The 4 Best Cameras for Time-Lapse in 2024

Time-lapse videos are some of the most fun videos I have had the opportunity of creating since my photography bug caught up with me. For anyone who is unfamiliar with time-lapse, it refers to a cinematography technique in which frames of a video are captured over a longer time period than the one the frames appear in.

The process simply involves capturing numerous photos at various intervals and then connecting them either post-processing or in the camera. Typically, the result will be a video whose playback is much faster than normal, i.e. the video looks like it is being fast forwarded.

Producing time-lapse videos that are not only sharp, but have a high resolution depends on the type of camera one owns. Below we’ve listed some of tried and tested DSLR, mirrorless and action cameras that can be used to seamlessly produce time-lapse videos.

Canon EOS 80D

The EOS 80D is a relatively inexpensive DSLR camera with a 21.2-megapixel APS-C sensor. It is a midrange camera blends that combine the sophistication of high-end cameras such as the Canon &D Mark II and the portability of the Canon rebel. This camera is a crowd favorite when capturing time-lapse videos and it is with good reason.

It features an Intelligent Viewfinder, 45-point AF system, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, DIGIC 6 Image Processor, and a wide ISO range. With additional features such a flicker shoot-through the EOS 80D is extremely capable of capturing full HD time-lapse videos. The full HD shots are captured at 60 fps and have a maximum image resolution of 6000×4000 pixels. Finally, it has two time-lapse modes namely the time-lapse movie mode and the interval timer combine which you can sophistication as the easier way out when capturing time-lapse videos.

Pros

• The camera has different custom setting modes which are perfect for users with various shooting preferences.
• The camera can be used even in low light conditions and it will still deliver.

Cons

• The camera is incapable of capturing 4K quality videos.

Brinno BCC200

Made by a Taiwanese company that is renowned for making time-lapse camera, the Brinno BCC200 is a camera that, for creating time-lapse video. It is the perfect camera for when you have a long-term project that requires for the time-lapse videos to be given specialized attention. The Brinno BCC200 is fitted with a 1.3-megapixel HDR (high dynamic range) sensor which facilitates the capturing of stunning 720p videos. Fitted with a 19 mm f/2.0 glass lens, the camera can also be used during the nighttime or in settings with low light. Nevertheless, users can expand their gear using the CS mount lenses.

Pros

• Time-lapse videos captured using the Brinno BCC200 are ready to view which means you save up on time that you’d have otherwise used in post-production.
• It has a much wider field view in comparison to some of its competitors.
• It is extremely affordable.
• Because it is a dedicated camera, it is easy to use and setup.

Cons

• Users are limited in terms of editing as they can only do so much with a finished video.
• The sensor quality could use some major improvements.
• It cannot be used to capture still images.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

The EOS 7D Mark II exceeded my expectations when capturing time-lapse because it was extremely fast and reliable in comparison to other cameras that I have used before. Bragging excellent handling performance, you can capture beautiful time-lapse videos thanks to its 20.2 MP CMOS sensor, 65-point AF system, ISO 100-16000, and high 10 fps continuous shooting capabilities. It is the camera’s autofocus system that makes it ideal for time-lapse videos both in the day and nighttime as well as in other settings where the light is low. Even though it is incapable of matching full-frame clarity in low light, its field reduction ability together with the APS-C sensor making it ideal for capturing sports and wildlife.

Pros

• It has an excellent control layout which feels extremely instinctive for most users.
• Its shutter speed is extremely fast at 1/8,000-second shutter.
• Users can program the camera to capture limitless shots.
• You do not need the Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 to capture time-lapse videos.

Cons

• This camera is not equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities.
• It is quite pricey and would not be ideal for individuals who are extremely price conscious.

Sony a7R III

The a7R III is the perfect camera for individuals looking to capture highly detailed time-lapse videos because it has accurate AF/AE tracking, 10 fps continuous shooting and Sony’s innovative back illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Its sensor is a full-frame sensor with an incredible 42.4 megapixel that makes it easy to create time-lapse videos. Users have a variety of lenses that they can work with particularly if they are open to using a few first party adaptor lenses. The camera’s dynamic range, resolution, processing speed, sensitivity, and shooting response enhance, the camera pro-style functionalities thereby give users the necessary flexibility needed to capture brilliant shots regardless of the situation.

Pros

• It has a compact body that is sturdy and extremely well designed.
• It works perfectly even in low-light settings without compromising on the quality of videos captured.
• It’s extremely versatile and can be used by photographers in different fields.

Cons

• It is expensive, but this should not be an issue for individuals who are not price conscious.
• It has only one SD card slot which limits the videos or stills that an individual can capture at any given moment.
• It does not have inbuilt flash capabilities.

The Bottom Line

When searching for a camera to capture time-lapse videos, the main features you should focus on include the camera’s ability to perform exceptionally well in low-light, its lens selection and finally, its ability to capture high-res images in RAW format. All the cameras we have discussed above meet the mentioned features standards with some of them even surpassing them by a mile. Nevertheless, when choosing a time-lapse camera, it is important that you choose the one that best helps you to achieve the goals you are trying to realize.