator Media Innovation Pro...

13/08/2026

dzjinius to showcase new dzjinius on-set application at I...

dzjinius, the all-in-one production management platform for the media and entertainment industry, will showcase its new application, dzjinius on-set , at IBC20...

13/08/2026

BCE Demonstrates Sovereign Cloud Media Workflows powered...

Broadcasting Center Europe (BCE), a leading European provider of media services, system integration and product development, will demonstrate an end-to-end sove...

13/08/2026

Clear-Com to Showcase Communications Solutions for Broadc...

Clear-Com is returning to IBC 2026, taking place September 11-14 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. At Stand 10.D29, Clear-Com will spotlight the award-winning FreeSpe...