The timelapse is a form of photography that allows to have images in a fluid video of high quality. With the evolution of cameras and smartphones, it has become more accessible to the general public. However, the success of a timelapse relies largely on the use of a camera and a well adapted equipment to hope to obtain a rendering like a true professional. But to what extent do you need a special camera for timelapse?

What type of camera is used to make Time Lapse?

Definition of time-lapse

A time-lapse is a technique that allows you to accelerate a still shot or a series of photographs taken at regular intervals. In other words, once captured, the images will be assembled to form a video of short duration but with an accelerated rendering.

Timelapse can be used to record videos of a landscape, an important event in the world, or the progress of a house for an individual. The editing will show the evolution of a long phenomenon in a short time. Its main advantage is to make the landscape more dynamic. The time-lapse is also a tool for analysis, archiving and communication for individuals and companies.

Why choose a time-lapse camera?

The camera for time lapse has been specially designed to allow different quality frames of view. Other advantages should also be highlighted.

Longer autonomy of time-lapse cameras

First of all, the autonomy of the camera allows you to realize short projects like taking pictures of a sunset. In this case, your camera will normally keep up with the 1000+ shots needed to make a one minute video at 24 FPS.  For long term projects in which the photography will extend over several days or months. So, if you use a traditional camera, you will have to think about turning it on and off every day. The battery will not last forever even if the camera is in standby mode.

On the other hand, timelapse cameras are equipment capable of capturing the same scene for several hours or even days without the need to turn them off. There are professional models that can be powered by solar panels and can operate in the absence of sunlight for several days with a very long autonomy.

The time-lapse cameras are powered by AA batteries, despite the fact that they have a sensor, processor, optics and various features. In addition, they are versatile and suitable for several uses. It should also be noted that cameras tend to heat up when used intensively for a long time. The risk is to damage the battery.

The resistance of time-lapse cameras

One of the assets of timelapse cameras is undoubtedly their resistance to various weather conditions such as snow or rain. An essential capacity to remain several days active. Moreover, the resistance of the cameras will condition its effectiveness in particular when you want to realize videos in height in the mountains or at the bottom of the oceans for example. It is therefore necessary to have cameras that can adapt to all extreme conditions and frame.

It is therefore advisable to opt for a model with a very solid shell, ie resistant to water and temperature variations. Indeed, whether it is very hot or very cold, the quality of the resolution will not be altered. The models that can be recharged by solar panel are a definite advantage to improve the resistance of the camera with a greater autonomy.

Connected features of time-lapse cameras

Advanced models of time-lapse cameras offer real-time access to images from a web application. This is a feature used to capture images on a construction site to be able to create a promotional film, control, secure the place or offer an overview of the situation in real time from a distance. In addition, the images taken can be stored on the cloud, a situation that will remove the worry of storage. Thus, the envisaged time-lapse duration can be extended by several months.

Another interesting feature is the possibility to make changes to the timelapse through a connected application. Moreover, the filters can also be changed at will. Artificial intelligence brings more possibilities in the processing of the image. The device is autonomous, it will adjust its energy consumption and parameters according to the light and other factors related to the space. Adjustments are therefore made to save energy without affecting the quality of the rendering.

Are there any limits for time-lapse cameras?

Many of the time-lapse cameras on the market are equipped with small sensors equivalent to those used by smartphones. On average, the sensors have 4 and 8 million pixels with 720p HD or 1080p Full HD recording depending on the camera model. However, some cameras can have a 20MP sensor like the Afidus brand. For a camera equipped with a sensor APS-C or 24 x 36 mm, it is able to capture images in 4 K or 8 K. But the quality of the recorded image will be less. Nevertheless, the weakness of time-lapse sensors will allow a better management of natural or artificial light.

The time-lapse cameras do not offer the possibility of making a RAW recording that would allow to optimize the image in post-production. Indeed, the first goal of timelapse cameras is to resist in time and capture the evolution of a scene. It is also possible that you will find models of interchangeable lenses, either to vary the angle of vision or to obtain a better Full HD rendering, the risk is to degrade the aesthetic aspect of the images which will be less highlighted compared to a standard camera. In any case, the adjustments or retouching can help you to rectify the resolution problems.

To conclude, the time-lapse camera will meet your needs if you are looking for high resolution images at a fast interval in the form of video but quality.