Time-lapse is a technique in cinematography where every frame of the final movie is captured in a defined length of time, that is generally longer than the one it appears in.

Basically, time lapse involves taking lots of photos at intervals and then joining them together in camera or during post-processing.

The final result will be a faster-than-normal playback video, which usually looks like a fast-forwarded version of the entire events in the movie.

Several Cameras can be utilized for time-lapse photography. Some of them include Mirrorless, DSLRs and action cameras.

Below is a list of some of the best time-lapse cameras of 2019. Kindly check our buying guide after the list for more details.

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Best Digital Cameras for Time Lapse Photography

Gone are the days when you needed a separate interval timer to make time-lapses. Today, most cameras come with built-in intervalometers.

Note: An intervalometer is a device that is connected to a camera or built-into one, that dictates the length and quantity of shots captured.

Below are 10 of the best digital cameras that feature an inbuilt intervalometer and some of them also have a unique Time Lapse Movie Mode.

Need a software to edit Time Lapse videos? Try out Movavi Video Editor.

1. Canon 80D

The EOS 80D is an APS-C DSLR Canon Camera with a 21.2MP sensor. This camera is the perfect blend of the lightweight Canon Rebel DSLRs, with some of the most sophisticated features of premium cameras such as the 7D Mark II. The Canon 80D is popular for being very lightweight and relatively inexpensive.

The 80D replaces the erstwhile Canon 70D launched in July 2013 and features additional features like a flicker shoot-through and autofocus system that is required for shooting under sports lighting and modern LED.

However, the framerate on the 80D remains unchanged like the 7 FPS on the 70D, while there isn’t much that separates them in terms of resolution (even though the 80D features a 24MP as opposed to 20MP on the 70D). The 80D also has the same battery capacity of other high-end Canon DSLRs like the 5D, 70D and 7D series.

Also, the new 45-point all cross-type AF system is a significant improvement over the former 19 points in the 70D, even more, the AF sensors take up much of the space both vertically and horizontally.

The camera is also capable of taking shots in full HD at up to 60fps and its maximum photo resolution is 6000×4000 pixels, while it does not record videos in 4k, its video quality has witnessed a significant improvement compared to the 70D.

There are TWO different time lapse mode on the Canon 80D – Interval Timer and Time-Lapse Movie mode. You can see a video tutorial below, to learn more about the different modes and how to shoot better time lapse videos.

2. Canon 7D Mark II

Canon’s EOS 7D Mark II is one of its fastest, most durable and most reliable DSLRs for action, event and sports photography.

The 7D Mark II is the best alternative to the more expensive and bulkier flagship 1Dx. The 7D Mark II is almost sure to offer you most of its handling performance for a much cheaper price and lesser weight.

Also, it also boasts of an effective focusing for movies, AF in lower light and a built-in GPS receiver. While it still cannot match full-frame clarity in low light, the field reduction aided by the APS-C sensor means that it is the preferred choice for most wildlife and sports photographers. If you are out for a camera mainly for architecture, general-use or landscape, you are better off with one of the several high-end mirrorless options in the market. But if you are an action, sports or event photographer who loves to capture top quality video and pictures, then the 7D Mark II is your best bet.

One of the most exciting new features of the 7D Mark II is its ability to capture time-lapse shoots without the expensive Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3, which retails for around $130. There was initially some confusion surrounding the time-lapse ability of the Canon 7D as some of the documentation highlighted that it could be programmed to capture around 1~99 shots. However, the 7D can actually be programmed to shoot endless amounts of shots.

3. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 is a reliable premium DSLR camera that comfortably sits between the existing D610 and D81 – a position which may first seem trivial but has turned out to be one of the most amazing models in its range.

Nikon has apparently taken its time to decide its features, opting for mixed aspects of the different models, while adding new ones that make it one the company’s most innovative full-frame DSLR cameras ever.

You get a 24 Megapixel full-frame sensor in a rugged body that is designed to fight the elements of weather like the D810 – a 51-point AF system that works better in lower light, compared to its rival. It also features a 9-frame AEB, 1080 video at 60p, 6.5fps continuous shooting and is the first ever full-frame DSLR camera from Nikon to have a built-in WIFI and an articulated screen. It has become one of my preferable Nikon DSLR time-lapse photography cameras.

4. Nikon D610

The Nikon D610 is the cheapest full-frame DSLR Nikon camera, and it’s impressive. The only noteworthy reason to shell out more cash for the D750 is because of its better autofocus system, which works much better than the D610 in low light, which makes it difficult to read printed texts. However, as long as you are shooting in a well-lit area, the D610 is the best camera at its price level.

The D610 is capable of shooting 1080p HD video, has an electronic horizon and an inbuilt HDR feature. Similar to most Nikon DSLRs, the D610 by default checks for any lateral color fringes in the lens – which most Nikon cameras launched in the last two decades are capable of. Also, it can automatically correct corner light falloff and lens distortion.

The D610’s has a more than capable 24MP camera. While its small and light, the D610 is not to be looked down on; it actually beats the D800 for speed; as it features a 6fps compared to D800’s 4fps.

5. Panasonic LX100

The Panasonic Lumix Lx100 is regarded as one of the most powerful cameras ever made.

On the LX100, Panasonic somehow managed to fit in four sizeable third sensor from the Lumix GX7, in addition to its detailed and big viewfinder. While this means that only 12 of its original 16 megapixels can be utilized, the active area still features a sensor that is bigger than a 1a and the border permits the camera to shoot at various aspect ratios without cropping.

The LX100 comes with a 24-75mm zoom lens alongside a bright f1.7-2.8 focal ratio and an excellent macro mode that can focus up to 3cm at wide angles.

The AF system is snappy and ensures that the shooter shoots even impressive lowlight photos. To top it all off, the LX100 can also film 4K at 8 Megapixels.

The Panasonic LX100 comes with a built-in Time Lapse Shot Feature that allows you control the number of shots taken and make a time-lapse video in 1080p or 4k and in defined framerates of your choosing.

6.Panasonic G7

This mid-range camera is a reliable and capable model that is perfect for those with a limited budget and looking for anything above the bottom level, from mirrorless to DSLRs.

It comes with a detailed and large electronic viewfinder, well laid out controls and the added functionality of a full touch-screen. The camera has great focus even in low lit conditions where it can take bursts of photos at 8fps at full resolution.

It also comes with a time-lapse feature, inbuilt WIFI, silent shooting up to 1/16000 and up to seven-frame bracketing.

Also, it supports video shooting at 4K resolution and up to 8 Megapixels pictures from a 30fps footage. Also, it sports a Micro Four Thirds camera, that permits a wide range of native mirrorless lenses.

In terms of functions, it clearly outplays the G6, making it one of the best mid-range cameras currently available and even an outside contender to match top-end models. For many, the video ability is almost as good as the flagship GH4, cementing its place as the best budget camera for movie producers or a backup body for B-roll.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M1

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a feature packed, excellent and weather-sealed camera that’s not only snappy but also delivers fantastic videos and photos.

It is part of the famous OMD EM5 family, but ranks higher, boasting a slight upgrade over the EM5 and the erstwhile E5 DSLR.

While the main feature has considerably increased AF with older Four Third Lenses, due to integrating phase-detect AF points on the sensor.

Also, the EM1 is splash, dust and freeze proof. The EM1 continues the built-in 5-ais tilting touch screen, focus peaking of the EP5, super viewfinder and the VF4 along with 10fps and continuous shooting.

8. Brinno Time Lapse Camera TLC200

If you prefer to shoot time-lapse videos outside, then you risk exposing your camera to the weather elements, in addition to ensuring that your camera has a large enough battery power for extended use. The Brinno TLC200 is a Time-lapse Camera that is ideal for shooting outdoor time-lapse photography.

This camera is a one-stop solution for those seeking to create time-lapse videos. All you need to do is turn it on, set an interval, pick your subject, record, and replay your time lapse videos.

The ready-to-view technology on the Brinno ensures that you can create great time lapses and not just a bunch of different photos. No difficult to install gear setups, no video-making issues, no external time-control and so on.

It is powered by 4 AA batteries that can record for up to 270,000 frames. Worry less about battery life as the Brinno is built to last.

9. GoPro Hero 6

On the outside, the GoPro Hero 6 may seem like only a marginal improvement to its antecedent the Hero5 Black. However a lot has changed inside. To begin with, the Hero6 Black comes with a new GP1 processing engine, that permits high-quality 4K recording at 60fps. Other improvements include a better dynamic range, better image stabilization and a much-improved low-light performance compared to the Hero5. The Hero6 also has a capacitive 2-inch touchscreen, waterproof for up to 10m, an updated QuikStories app that can automatically edit footage and a voice command feature. The GoPro Hero6 is the best action camera to shoot time lapses on.

10. Yi 4K Action Camera

If you need to know precisely where you are, the speed you are moving with, and you like aquatic photography, then opt for the GoPro Hero6 Black. On the other hand, if you have a tight budget and prefer saving money on features that you do not necessarily need, then the Yi 4K+ Action Camera is a simple and more affordable option. If you are currently on the market for an action camera, then you should check out the Yi 4K+ Action Camera because in a way, it’s almost equal to and in some situations, even beats the GoPro.

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Tips For Buying a Time Lapse Camera

1. Dedicated Timer Lapse Movie Mode vs Built-in Interval Timer

Back when film was popular, an interval timer or intervalometer was an extra accessory that needed to be connected to a camera to create time-lapses. However most digital cameras now come with this feature by default.

Some DSLRs also have a dedicated Time Lapse Movie Mode where images can be recorded at defined intervals, for a set period, and is then processes into a full movie; where it is automatically saved as a video file.

This begs the question, about the difference between using the dedicated Time Lapse movie mode and the built-in Interval Timer?

The good thing about the Time Lapse movie mode is that it makes post-production seamless, as you do not have to sort through tons of different high-resolution files to manually create a movie file.

However, the built-in Interval Timer allows you to set the camera’s interval timer to shoot at only preferred intervals over a duration of time. Once you are done recording, depending on the length and interval of the recording, you may be left with scores, hundreds or thousands of different frames that have to be sorted through and made into a complete movie with the aid of a software during post-production.

The time Lapse movie mode does not save files as separate images during recording. So, after processing the movie file, you already have a video file. Therefore, there isn’t a way to individually work on any of the files if you wanted to. This is simply because the camera doesn’t save them during recording.

In the end, selecting one is purely down to preference and need.

2. What do you aim to accomplish with your camera?

While you may be out for a camera that has a time-lapse feature, it is very likely that you will want more from a camera than just shooting time lapses.

So, before buying a camera, ensure you have a clear idea of what you want to shoot and which camera will be best suited to your photographic interests.

3. What does photography mean to you?

A Hobbyist? Part-time photographer? Enthusiast? Full-time professional?

Depending on where you see photography taking you, you can often judge based on your aspirations and decide which camera you need and how much you’re willing to spend to own one.

4. What is your budget?

It is crucial to know how much you are willing to part with for a camera. While it may seem like a difficult decision to place your needs and budget side by side, it is also important to note that having the best camera does not automatically translate to taking the best shots. While the gear is essential, it does not make all the difference when it comes to photography. Thus, you do not have to break the bank to get a flagship camera. If you have decent photography skills, your shots will most likely come out good. Conversely, if you have a reasonably sizeable budget, by all means, get a high-end camera for an overall better shooting experience.