Best Time Lapse Action Cameras of 2026
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Time lapse action cameras are a popular choice for capturing stunning time-lapse footage of outdoor adventures, travel, or construction projects. These cameras are designed to capture a series of photos at pre-set intervals, which are then combined into a video that captures hours, days, or even weeks of footage in just a few minutes. With their compact size, rugged construction, and long battery life, time-lapse action cameras are perfect for capturing unique perspectives and stunning landscapes. Whether you're a professional photographer or just looking to capture some unforgettable memories, a time-lapse action camera is a must-have piece of gear.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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9.8
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9.6
Top 3 Time Lapse Action Cameras
VTech KidiZoom Creator Cam
The VTech Creator Cam lets you make fun, high-quality videos with ease. You can record in HD and add your voice using the built-in microphone, making your videos more lively and personal. It also offers cool effects like time-lapse to make your creations unique. With over 20 animated backgrounds, you can transport yourself to exciting places like outer space or even get chased by a T-Rex, adding a playful touch to your videos. Plus, the included green screen fabric lets you create special effects, while the easy editing tools and a handy tripod/selfie stick help you capture and polish your videos right on the camera.
SJCAM C400 Vlogging Combo 4K Camera
The SJCAM C400 Vlog Camera offers stunning 4K video quality with a wide 154° lens, perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes or detailed close-ups. Its large f/2.0 aperture helps you shoot clear videos even in low light, giving your footage a professional look with a nice depth effect. Thanks to the 6-axis stabilization and horizon correction, your videos stay smooth and steady, no matter how much action is happening. Plus, with a powerful battery, you can record for up to 7 hours straight, making it ideal for long days of filming or live streaming without worrying about running out of power.
PROGRACE Kids Camera Waterproof Boys
PROGRACE Kids Camera is a perfect gift for kids aged 3 to 10 years. It is a multifunctional camcorder with an HD 1080P/30fps videos and 5MP photos, 40 photo frames, 7 color video modes, 4X digital zoom, burst shooting, time-lapse photo, face recognition. This waterproof camera can be used up to 98ft and comes with a strong case and accessories for skating, swimming, bike, skateboard, helmet. With a long-lasting battery, this action camera can record for about 1.5 hours, and it also has an automatic energy-saving mode that turns off if the power is only 5 minutes remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is time lapse on action camera?
Time lapse on an action camera allows you to capture video frames at set time intervals, creating a time lapse movie without the need for manual stitching of photos together. It is a convenient feature that helps you create captivating time lapse videos effortlessly.
2. How long can a GoPro do a timelapse?
The duration of a timelapse on a GoPro depends on the battery life of the specific model. Most GoPros can shoot a timelapse until the battery dies, which is typically around 2.5 hours. It's important to consider the battery life when planning for longer timelapse recordings.
3. Do you need a special camera for time-lapse?
Technically, any point-and-shoot camera or smartphone can be used for time-lapse photography. However, DSLR or mirrorless cameras are often preferred because they offer more control and features like an in-camera intervalometer. These features make it easier to capture high-quality time-lapse videos with less additional equipment needed.
4. What is the difference between timelapse and motion lapse?
The difference between timelapse and motion lapse is in the camera's movement. Timelapse is used to capture the passing of time in a fixed scene, typically with the camera mounted on a tripod or base. Motion lapse, on the other hand, allows you to create a moving timelapse video by recording from different angles with preset camera positions.
5. How long is a 30 second time-lapse?
The duration of a 30-second timelapse can vary depending on the number of frames captured per second. In the default iPhone app, a 30-second timelapse corresponds to approximately 7.5 minutes of recording. However, with third-party apps or cameras that allow you to adjust settings, the duration may vary.
6. What is the difference between GoPro time-lapse and night lapse?
The difference between GoPro time-lapse and night lapse is the shooting conditions. Time-lapse is a general term for capturing a series of photos at set intervals, while a night lapse specifically refers to taking time-lapse photos at night. Night lapses use long exposure photos to create videos that capture the night scenes with stunning visual effects.
During our time lapse action camera research, we found 16 time lapse action camera products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 126,798 customer reviews through our big data system to write the time lapse action cameras list. We found that most customers choose time lapse action cameras with an average price of $292.12.
The time lapse action cameras are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of time lapse action cameras, including VTech, SJCAM, PROGRACE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.