Time-lapse Calculator

Enter your parameters to calculate frames, duration, and shooting time

hrs
min
sec
fps
Result

Total Frames

720 frames

Images to capture

Video Duration

30 sec

at 24 fps

Shooting Time

1:00:00

Total capture time

Speed Factor

120 ×

Real-time to video

Real-time per Second

2:00

of video output

Pro tip: For smooth motion, aim for at least 300 frames (10-12 seconds at 24fps). For longer sequences with smooth panning or motion effects, 500-1000+ frames give you more flexibility in post-production.

Scene Presets

Recommended intervals and settings for common time-lapse subjects

Fast Clouds

Interval 1–3 sec
Duration 30–60 min
Motion Blur Recommended

Use polarizer to enhance clouds. ND filter for motion blur on windy days.

Sunrise / Sunset

Interval 3–5 sec
Duration 45–120 min
Motion Blur Optional

Start 30 min before golden hour. Use Av mode with exposure smoothing.

Night Sky / Stars

Interval 20–30 sec
Duration 2–4 hours
Motion Blur Max exposure

Use NPF rule for max exposure. Shoot RAW for noise reduction in post.

Traffic / City

Interval 2–5 sec
Duration 30–60 min
Motion Blur Essential

ND filter crucial for light trails. Blue hour offers best lighting for cityscapes.

Storage Calculator

Estimate memory card and storage requirements for your shoot

frames
Total Storage Needed 8.6 GB
Cards Required 1 × 64GB
Max Frames per Card 5,461 frames
Card Capacity Usage 13%
8.6 GB used 55.4 GB free

Quick Storage Reference

Frames JPEG (12MB) RAW APS-C (25MB) RAW FF (50MB) Video @24fps
300 3.6 GB 7.5 GB 15 GB 12.5 sec
500 6 GB 12.5 GB 25 GB 21 sec
720 8.6 GB 18 GB 36 GB 30 sec
1000 12 GB 25 GB 50 GB 42 sec
2000 24 GB 50 GB 100 GB 1m 23s
5000 60 GB 125 GB 250 GB 3m 28s

Motion Blur Calculator

Calculate shutter speed and ND filter for cinematic motion blur

The 180° Shutter Rule

For cinematic motion blur in time-lapse, your shutter speed should be approximately half your interval (180° shutter angle). This creates natural-looking motion blur that smooths movement between frames.

180°
Shutter Open 2.5s
Shutter Closed 2.5s
sec
°
Target Shutter Speed 1/0.4s (2.5s)
Motion Blur Amount Moderate (cinematic)

ND Filter Calculator

To achieve long exposures in daylight for motion blur, you'll need ND filters. Enter your base settings to find the right filter.

Recommended ND Filter
10 stops
ND1000 3.0 density

Common ND Filter Reference

Stops ND Number Density Light Reduction Best For
3 ND8 0.9 1/8 (12.5%) Overcast, shade
6 ND64 1.8 1/64 (1.6%) Cloudy day
10 ND1000 3.0 1/1000 (0.1%) Daylight motion blur
15 ND32000 4.5 1/32000 Extreme long exposure
Variable ND filters are convenient but can introduce color cast and X-pattern vignetting at extreme settings. For critical work, use fixed ND filters. Stack multiple filters carefully to avoid vignetting on wide-angle lenses.

Holy Grail Time-lapse

Day-to-night and night-to-day transition techniques

Day Golden Hour Blue Hour Night

The "Holy Grail" refers to seamless day-to-night (or night-to-day) time-lapses where exposure must change dramatically while maintaining smooth transitions. This is one of the most challenging techniques in time-lapse photography.

Exposure Ramping Methods

Easiest

Aperture Priority

Let the camera adjust shutter speed automatically. Works well but may introduce flicker.

Pros
  • Simple setup
  • Camera does the work
  • Good for beginners
Cons
  • Flicker likely
  • Exposure steps visible
  • Requires deflicker in post
Moderate

Bulb Ramping

Intervalometer controls exposure duration with smooth, incremental changes.

Pros
  • Smooth transitions
  • Less flicker
  • Precise control
Cons
  • Requires special intervalometer
  • More setup time
  • Limited by max shutter
Advanced

ISO + Shutter Ramping

Combine ISO and shutter changes for maximum range. Requires careful planning.

Pros
  • Maximum dynamic range
  • True day-to-night capable
  • Professional results
Cons
  • Complex workflow
  • Post-processing intensive
  • Requires experience
Recommended

LRTimelapse + Auto Exposure

Use camera's auto exposure with powerful deflicker and keyframe workflow in post.

Pros
  • Best of both worlds
  • Excellent deflicker
  • Keyframe transitions
Cons
  • Requires software purchase
  • Learning curve
  • Post-processing required

Holy Grail Tips

Camera Settings

  • Shoot RAW for maximum flexibility
  • Turn off Long Exposure Noise Reduction
  • Disable Auto ISO review / image review
  • Lock white balance to Kelvin (don't use Auto)
  • Use back-button focus, then switch to MF

Timing Strategy

  • Start 1+ hour before sunset/sunrise
  • Plan for 2–3 hour total shooting time
  • Arrive early to compose and test
  • Use shorter intervals (3–5 sec) during transition
  • Check exposure histogram occasionally
Deflicker in post-production is almost always required for Holy Grail sequences. LRTimelapse, GBDeflicker, and Adobe Premiere's built-in deflicker are popular options. Shoot more frames than you think you need — you can always speed up in editing.

Camera Settings Guide

Optimal settings for time-lapse photography scenarios

Daytime Clouds

Mode Manual
Aperture f/8 – f/11
Shutter 1/2 – 2 sec (ND)
ISO 100
Interval 2–5 sec
Filter ND64–ND1000 + CPL

Sunset / Sunrise

Mode Aperture Priority
Aperture f/8 – f/11
ISO 100–400 (auto)
WB 5500K (fixed)
Interval 3–5 sec
Note Deflicker required

Star Trails

Mode Manual
Aperture f/2.8 – f/4
Shutter 20–30 sec
ISO 1600–3200
Interval 1–2 sec gap
Focus Manual infinity

City Traffic (Night)

Mode Manual
Aperture f/8 – f/11
Shutter 2–8 sec
ISO 100–400
Interval 3–5 sec
Extra ND for blue hour

Milky Way Motion

Mode Manual
Aperture f/1.4 – f/2.8
Shutter NPF Rule max
ISO 3200–6400
Interval Shutter + 2 sec
Duration 2–4 hours

Indoor / Studio

Mode Manual
Aperture f/8 – f/11
Shutter Flash sync
ISO 100
Lighting Continuous LED
Power AC adapter

Underwater

Mode Manual / Av
Aperture f/5.6 – f/8
Shutter 1/125 – 1/250
ISO 200–800
WB Custom / 5500K
Interval 2–5 sec

Aerial / Drone

Mode Manual
Aperture f/2.8 – f/5.6
Shutter 1/50 (ND filter)
ISO 100
Interval 2–3 sec
Battery Plan for swaps

Quick Reference

Flicker in video? Use manual mode or deflicker in post
Jerky motion? Add motion blur with longer exposure / ND
Cards filling up? Use JPEG or lower RAW compression
Battery dying? AC adapter or battery grip essential
Focus shifting? Manual focus + tape the ring
Vibration blur? Add weight, use electronic shutter
Exposure ramping? Aperture priority + deflicker post
File format? RAW for flexibility, JPEG for speed
White balance? Lock to Kelvin value, never Auto
Review off? Yes — saves battery, prevents delays
LENR (Long Exp NR)? Off — doubles capture time
Minimum frames? 300+ for smooth 10+ second clip

Essential Equipment

Gear recommendations for time-lapse photography

Essential

Sturdy Tripod

Rock-solid stability is critical. Carbon fiber for portability, or heavy-duty aluminum for windy conditions. Add weight hook for stability.

Essential

Intervalometer

Built-in or external. External intervalometers offer more control and bulb ramping. Popular: Miops, Syrp Genie, or camera-specific options.

Essential

Extra Batteries

Plan for 2–3× your expected shoot time. Battery grips extend capacity. Cold weather dramatically reduces battery life.

Essential

ND Filters

6-stop and 10-stop for motion blur. Variable ND convenient but can cause color cast. Consider filter system for flexibility.

Recommended

AC Power Adapter

Eliminates battery concerns for long shoots. Essential for multi-day projects or indoor/studio work.

Recommended

Motion Control

Motorized slider, pan/tilt head, or multi-axis controller. Adds production value. Syrp, Edelkrone, and Rhino popular choices.

Recommended

Remote Monitoring

WiFi app or dedicated solution to check frames without touching camera. CamRanger, Canon/Sony apps, or DIY solutions.

Optional

Lens Heater

Prevents condensation and frost in cold/humid conditions. USB-powered dew heater straps work well.

Optional

Weather Protection

Rain cover for camera, or DIY solution. Clear for monitoring screen. Consider full enclosure for long-term outdoor shoots.

Budget tip: Start with what you have. A basic intervalometer app or built-in interval timer, your existing tripod, and one ND filter can create great time-lapses. Upgrade gear as you identify specific needs in your workflow.