An intervalometer is a timer that tells your camera to take a photo at regular intervals, which you later combine into a time-lapse video. Many cameras have one built into the menu, and others work with a small external remote. The steps below show a general way to set one up, and the numbers are rough guides rather than fixed rules.
How an Intervalometer Works
You choose a delay between frames, the number of frames and sometimes a delay before the first shot. The camera then fires on its own until the sequence is complete. Playing the frames back at a normal video speed compresses minutes or hours into a few seconds.
- Interval: the time between each frame.
- Number of shots: how many frames the sequence will contain.
- Delay: an optional wait before the first frame.
Setting Up a Time-Lapse Step by Step
- Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod and frame the scene with some room around the subject.
- Switch to manual exposure so brightness does not flicker from frame to frame.
- Set manual focus after focusing on the scene, so the lens does not hunt between shots.
- Choose a fixed white balance rather than automatic.
- Set the interval. As a rough guide, 2 to 5 seconds suits moving clouds, 1 to 2 seconds suits traffic, and 15 to 30 seconds suits slow sunsets or gradual evening light changes.
- Calculate frames: at 24 frames per second of final video, 240 frames give roughly 10 seconds.
- Confirm battery and memory card space, then begin the sequence.
Choosing the Interval
Match the interval to how fast the subject moves. Faster movement needs shorter intervals, while slow change such as a shifting shadow can use longer gaps. If you are unsure, shoot a little more than you need, because extra frames can be trimmed or sped up later.
| Subject | Suggested interval |
|---|---|
| Fast clouds | 1 to 3 seconds |
| Busy street | 1 to 2 seconds |
| Sunset or sunrise | 5 to 15 seconds |
| Plant growth or construction | Minutes |
Common Problems
- Flicker: usually caused by auto exposure or a changing aperture. Use manual settings.
- Camera shake: use a stable tripod and avoid touching the camera.
- Battery runs out: use a full battery or external power for long sequences.
- Exposure time longer than the interval: shorten the shutter time or lengthen the interval.
FAQ
Do I need an external intervalometer?
Not always. Check your camera menu for an interval or time-lapse option. An external unit helps when the built-in feature is missing or limited.
What shutter speed should I use?
It depends on the light, but a slower shutter around half the interval often gives smoother motion blur. Treat that as a first guess and adjust.
The Short Version
An intervalometer fires your camera at fixed intervals so you can assemble a time-lapse. Use manual exposure and focus, pick an interval to match the motion, and plan your frame count before you begin.
