How to Choose and Use an Intervalometer for Time-Lapse Photography

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 7 min read

Time-lapse photography is an amazing way to capture the passage of time in a series of images. One essential tool for achieving stunning time-lapse sequences is an intervalometer. In this blog, we will guide you through understanding intervalometers, choosing the right one for your needs, setting it up, and using it to create breathtaking time-lapse photography.

Understanding Intervalometers

An intervalometer is a device that controls your camera to take a series of photos at specific intervals. By automating the process, it allows you to create time-lapse sequences without constantly having to manually press the shutter button. Let's explore different types of intervalometers and their key features.

Types of Intervalometers

There are three main types of intervalometers:

External wired intervalometers: These devices connect to your camera via a cable and provide various settings for controlling the time-lapse sequence.
External wireless intervalometers: Similar to wired intervalometers, these devices connect to your camera wirelessly, allowing you to control your camera remotely. They're great for situations where you can't be close to your camera while shooting.
Built-in intervalometers: Some camera models come with a built-in intervalometer, eliminating the need for an external device. However, they may lack some advanced features found in external intervalometers.

Key Features

When comparing intervalometers, consider these important features:

Intervals: The flexibility to set different time intervals between shots is essential for creating the desired time-lapse effect.
Exposure control: Some intervalometers provide exposure control options, allowing you to adjust settings like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for each shot.
Number of shots: The ability to set the total number of shots to be taken helps you plan the duration of your time-lapse sequence.
Duration control: Intervalometers with duration control allow you to set the total time you want your time-lapse sequence to last.
Delay timer: A delay timer is useful for setting a delay before the intervalometer starts taking photos, giving you time to prepare and ensure everything is set up correctly.

Now that you have a better understanding of intervalometers, let's move on to choosing the right one for your needs.

Choosing the Right Intervalometer

Selecting the best intervalometer for your time-lapse photography needs involves considering factors like compatibility with your camera, your budget, and the top brands available. Let's dive into each of these aspects to help you make an informed decision.

Compatibility with Your Camera

Before purchasing an intervalometer, make sure it's compatible with your camera model. Check the manufacturer's specifications or consult your camera's user manual to determine the type of connection required. Some intervalometers are designed specifically for certain camera brands, while others offer adapters for various camera models.

Budget Considerations

Intervalometers come in a range of prices, from budget-friendly options to more advanced, high-end devices. When assessing your budget, consider the features you need and how often you plan to use the intervalometer. If you're just starting with time-lapse photography, a more affordable option can be a great way to learn the ropes without breaking the bank. However, if you're a seasoned pro, investing in a higher-end intervalometer with advanced features may be worth the extra cost.

Top Brands to Consider

Several reputable brands offer high-quality intervalometers, including:

Vello: Known for their affordable wired and wireless intervalometers with user-friendly interfaces.
Neewer: Offers a range of budget-conscious wired intervalometers for various camera brands.
Canon: Produces the TC-80N3, a popular wired intervalometer specifically designed for Canon cameras.
Nikon: The MC-36A Multi-Function Remote Cord is a well-regarded wired intervalometer for Nikon cameras.

With the right intervalometer in hand, it's time to set it up and start shooting your time-lapse masterpiece.

Setting Up the Intervalometer

Once you've chosen the perfect intervalometer, you'll need to connect it to your camera and program the settings. Let's walk through these steps to ensure a smooth setup process.

Connecting to Your Camera

Follow these simple steps to connect your intervalometer to your camera:

Turn off your camera to avoid any potential electrical issues.
Locate the remote control terminal on your camera, usually found on the side.
Plug the intervalometer's connector into the remote control terminal, ensuring a secure fit.
Switch your camera back on.

If you're using a wireless intervalometer, make sure to enable the remote control function in your camera settings and pair the devices according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Programming Settings

Once connected, you'll need to program your intervalometer with the desired settings for your time-lapse shoot. While settings may vary slightly between devices, most intervalometers will include the following options:

Interval: The time between each shot. Choose a duration that suits your subject matter—for example, short intervals for fast-moving clouds or longer intervals for slow-growing plants.
Duration: The total length of time the intervalometer will operate. This setting depends on the length of your final time-lapse video and the interval you've chosen.
Exposure count: The total number of shots the intervalometer should take. This can be calculated by dividing the duration by the interval.
Delay (optional): A countdown timer before the intervalometer starts shooting, allowing you to get into position or make final adjustments.

With your intervalometer set up and ready, it's time to focus on capturing the perfect time-lapse footage.

Shooting Time-Lapse Photography

Now that your intervalometer is set up, let's dive into the actual process of shooting time-lapse photography. We'll discuss finding the perfect location, adjusting your camera settings, and fine-tuning your intervalometer settings for stunning results.

Finding the Perfect Location

Choosing an ideal location for your time-lapse shoot is crucial to capturing dynamic, engaging footage. Consider these factors when scouting for the perfect spot:

Subject matter: What do you want to capture in your time-lapse? Popular subjects include landscapes, cityscapes, and natural phenomena such as sunrises or sunsets.
Accessibility: Ensure the location is easily accessible and safe to set up your camera and intervalometer for an extended period.
Stability: Choose a spot with minimal vibrations or movement, as any slight disturbance can affect the final result.
Weather conditions: Consider the weather forecast and how it might impact your shoot, such as rain or strong winds.

Camera Settings for Time-Lapse

Before you start shooting, adjust your camera settings to optimize your time-lapse footage. Here's a quick rundown of key settings to consider:

Shooting mode: Use manual mode (M) to have full control over your camera's settings.
Aperture: Choose an aperture that provides the desired depth of field for your subject matter. For most time-lapses, a smaller aperture (higher f-number) will work well.
Shutter speed: Set your shutter speed according to the interval you've chosen on your intervalometer. In general, a slower shutter speed will provide a smoother, more cinematic look.
ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise in your final footage.
White balance: Set the white balance to manual to maintain consistent colors throughout your time-lapse.
Focus: Use manual focus to ensure your subject remains sharp and in focus throughout the shoot.

Intervalometer Settings

With your camera settings dialed in, double-check your intervalometer settings to ensure they align with your desired outcome. Remember that the interval, duration, exposure count, and delay settings will impact the final result of your time-lapse.

As you become more experienced with time-lapse photography, you can experiment with different intervalometer settings to achieve unique effects, such as changing the interval during a shoot for a creative twist.

With your location, camera, and intervalometer all set up, you're ready to capture amazing time-lapse footage. After your shoot, it's time to bring everything together in post-processing.

Post-Processing Your Time-Lapse

Once you've captured your time-lapse photos, the next step is to transform them into a smooth, seamless video. In this section, we'll discuss selecting the right software for the job, as well as some editing tips to help you create a polished final product.

Selecting Software

There are numerous software options available for assembling and editing time-lapse footage. Some popular choices include:

Adobe Lightroom and Adobe Premiere Pro: These Adobe tools, when used together, offer a powerful combination for organizing, editing, and exporting time-lapse videos.
LRTimelapse: This software is specifically designed for time-lapse photography and works seamlessly with Adobe Lightroom, providing advanced tools for deflickering, keyframing, and more.
Final Cut Pro X: Apple's professional video editing software also supports time-lapse editing and offers a range of built-in tools for polishing your footage.

When selecting your time-lapse software, consider factors such as your budget, existing software subscriptions, and the specific features you need for your project.

Editing Tips

To create a high-quality time-lapse video, keep these editing tips in mind:

Organize your photos: Before you start editing, organize your photos in a way that makes it easy to locate specific sequences and edit them as needed.
Color correction: Apply color correction to your images to ensure consistent colors throughout your time-lapse. Many software options offer batch editing, which allows you to apply adjustments to multiple photos at once.
Deflickering: Flickering can occur in time-lapse videos due to changes in lighting conditions. Use software tools like LRTimelapse to deflicker and smooth out your footage.
Stabilization: If your footage is shaky or unstable, use stabilization tools in your editing software to smooth out any unwanted movements.
Frame rate: Choose a frame rate for your final video that creates a smooth playback. Common frame rates for time-lapse videos are 24, 25, or 30 frames per second (fps).
Music and sound effects: Add music or sound effects to enhance the mood of your time-lapse video and create a more engaging viewing experience.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating an impressive time-lapse video. Remember, practice makes perfect—experimenting with different intervalometer settings, camera techniques, and editing tools will only help you improve your time-lapse photography skills. Have fun and happy shooting!

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