1. What is Time Lapse Duration?

Time lapse duration refers to the length of the final video created from a series of photos taken at regular intervals. It compresses long events into shorter videos while maintaining the appearance of smooth motion.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the time lapse formula:

Where:

• \( event\_duration \) — Total duration of the real-world event (seconds)
• \( interval \) — Time between captured frames (seconds)
• \( fps \) — Frames per second in the final video

Explanation: The equation calculates how many frames will be captured during the event, then determines how long the video will be at the desired playback frame rate.

3. Importance of Time Lapse Calculation

Details: Accurate time lapse calculation helps photographers and videographers plan their shoots, estimate storage needs, and achieve the desired compression of time in their final videos.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total duration of the event in seconds, the interval between shots in seconds, and your desired playback frame rate. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical interval for time lapse photography?
A: Intervals vary widely: 1-5 seconds for clouds/sunrises, 30-60 seconds for plant growth, several minutes for construction projects.

Q2: How does FPS affect the final video?
A: Higher FPS (e.g., 30) creates smoother motion but shorter videos. Lower FPS (e.g., 24) gives a slightly more cinematic look with longer duration.

Q3: How many photos will I need to take?
A: Total photos = event_duration / interval. For a 1-hour event at 5-second intervals: 3600/5 = 720 photos.

Q4: What's the relationship between interval and smoothness?
A: Shorter intervals capture more motion detail but require more storage. The ideal interval depends on subject speed.

Q5: Can I change the playback speed after shooting?
A: Yes, but only by dropping frames (making it faster) or duplicating frames (making it slower), which affects quality.