Timelapse photography allows you to compress hours into seconds, revealing movement in a way that’s invisible to the human eye.
Many modern cameras include a built-in intervalometer, which automates the shooting process by capturing images at preset intervals.
Instead of manually pressing the shutter repeatedly, the intervalometer handles the sequence for you, ensuring smooth and evenly spaced frames.
Whether you’re capturing moving clouds, city traffic, or a blooming flower, mastering this feature unlocks creative possibilities.
Download the iCAMERA eBook
Get started with your camera and we’ll also send you the latest photo guides and amazing deals straight to your inbox.
Already a member? Click here to login and download this eBook.
How an Intervalometer Works
A built-in intervalometer controls three main settings:
Interval – The time between each shot. A short interval (1-5 seconds) is ideal for fast-moving subjects like traffic, while longer intervals (30+ seconds) work better for slow-moving changes like sunrise.
Number of Shots – Determines how many frames your camera captures. More frames result in a longer timelapse sequence.
Exposure Settings – Since lighting changes over time, shooting in manual mode prevents exposure shifts between frames.
Some cameras also allow for automatic exposure adjustments, helping adapt to conditions like fading light during sunset.
Setting Up the Built-In Intervalometer
To capture a timelapse using your camera’s intervalometer, follow these steps:
- Compose Your Shot – Use a sturdy tripod to prevent unwanted movement.
- Set Your Camera to Manual Mode – Lock in aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to avoid exposure inconsistencies.
- Access the Intervalometer Menu – Navigate to the timelapse or interval shooting option in your camera’s settings.
- Choose the Interval and Number of Shots – Adjust based on how long you want the final timelapse to be.
- Enable Focus Lock – If using autofocus, set it before starting the sequence to prevent focus shifts between frames.
- Start the Sequence – Once the intervalometer is activated, the camera will take photos automatically until the sequence is complete.
Calculating the Ideal Settings for a Timelapse
To determine the right settings, consider this basic formula:
Final Video Length (seconds) = Total Frames Captured ÷ Frame Rate
For example, if you want a 10-second video at 30fps, you’ll need 300 shots. If you set an interval of 5 seconds, the entire capture process would take 25 minutes.
Common Intervalometer Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Exposure Flickering
Light conditions change over time, especially for sunrise or sunset timelapses. To reduce flickering:
- Use manual mode to prevent automatic exposure shifts.
- Keep white balance fixed instead of auto white balance (AWB).
2. Camera Movement
Even a slight shift ruins timelapse smoothness. Use a heavy-duty tripod and disable image stabilisation (IBIS or OIS) to prevent micro-vibrations.
3. Running Out of Battery or Memory
Timelapse sequences require hundreds of images. To avoid interruptions:
- Use an external battery pack or a fully charged battery.
- Ensure a large-capacity memory card is inserted.
- Processing and Assembling Your Timelapse
Once your sequence is captured, you’ll need to compile the images into a video. Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, or LRTimelapse allows you to import frames, set frame rates, and export a smooth timelapse.
Conclusion
Your camera’s built-in intervalometer simplifies timelapse photography, eliminating the need for external remote triggers.
With the right settings and post-processing techniques, you can create visually striking sequences that bring motion to life.
For a more in-depth understanding of camera functions, check out our iPhotography Course.
(iPhotography may make small commissions from links in this article.)