
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...
04/09/2026
Media organisations interested in the Media Innovation Europe 3.0 Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) can now consult a new FAQ document providing additional a...
04/09/2026
Eluvio will demonstrate updates to its Content Fabric platform at IBC2026 (Hall 8, Stand 8.MS5, and Future Tech Zone, Hall 14, Stand 14.A58, September 11-14). C...
04/09/2026
LiveU has joined the IBC Accelerator's Smart Stories consortium, a multi-vendor initiative developing an open standard for Story Context interoperability in...
04/09/2026
Telos Alliance will demonstrate new audio observability capabilities at IBC2026 (Stand 8.D37, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14), covering monitoring of audio heal...
04/09/2026
World Team Tennis (WTT) has announced a broadcast partnership with USA Sports, the sports division of Versant. USA Sports will air all six of WTT's live mat...
04/09/2026
Gravity Media has appointed Alex Pannell as Chief Business Officer. Pannell joins from Appear, where he served as Chief Commercial Officer. He will be based in ...
04/09/2026
Dalet has announced new agentic workflow capabilities for Dalia, its AI platform for media organizations, ahead of IBC2026. The updates extend Dalia from an AI ...
04/09/2026
L-Acoustics has achieved EN 54 certification across a portfolio of loudspeakers,...
04/09/2026
EVS and Matrox Video have announced a technology partnership integrating Matrox ...
04/09/2026
NEP Group will exhibit at IBC2026 (Hall 7, Stand 7.B55, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14), demonstrating software-defined production capabilities across NEP Platf...
04/09/2026
The Television Academy has awarded an Engineering Emmy to Dr. Roman Foltyn, Chief Engineer of FoMaSystems, and Curt O. Schaller for the development of the ARRI ...
04/09/2026
InSync Technology will exhibit at IBC2026 (Stand 1.A55, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14), demonstrating its FrameFormer and NOVA conversion platforms for frame r...
04/09/2026
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) has signed a multi-year agreemen...
04/09/2026
Accedo and MediaKind have announced a white-label, end-to-end streaming solution for operators, combining Accedo's native application framework and cloud-ba...
04/09/2026
TAG Video Systems has announced TAG Blue, a cloud platform for shared monitoring visibility across video delivery chains, with AI-powered root-cause analysis. T...
04/09/2026
TwelveLabs has launched a video compliance platform for media organizations, inc...
04/09/2026
The Television Academy and the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences ha...
04/09/2026
Powerful new soft synth announced
Traveler is the first software instrument to be released by KeySolutions Sounds, and it's an ambitious one! Said to co...
04/09/2026
Free virtual instrument range expanded
The latest expansion of e-instruments' free Fragments series introduces a packed-down version of the company'...
04/09/2026
Company recognised for second time
Two years after winning an Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy Award for dxRevive Pro, Accentize have been recognised ...
04/09/2026
Bilbao - 3rd September 2026 -AgileTV, a leading provider of end-to-end TV and vi...
04/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/09/2026
ACEMAGIC First to Introduce Ryzen AI Max PRO 495 AI Mini Workstation at IFA 202...
04/09/2026
Krotos Brings Video to Sound Footsteps Directly into Premiere Pro and DaVinci Re...
04/09/2026
RED DIGITAL CINEMA Comes Out Swinging at IBC 2026 with Next-Generation Live Broa...
04/09/2026
Orty v2.0-web - the cold-outreach assistant moves to the web
Brie Clayton September 4, 2026
0 Comments
Orty today announced v2.0-web of its AI cold-ou...
04/09/2026
Lightware is expanding its LARA (Lightware Advanced Room Automation) platform with the GUDE Power Distribution Units (PDU) driver module. GUDE devices can now b...
04/09/2026
Lightware shares the second release in its ESG communications series. Following the first piece, which focused on the companys environmental performance, this r...
04/09/2026
Big Blue Marble supported a leading European public service broadcaster in delivering the Soccer World Cup 2026 streams, supplying more than 10 Tbps of bandwidt...
04/09/2026
Outstanding achievement in engineering, science and technology
Hitomi Broadcast has been recognised with an Engineering, Science & Technology Emmy from the Ac...
04/09/2026
California, Hollywood at a Crossroads
Andy Marken September 3, 2026
0 Comments
I'm doing everything alone. Crossing roads alone. Seeing the Eiffe...
04/09/2026
Berklee Announces Winners of 2026 SongwritersdB Songwriting Contest Students Luca Alexandru, Annika Wild, and Johanna James received the top prizes for origin...
04/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
04/09/2026
RT ANNOUNCE NEW DRAMA THE MURDER OF MR. MOONLIGHT
BASED ON THE DISAPPEARANCE...
03/09/2026
Yospace will be at IBC from 11th - 14th September (booth 5.C78). For more inform...
03/09/2026
NEP Group has announced leadership changes at Creative Technology Group. Founder and CEO Graham Andrews will step away from day-to-day leadership at the end of ...
03/09/2026
The NFL and TikTok have announced a multi-year partnership renewal expanding the league's presence on the platform. NFL posts on TikTok increased more than ...
03/09/2026
Grass Valley has appointed Ronny Van Geel as Vice President, Cameras. Van Geel began his career in 1999 at Philips DVS and moved into product management in 2005...
03/09/2026
Telestream has announced Vantage Super Resolution, an AI-powered upscaling capability for the Vantage media workflow platform, developed in collaboration with N...
03/09/2026
Solid State Logic (SSL) will debut the TCA Tour at IBC2026 (Hall 8, Stand 8.B45), a portable production system built from System T components in a desktop frame...
03/09/2026
DPA Microphones has announced the 6388 CORE Headset Microphone, making its debut at IBC2026 (Hall 8, Stand D60). The supercardioid headset features a physicall...
03/09/2026
Qvest will present a multi-vendor Dynamic Media Facility (DMF) showcase at IBC2026 (Booth 10.C24), demonstrating how the EBU's DMF architecture can be imple...
03/09/2026
Imagine Communications will showcase the Magellan PanelFlex control surface and other control portfolio updates at IBC2026 (Stand 1.B73, RAI Amsterdam, Septembe...
03/09/2026
Bridge Technologies will announce at IBC2026 (Booth 1.A71) that its VB440 production probe is now available as a software-based solution, deployable on commerci...