The 5 best time lapse cameras are not five versions of the same thing. That matters.
A camera that works for a job site may feel clumsy on a hiking trail. A GoPro can make gorgeous moving-cloud clips, but I would not pick it first for a six-month construction build. A plant camera needs patience, battery life, and a simple setup. A travel camera needs to disappear into a bag.
Time lapse is mostly about consistency. You need a camera that can sit still, expose evenly, and not die halfway through the story.
B&H’s time lapse guidance makes the same point from a technical angle: interval timing, shutter speed, support, and camera stability matter just as much as resolution.
I built this list around real use cases, not just the biggest number on the box. Some of these are dedicated time lapse cameras. Some are action cameras that happen to do time lapse very well. That mix is the honest answer for most buyers.
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Quick Picks: The 5 Best Time Lapse Cameras
| Camera | Best For |
|---|---|
| Brinno TLC2020 | Best Overall |
| AKASO EK7000 | Best Starter Pick |
| Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera | Best Outdoor Projects |
| GoPro HERO13 Black | Best Action Time Lapse |
| DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro | Best Battery-Focused Action Pick |
| Use Case | Best Pick |
|---|---|
| Construction progress | Brinno TLC2020 |
| Plants and gardens | Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera |
| Travel clips | AKASO EK7000 |
| Mountain biking, skiing, rough movement | GoPro HERO13 Black |
| Longer action-camera sessions | DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro |
How I Chose These Time Lapse Cameras
I did not rank these like normal cameras.
For time lapse, the question is not just, “Does it shoot sharp video?” The better question is, “Can I trust this thing to keep shooting while I stop thinking about it?”
That pushed me toward a few practical details:
- Battery life
- Mounting options
- Weather protection
- Time lapse modes
- Ease of setup
- Image quality
- Review patterns from real owners
- How well the camera fits a specific job
A dedicated time lapse camera should win on unattended shooting. An action camera should win on motion, mounting, and travel. A beginner pick should be easy enough that you actually use it.
That is the lens I used here.
1. Brinno TLC2020
Best Overall Time Lapse Camera
The Brinno TLC2020 is the one I would pick first for serious time lapse work.
Not because it is flashy. It is not.
It wins because it is built for the thing we are talking about. Long, unattended time lapse. Construction progress. Garden builds. Weather changes. Room remodels. Anything where the camera needs to sit, shoot, and keep its little mouth shut.
The TLC2020 is sold as a professional time lapse camera with 1080p HDR capture, a wide 118-degree field of view, and long battery life. Some Brinno bundles list 99-day or 120-day battery claims depending on configuration, which is exactly the kind of feature that matters when the camera has to cover more than an afternoon.
Review Summary
Owner feedback tends to read like this: people buy the Brinno because they have a real project, not because they want another toy camera.
That is the right expectation.
The TLC2020 feels like a work camera. It is not the camera I would bring for a casual weekend vlog. I would bring it for a deck build, a garden transformation, a new room, or a construction site where missing three days of progress would annoy me later.
The biggest appeal is that it simplifies the job. You set the interval, frame the scene, protect the camera, and let it work. I like that. Time lapse can get fussy fast, and this camera avoids a lot of that.
What I Like
The Brinno does not pretend to be everything.
It is not chasing cinematic action footage. It is not trying to replace your mirrorless camera. It is not asking you to build a whole rig around it.
It exists for long-form time lapse, and that focus is why it takes the top spot.
The 1080p output will not impress people obsessed with 4K labels, but for many construction, garden, renovation, and social media uses, 1080p is fine. I would rather have a stable, complete time lapse at 1080p than a sharper camera that dies early or needs constant babysitting.
What I Would Watch Out For
This is not the most exciting camera to use.
If you want dramatic travel clips, underwater footage, mountain biking POV, or handheld video, buy an action camera instead. The Brinno is a patient camera. It rewards planning.
You also need to think about placement. A bad angle for a long project stays bad for a long project. Mount it higher than feels natural, keep it out of the way, and check your framing before you commit.
Pros
- Purpose-built for time lapse: Better suited to long unattended projects than a general action camera.
- Strong project-camera design: A practical fit for construction, renovation, weather, and outdoor progress.
- Long battery-life positioning: Brinno bundles advertise extended runtimes for long-term capture.
- Simple creative modes: Some bundles include step video, stop motion, still capture, and flexible scheduling.
Cons
- Not the best action camera: It is too project-focused for fast movement.
- 1080p may feel modest: Some buyers will want 4K.
- Needs careful setup: Bad mounting ruins the whole sequence.
Real Testimonial
Buyers like the Brinno TLC2020 for long fixed-position projects like construction, remodels, and gardens. Positive reviews often mention battery life and its purpose-built time lapse design. The main complaints are the interface, file handling, and battery drain at shorter intervals.
2. AKASO EK7000
Best Starter Pick for Simple Time Lapse
The AKASO EK7000 is the second pick because it solves a different problem.
It is the camera I would suggest to someone who wants to try time lapse without turning the purchase into a research project. It is small, easy to pack, and comfortable in the action-camera category.
The EK7000 supports 4K30 video, 20MP photos, a wide 170-degree view, Wi-Fi, burst photo, time lapse photo, and time lapse video modes. Some listings also note waterproof-case use down to 131 feet or 40 meters, which makes it flexible for travel, beach days, and outdoor clips.
Review Summary
The EK7000 is not the camera I would choose for a commercial construction project.
That is fine.
Its strength is low-friction shooting. Put it in a backpack. Mount it to a railing. Aim it at a sunset. Use it for travel days, moving clouds, campsite setups, cooking clips, or casual room transformations.
Owner reviews often praise the value and accessory-friendly action-camera setup. The more balanced comments usually point out what I would expect: low-light quality and stabilization are not in the same league as premium action cameras.
That tradeoff makes sense.
What I Like
The EK7000 does not make time lapse feel precious.
That is underrated.
Some cameras feel like they need a case, a ritual, and a perfect reason to leave the house. The AKASO is more casual. It is the one you throw in a bag and use because you are not worried about it.
I also like that it gives beginners a way into time lapse video without buying a dedicated project camera first. If someone is still figuring out whether they like making time lapse clips, this is a sensible place to start.
What I Would Watch Out For
Do not expect magic in low light.
The listing itself notes that the camera does not have HDR or night vision and that video quality will not be good in low-light recording. That is refreshingly clear, and buyers should take it seriously.
Use it in daylight. Give it stable mounting. Keep expectations grounded.
Pros
- Easy travel size: Small enough to pack without thinking.
- Time lapse photo and video: Useful for casual clips and beginner projects.
- Wide-angle view: Good for scenery, rooms, vehicles, and action-style framing.
- Simple action-camera format: Works with common mounts and accessories.
Cons
- Weak in low light: Not the right pick for night scenes.
- Not ideal for long unattended projects: Battery limits matter.
- Image quality has a ceiling: It works best in bright, simple scenes.
Real Testimonial
Buyers praise the AKASO EK7000 for being easy to use, compact, and useful for casual video or travel clips. It works well for simple time lapse, especially in daylight. Battery life gets mixed feedback, so it is not ideal for long unattended shoots.
3. Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera
Best for Outdoor Projects
The Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera is the practical outdoor pick.
I like it for gardens, small construction projects, weather watching, landscaping, and anything that needs a camera to sit outside without acting delicate.
Dsoon listings position this camera for outdoor construction, plant, weather, and long-duration recording use. One listing describes a 4K FHD time lapse camera for outdoor and construction projects, while another Dsoon outdoor model lists IP66 waterproofing, a 2.4-inch TFT LCD, 1080p capture, and a claimed six-month runtime depending on conditions.
Review Summary
This is the pick for people who care more about the finished time lapse than the camera brand.
There is a certain kind of buyer who does not need prestige. They need a camera to watch a shed go up, a garden bed fill in, a driveway get poured, or a tree change across seasons. That is where the Dsoon makes sense.
The review pattern I trust most with outdoor project cameras is simple: people want battery life, weather resistance, easy file handling, and a screen that makes setup less annoying. Dsoon’s outdoor design leans into those needs.
What I Like
The Dsoon feels more purpose-built than a generic action camera.
That matters outside.
Action cameras are great, but they are not always the right tool for slow projects. The Dsoon is closer to a “set it and leave it” camera. I like that it targets plants, weather, and construction directly instead of forcing the buyer to adapt a sports camera to a stationary job.
The LCD screen also helps. For outdoor framing, I want to see what the camera sees without guessing.
What I Would Watch Out For
I would be more cautious with this one than with Brinno or GoPro.
The brand does not have the same long-standing camera reputation. That does not make it bad. It just means I would test it before trusting it on a once-in-a-lifetime project.
Run a 24-hour trial. Check the files. Check the interval. Check battery performance. Then deploy it.
Pros
- Built for outdoor projects: Good fit for construction, plants, weather, and yard work.
- Weather-minded design: Some Dsoon listings mention IP66 waterproofing.
- Useful screen: Easier framing than blind setup.
- Project-first feature set: Better suited to stationary time lapse than many action cameras.
Cons
- Less proven brand: I would test before major projects.
- Not ideal for action footage: This is a fixed-position camera.
- Specs vary by listing: Check the exact model before buying.
Real Testimonial
Buyers like the Dsoon for outdoor projects, garden recording, and construction progress. Reviews mention clear video, easy setup, long standby time, and the helpful built-in screen. The review base is smaller, so I would test it first.
4. GoPro HERO13 Black
Best for Action Time Lapse
The GoPro HERO13 Black belongs here because some time lapse footage needs movement.
A sunset from a tripod is one thing. A mountain road, ski run, bike trail, boat ride, or city walk is another. That is where GoPro still feels right.
The HERO13 Black supports 5.3K60 and 4K120 video, HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, waterproofing to 10 meters or 33 feet, and compatibility with HB-Series lenses. GoPro’s own HERO13 time lapse documentation lists 5.3K and 4K resolution options for time lapse settings, and related product materials list 5.3K TimeWarp, time lapse photo and video, night lapse, star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails.
Review Summary
The HERO13 is not my first choice for a construction site.
It is my first choice here for action time lapse.
GoPro footage has a look: wide, fast, physical. Sometimes that is exactly what you want. If the camera will move through the scene, HERO13 makes more sense than a dedicated time lapse box sitting on a fence post.
Owner reviews usually circle around the same strengths: stabilization, mounting, ruggedness, and strong video quality. The fair complaints are familiar too: battery strategy matters, accessories add up, and low-light footage is not the same as daylight footage.
What I Like
The HERO13 makes time lapse feel active.
TimeWarp is the obvious reason. It lets you compress movement in a way that looks more alive than a static frame. Walking through a market, driving through a canyon, riding a trail, moving around a job site before work starts, those are GoPro situations.
The mounting ecosystem is also a major advantage. Chest mount. Clamp. Suction cup. Handlebar. Helmet. Tripod. Fence. Backpack strap. That flexibility changes what you can shoot.
What I Would Watch Out For
Battery life.
Not because the HERO13 is bad, but because action-camera time lapse eats power faster than people expect, especially at higher resolutions. For long shoots, bring extra batteries or external power.
Also, resist the urge to use GoPro for everything. If the camera will sit in one place for weeks, the Brinno is the cleaner answer.
Pros
- Excellent for moving time lapse: TimeWarp and action mounting are the main reasons to buy it.
- Strong resolution options: GoPro documentation lists 5.3K and 4K time lapse options.
- Rugged body: Good fit for trails, travel, water, and rough handling.
- Huge accessory ecosystem: Easy to mount almost anywhere.
Cons
- Not the best long-project camera: Battery and file management become work.
- Accessories can get expensive: The camera is only part of the setup.
- Overkill for simple plant or room time lapse: A dedicated camera may be easier.
Real Testimonial
Buyers praise the GoPro HERO13 Black for sharp video, rugged build quality, and strong action footage. It works best for moving time lapse, travel, trails, water, and mounted shots. Battery life is the main concern at higher settings.
5. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
Best Battery-Focused Action Pick
The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the pick I would give to someone who likes action cameras but does not automatically want GoPro.
It feels like the calmer, more practical action-camera choice.
DJI’s current product ecosystem has already moved forward, but the Osmo Action 5 Pro remains a strong action-camera option in retail listings and current camera roundups. Recent coverage describes it as an action camera with 4K/120fps video, strong stabilization, waterproof use, and long battery life positioning.
Review Summary
The Action 5 Pro earns its place because battery life and image handling matter in real use.
For time lapse, that matters more than people think. A camera can look great for ten minutes and still be annoying for longer captures. The DJI feels like a better fit for creators who want time lapse as one part of a broader shooting kit.
Owner feedback and reviewer comments tend to praise battery life, stabilization, screens, and overall image quality. Some people still prefer GoPro’s color or accessory world. That is fair. I see this as a taste choice as much as a spec choice.
What I Like
The DJI makes sense for people who shoot a lot.
Not just one clip. Not just one weekend. A lot.
It is good for travel, hiking, sports, behind-the-scenes work, creator footage, and clean time lapse clips where you want a modern action camera with less fuss. The battery reputation is the reason it stays on this list.
What I Would Watch Out For
The GoPro ecosystem is still hard to beat.
If you already own GoPro mounts, batteries, mods, and accessories, switching may not feel worth it. If you are starting fresh and want a strong action camera with good endurance, DJI deserves a hard look.
Pros
- Strong action-camera alternative: A real competitor to GoPro.
- Good for longer sessions: Battery life is one of the main reasons to consider it.
- Clean creator-friendly footage: Useful for travel, action, and behind-the-scenes clips.
- Solid stabilization: Important for moving time lapse and hyperlapse-style clips.
Cons
- Not a dedicated project camera: Long static builds still favor Brinno.
- Accessory ecosystem differs from GoPro: Check your mounts first.
- May be more camera than a beginner needs: Casual users may be fine with AKASO.
Real Testimonial
Buyers like the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro for video quality, battery life, fast charging, easy controls, and low-light performance. Some reviews mention reliability concerns, and opinions on value are mixed.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Time Lapse Camera
Dedicated Time Lapse Camera vs Action Camera
This is the big decision.
A dedicated time lapse camera is better when the camera stays still. Construction. Plants. Weather. Renovations. Long-term outdoor scenes.
An action camera is better when the camera moves. Hiking. Skiing. biking. driving. walking through a city. Mounting it to weird places.
Do not buy the “best” camera. Buy the right kind of camera.
Battery Life Matters More Than Resolution
People overrate resolution.
They underrate battery life.
A dead 4K camera gives you nothing. A boring-looking 1080p camera that records the full project gives you the story. For long time lapse work, battery life sits near the top of the list.
Weather Resistance Is Not Optional Outdoors
Outdoor time lapse is rude to gear.
Rain, dust, heat, insects, sprinklers, wind, and direct sun all show up eventually. If the camera will live outside, treat weather protection as a requirement, not a bonus.
App Control Can Help, But It Can Also Annoy You
App control sounds great until the app refuses to connect.
I like app control for checking framing, changing settings, and grabbing clips quickly. I do not like depending on it for everything. A good screen and simple buttons still matter.
Do You Need 4K for Time Lapse?
Sometimes.
Not always.
4K helps if you want to crop, stabilize, or deliver sharper video. But for social clips, project updates, YouTube inserts, and basic progress videos, 1080p can work perfectly well.
The boring stuff matters more: angle, interval, power, weather, and file handling.
FAQ
What is the best time lapse camera overall?
The Brinno TLC2020 is my best overall pick because it is built specifically for long-form time lapse projects. It makes the most sense for construction, renovation, outdoor progress, gardens, and other stationary scenes where battery life and unattended capture matter more than action-camera features.
What is the best time lapse camera for construction?
The Brinno TLC2020 is the best construction pick in this list. The Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera is the next-best option if you want an outdoor project camera with a practical feature set.
For paid construction work, I would lean Brinno. It has the clearer identity as a professional project time lapse camera.
What is the best time lapse camera for plants growing?
The Dsoon 4K Outdoor Time Lapse Camera is a strong plant-growth pick because it is designed around long-duration outdoor and project recording. The Brinno TLC2020 also works well if you want the more established dedicated time lapse option.
For indoor plants, either can work. Just control the light so the final video does not flicker badly.
What is the best time lapse camera for travel?
The AKASO EK7000 is my starter travel pick. It is small, easy to pack, and useful for casual time lapse clips.
If travel also includes hiking, water, snow, bikes, or rough movement, I would move up to the GoPro HERO13 Black or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro.
Can an action camera work as a time lapse camera?
Yes. Action cameras can work very well for time lapse, especially if the camera is moving or mounted in unusual places.
They are not always the best choice for long unattended projects. Battery life, heat, storage, and weather placement can become annoying.
Is GoPro good for time lapse?
Yes. The GoPro HERO13 Black is especially good for action time lapse and TimeWarp-style footage. It supports time lapse settings at 5.3K and 4K, according to GoPro documentation.
I would use it for motion-heavy clips, travel, trails, water, and creative mounting.
Is DJI Osmo Action good for time lapse?
Yes. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is a strong time lapse option for people who also want a modern action camera. It makes sense for creators, travelers, hikers, and people who care about battery life.
I would not pick it first for a six-month construction project. I would pick it for moving footage and mixed-use shooting.
Do I need 4K for time lapse videos?
You do not always need 4K.
4K helps when you want extra detail or cropping room. But a well-framed 1080p time lapse can look better than a sloppy 4K clip. For construction updates, social video, and basic project documentation, 1080p is often enough.
How long should a time lapse interval be?
It depends on the subject.
Fast scenes need shorter intervals. Slow scenes need longer intervals. Clouds may need a few seconds between shots. Construction can use minutes between shots. Plant growth may need several minutes or longer.
Test before committing.
What is the best interval for clouds?
For moving clouds, I usually start around 2 to 5 seconds.
Fast storm clouds may need shorter intervals. Slow drifting clouds can use longer ones. Wind speed changes everything.
What is the best interval for construction time lapse?
For construction, a 1-minute to 10-minute interval is common, depending on the length of the project and how much detail you want.
A one-day build needs more frequent shots. A six-month project needs fewer.
What is the best interval for plants growing?
For plants, I would start around 5 to 15 minutes for faster growth and stretch longer for slow changes.
Lighting matters more than people expect. Keep the light consistent if you want the final video to feel smooth.
How much battery life do I need for time lapse?
For casual clips, a normal action-camera battery may be enough.
For long projects, battery life becomes one of the most important features. That is why dedicated time lapse cameras like the Brinno TLC2020 rank so highly here.
Can I leave a time lapse camera outside?
Yes, but only if the camera and housing are built for it.
Check weather resistance, mounting security, condensation risk, memory card capacity, and power. Outdoor time lapse punishes lazy setups.
What camera is best for a months-long project?
The Brinno TLC2020 is the best pick here. It is built for long-term time lapse projects and has battery-life claims that fit that job better than a typical action camera.
What is the easiest time lapse camera to use?
For casual users, the AKASO EK7000 is probably the easiest entry point.
For long-term projects, the Brinno TLC2020 is easier in a different way. It takes more setup, but once it is mounted, it is designed to keep working.
What is the difference between time lapse and hyperlapse?
Time lapse usually means the camera stays still while time passes.
Hyperlapse usually means the camera moves through space while compressing time. Action cameras are better for hyperlapse-style shots because they are small, stabilized, and easy to mount.
Do time lapse cameras record video or photos?
Some record photos and turn them into video. Some create a finished time lapse video in-camera. Some do both.
Dedicated time lapse cameras often make the finished file easier. Traditional cameras may give you more control but require more editing.
What accessories do I need for time lapse?
At minimum, you need a stable mount.
For outdoor work, add weather protection, a memory card, extra batteries or external power, and a secure mounting position. For action cameras, mounts matter as much as the camera.
Should I use a tripod for time lapse?
Yes, unless the camera is mounted another way.
Movement ruins stationary time lapse. Use a tripod, clamp, wall mount, suction mount, or fixed bracket. The camera should not drift, shake, or slowly sag.
Can I make time lapse videos at night?
Yes, but night time lapse is harder.
You need a camera that handles low light well, plus the right settings. GoPro HERO13 Black supports night lapse modes, star trails, light painting, and vehicle light trails in its time lapse feature set.
What is the best time lapse camera for beginners?
The AKASO EK7000 is the easiest beginner pick here.
It gives you time lapse photo and video features, a simple action-camera body, and enough flexibility to learn what you like shooting before buying a more specialized camera.
Final Verdict
The Brinno TLC2020 is the camera I would buy first if I cared mostly about time lapse. It is not the slickest camera here, but it is the most honest tool for the job.
The AKASO EK7000 is the friendliest starting point. The Dsoon makes sense for outdoor projects. The GoPro HERO13 Black is the action pick. The DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro is the one I would choose for longer action-camera sessions and cleaner mixed-use shooting.
Time lapse rewards patience more than specs. Adobe’s Creative Cloud ecosystem includes professional video and photography tools like Premiere, Photoshop, and other creative apps, but the better lesson is simpler: capture the right frames first, then worry about polish later.
Pick the camera that matches the scene. That is how the best time lapse videos usually happen.
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