Start with the time you have or the video you want. Estimate your capture interval, finished length, and storage, then check the power and camera settings that will keep your recording running.
Planning tool
Time-lapse calculator
Interval recommendations use HERO11 Black settings. You can enter a custom interval for another camera. All results are planning estimates.
Photo length uses your editing frame rate. Frame counts assume one capture per interval; the first and last capture may vary by camera.
Your recording timeline
Before you record: reliability checklist
These checks help reduce interruptions; they cannot guarantee runtime. Why does my GoPro stop recording? See the causes and fixes.
1. The Core Time-Lapse Formulas
Use these equations for fixed-interval captures. TimeWarp uses a separate speed-based estimate.
Formula 1: Total Frame Count
Estimated Frames = floor(Shooting Seconds / Interval Seconds)
Formula 2: Final Video Playback Length
Video Seconds = Total Frames / Playback FPS
Ideal Interval = Shooting Seconds / (Target Video Seconds × Playback FPS)
Required Shooting Seconds = ceil(Target Video Seconds × Playback FPS) × Interval Seconds
Formula 3: Format-Specific Storage Estimates
Photo GB = Frames × Average MB per Capture / 1000
Video GB = Finished Camera-File Seconds × Average Mbps / 8000
Storage uses decimal MB and GB, matching card-capacity units. For RAW + JPEG, include both files in the size per capture. Video bitrate varies with resolution, compression, and scene detail; use a test clip with the same settings and leave extra card space.
TimeWarp: estimated video seconds = shooting seconds / speed multiplier. Auto speed and speed ramps prevent an exact prediction. Time Lapse Photo saves separate photos for editing; Time Lapse Video creates a compressed video in the camera. GoPro explains the recording modes. HERO11 interval and RAW restrictions follow the GoPro HERO11 manual (pp. 142–146).
2. Master Time-Lapse Interval Reference Matrix
Quick lookup table comparing shooting durations, intervals, estimated frame counts, and final 30 fps clip lengths. Use the planner for format-specific storage.
| Shooting Time | Interval | Estimated Frames | 30fps Playback Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Minutes | 1 Second | 1,800 Frames | 1 Minute 00 Seconds |
| 1 Hour | 2 Seconds | 1,800 Frames | 1 Minute 00 Seconds |
| 2 Hours | 5 Seconds | 1,440 Frames | 48 Seconds |
| 4 Hours (Sunset) | 10 Seconds | 1,440 Frames | 48 Seconds |
| 8 Hours (Construction) | 30 Seconds | 960 Frames | 32 Seconds |
| 24 Hours (Full Day) | 60 Seconds | 1,440 Frames | 48 Seconds |
| 30 Days (Long-Term) | 5 Minutes | 8,640 Frames | 4 Minutes 48 Seconds |
Key Takeaways
- Photo Playback: At 30 fps, 30 photos produce one second of video. Choose the frame rate you will use when assembling your sequence.
- The Golden Ratio: A 1-hour shoot at a 2-second interval produces 1,800 frames = 60 seconds of finished video.
- Storage Depends on Format: Estimate JPEG or RAW + JPEG sequences from measured file sizes. Estimate compressed video from its finished file length and average bitrate.
- Supported Settings: The mathematically ideal interval may not be available on your camera. Recalculate the finished length after choosing a supported setting.
- Recording Reliability: Check power, card space, heat, and capture duration. Read the recording-interruption troubleshooting guide.