10 best time-lapse cameras

Time-lapse videos are created by stitching together a series of photos captured over a period of time (mostly hours) and then created in accelerated footage. In the past, time-lapse videos were considered a novelty and were only limited to special events or maybe movies or television.

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However, the technology has evolved a lot since then, which means that users can record content at intervals using the standard cameras on their smartphones. However, there are some situations where a professional time-lapse camera would be needed. If you are a budding photographer with an eye for time-lapse videos, you should consider looking at a professional time-lapse or stop-motion camera.

Fortunately, the market is full of great time-lapse cameras that can suit almost all shooting needs. Whether it’s to notice progress on a construction project or to capture the nature around you, time-lapse videos can be recorded anywhere, anywhere.

The myriad of options can sometimes be confusing for customers. This is why we are compiling a list of the best time lapse cameras you can get right now. While we will discuss some of the most popular offers, we will also look at some of the underrated offers out there.

The best time-lapse cameras

1. DJI Osmo Action

DJI is a renowned manufacturer known for its drones and other equipment, including gimbals. Needless to say, the company also makes some of the best action cameras out there, perhaps on par with GoPro. The Osmo Action is a good choice for time-lapse videos, and one of the best parts is that it offers a dual-screen setup, with both LCDs acting as viewfinders.

DJI is using a 1 / 2.3-inch optical CMOS sensor that can take photos at 12MP while recording at a 145-degree wide angle. It also allows you to capture 4K HDR video at 60 frames per second. Thanks to the build quality, the Osmo Action is waterproof to 11m and resistant to temperatures of 10-, which places it among a list of elite cameras. Customers can pair the camera with their smartphone using the DJI Mimo app available for free on Android and iPhone.

As for the battery, it has a maximum capacity of 1,300 mAh, although the company does not mention how long each charge can last. The Osmo Action uses a USB C port for charging. The image quality that this action camera offers is also quite impressive. This is one of the best cameras for any budding photographer thanks to the wide range of features it offers.

Buy it now: Amazon

2. VanTop Moment 4C

This time-lapse camera is quite similar to the offering we talked about earlier, although there are a few changes on board. For starters, this camera is capable of recording content at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second, offering crystal-clear videos. Furthermore, it is also excellent with time lapses, while also having a 16 MP sensor for more than decent photos. The company mentions that this camera is waterproof to 100ft / 30m, allowing you to capture videos or photos underwater.

Thanks to the built-in electronic image stabilization, this camera is well suited for continuous shooting as it significantly reduces shake or vibration in your video. It comes with Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to pair it with your phone for wireless camera controls. The company provides a handy remote control with a couple of buttons to help you start or stop video recording.

The VanTop Moment 4C comes with two rechargeable batteries that can be changed in seconds. The idea is to have a fully charged spare battery so you can use it when the other is running low. It should last a few hours depending on usage, although the company doesn’t provide details on battery life. We put this among the best time-lapse cameras thanks to the easy-to-use features and the price.

Buy it now: Amazon

3. GoPro HERO9

If you’re looking for a more up-to-date version of the GoPro that we discussed above, the Hero9 is the action camera to get. One of the key updates here is the Hero9’s ability to record video at 5K UHD 2880p, which places it among an elite list of action cameras on the market right now. Also, you can capture great photos at 20 MP. We also like the inclusion of a display on the front along with a touchscreen on the back for controls and video resolution settings.

You can also stream 1080p live video on supported social media platforms, which is a huge improvement compared to Hero7. The inclusion of TimeWarp 3.0 allows users to effortlessly capture time-lapse video without manual interruptions. Hands down one of the best features here is Hindsight. Basically this starts recording the video 30 seconds before hitting the record button. This can be useful if you want to relive a moment that occurred before you started recording.

Unsurprisingly, this camera works with the GoPro app, which offers extensive features on your smartphone. The Hero9 also delivers great low-light videos and photos, making it the best camera on the market right now.

Buy it now: Amazon

4. GoPro Hero7

The GoPro Hero7 really needs no introduction given that it is still a hugely popular action camera with a wide range of features to boast about. This camera uses HyperSmooth to offer gimbal-like video stabilization without using one. The inclusion of TimeWarp is what makes it suitable for time-lapse photography, allowing users to create well-stabilized videos. The GoPro Hero7 is designed to be rugged and waterproof up to 33 feet (10 m).

We also like the decent-sized touchscreen on this time-lapse camera that gives the photographer access to the various shooting modes before shooting a video. Other features of this action camera include live streaming at 720p on social media platforms, as well as support for 16 voice commands such as “GoPro, take a picture.” Unsurprisingly, the Hero7 is also good with still photos that are captured at 12 MP and can withstand any light condition. Combine this with the extremely capable GoPro app and you have a great match for all your time-lapse videos.

This camera comes with a 32GB microSD card included, although users can use cards up to 128GB according to the company. Those who want to use the cloud storage option will need to get a GoPro subscription, and we recommend this option if you are looking to capture a lot of timelaps, 4K videos, and photos. These features combined make this the best camera out there, especially for time lapses.

Buy it now: Amazon

5. Dragon Touch Vision 3

The Dragon Touch Vision 3 is an excellent camera to round out our list of the best time-lapse cameras. It comes with the ability to record 4K video by default, which places it among the best in the business. Although it doesn’t have a touchscreen, the company has included a 2-inch preview screen that acts as a viewfinder for the camera while also giving you access to the general menu.

The company offers a waterproof case for the camera, allowing you to record content underwater. This offering comes with two 1,050 mAh rechargeable batteries. It also has a wireless remote that offers shutter buttons. This is in addition to Wi-Fi support through the app known as XDV, which is a free download on Android and iOS.

Although this camera can sync with your Windows computers, the company specifies that it cannot work on Mac computers. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of this offering is the price. If you are an amateur photographer looking to add interval or continuous shots to your repertoire, we highly recommend that you take a look at this offer.

Buy it now: Amazon

6. COOAU Action Best Time Lapse Cameras

As most people know, action cameras are great alternatives to dedicated time-lapse cameras, as they offer practically the same functions. This Cooau offering comes with a maximum video resolution of 3840 x 2160 (4K). In addition to capturing high-quality 4K video, this camera can also capture 20MP photos by default. To add to the long list of features, the manufacturer mentions that this offer is even compatible with underwater recording.

In terms of video quality, the company has incorporated electronic image stabilization to reduce unnecessary shake and shake in videos. Additionally, this camera comes with an external microphone, allowing photographers to capture background noise by default. To make things easier for users, the manufacturer also includes a remote control to start and stop video recording. This camera can use microSD cards up to 64GB, which can quickly run out if you shoot too much 4K video.

For mobile use, customers can download the LIVE DV app to control all aspects of the camera, including recording and downloading. The company provides two replaceable 1,200 mAh batteries with this camera, each lasting a few hours before being exhausted. There is also a micro USB port for charging the port and an HDMI port for connecting your laptop or other devices. This offer ticks all the boxes and is a decent camera for time-lapse photography.

Buy it now: Amazon

7. Brinno Empower TLC2020

The Brinno Empower TLC 2020 is relatively new to the market. This time-lapse camera expands on the best of other Brinno time-lapse cameras while offering the same reliability. The camera has a time-lapse mode, accompanied by stop motion and step video capture modes. One of the best aspects of this time-lapse camera is its ability to last for a long time. It offers a maximum focal length of 35 millimeters which should be adequate for most purposes.

It uses four AA batteries and can reportedly last up to 82 days with a 5-minute shooting interval and 110 days with a 10-minute shooting interval. Those familiar with Brinno gear will want to know that this camera is also compatible with the BCS18-5mm lens sold separately by the manufacturer. As for the use cases, the manufacturer mentions that it is suitable for outdoor construction, homeschooling, indoor activities, and more

This camera can record video at a maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080. The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on this time-lapse camera that is complemented by a 1-year warranty. Customers can get a 6-month warranty extension simply by registering the product on the company’s website. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use time-lapse camera, the Brinno TLC2020 should be high on your list.

Buy it now: Amazon

8. Brinno TLC200

The Brinno TLC200 has a lot of fans, and for good reason. This time-lapse / stop motion camera has a lot to offer, albeit in a small package. Like other cameras in this segment, the Brinno TLC200 comes with an LCD screen and a scroll button just below to help you set the correct modes before the recording time elapses.

However, customers should know that the Brinno TLC200 was originally released a few years ago, so you are likely to find newer versions of time-lapse cameras on the market. However, this particular offering makes the cut for its low-cost appeal, particularly compared to some of the cameras we’re going to talk about today. Although it does not contain weather resistance features by default, the Brinno TLC200 can be used with the company’s ATH110 accessory to make it truly resistant to rain or snow.

This time lapse camera is also compatible with the AWM100 accessory which allows the TLC200 to stay in place with the help of a strong base. Thanks to these factors, we consider the Brinno TLC200 to be among the best time-lapse cameras out there, especially for a new photographer.

Buy it now: Amazon

9. Best ATLI EON Time Lapse Cameras

The Atli Eon has a unique design for a time-lapse camera, although it is perhaps one of the most suitable for this very reason. It is small, which means that it can be easily adjusted to the angles you want to set. The company uses an f / 2.8 sensor here, which isn’t the best out there, but it will certainly get the job done, especially at this size.

The Eon can shoot at a maximum resolution of 1080p, which slows it down a bit given that other cameras can shoot 4K video. However, this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re looking for a camera to make time-lapse photography easier and effortless. The manufacturer is also kind enough to offer a lens cover, while the camera offers scheduling functions to turn on the camera at a particular time of the day.

Users can control the app wirelessly via Wi-Fi using the aTLi Cam app available for Android and iOS devices. In terms of storage, the manufacturer provides a standard 16GB microSD card with this offer, which the customer can replace with their own. However, Atli does not specify the capacity. This camera can record decent videos even in low light conditions. Considering these factors, the Atli Eon is a decent alternative to the wide variety of cameras we’ve talked about today. It is available in two colors: black and white.

Buy it now: Amazon

10. Brinno TLC130 Best Time Lapse Cameras

This is an exciting offer that comes in a small package. The TLC130 is classified as a time-lapse + step video camera, which means that it can record a variety of videos by default. One of the highlights of this time-lapse camera is the 11-day battery life, unheard of in this business. However, 11 days of uptime is only based on a 5 minute capture interval, so it may differ with heavier use. The company does not offer a micro SD card with this camera.

This camera has an IPX4 rating for water resistance, although it is not rated for use underwater. Like other Brinno cameras on this list, the TLC130 is compatible with the Brinno app, which is a free download for Android and iOS devices. As there is no screen on the camera, the application acts as a kind of viewfinder and at the same time allows you to modify or adjust the shooting mode.

The aforementioned app also allows you to edit videos and share them on social media instantly, which makes it one of the must-have tools for this camera. It’s also compatible with a handful of Brinno camera accessories, making it a versatile offering. Thanks to the simple controls, this is one of the easiest cameras to create a time lapse.