jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

A friend of mine has asked for a camera with time lapse capability. He is very much a newbie to photography in general, and doesn't even realize that most cameras with intervalometers would only deliver a bunch of stills, and you would then need to process them into a video. Something he would not likely have the patience for.

The Panasonic DMC-TS30 can capture time lapse, then covert to video in camera. Looks a bit modest otherwise. I wonder if anyone knows of a better pocket camera with this feature, perhaps not too much north of $200?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

You can attach a cheap intervalometer to many cameras, so that's where I'd look first. If the device doesn't fit the camera, look for a different camera.

I got a refurb D5300 to use mainly for time lapse.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=intervalometer+for+nikon

If his goal is just shooting time lapse, he can't go wrong with a little Brinno TLC. Set it, press the button, and the movie is already on the SD card.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=brinno+tlc&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Abrinno+tlc

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

that brinno looks like a good bit of fun jerry.

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

The Brinno definitely fills the bill, and is pretty impressive for the price. I had originally thought to get a more general use camera, but turnkey video output from time lapse is the main feature. He can always get a basic pocket cam for stills.

Thanks for the suggestion!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

All you can do with the Brinno is change a few settings, and there's no post processing, but it does produce nice, basic time lapses. If someone is skilled at editing video, he could probably edit the Brinno movie.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

AFAIK, video is video and time lapse is always a series of stills.

Most video cameras can only run for a few minutes to maybe half an hour or so, then will have to take a break to cool down and/or need a fresh memory card.

Time lapse stills can be set up to take a shot every so often over a much longer period of time. One I use can be set for up to 99 hours and 59 minutes of time lapse still shooting.

I agree with previous responses, many cameras can be used with an accessory intervalometer. That's simply a controller you set up to take a shot every so often... you decide how often and for how long. Mine works with many Canon DSLRs and maybe even some of the point n shoot models. Might be an option if your friend already has some camera.

Otherwise, for around $200 I wouldn't expect very much. Might be able to get an old used DSLR for cheap... Canon 10D, 20D, 30D for example, then use it with one of the cheaper third party intervalometers. I haven't really looked extensively, but see a Neewer Intervalometer for those Canon DSLRs selling for $20 on Amazon. (The Canon TC-80N3 that I use and does essentially the same thing sells for $129 new.... I bought it used for less than half that. Note: Canon Rebel series cameras use a different type of Intervalometer, but one is also available for them.)

dallis Loc: Lompoc, Ca.

Look on ebay for a used Canon G9, it has that feature and assembles the file for you. They run less that a $100 and are fine P&S cameras.

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

I appreciate your response, but actually there are many video cameras on the market that can record for several hours. I've worked in video production for years, and own a camera that can do over six hours non stop. The time limit thing is a characteristic of SLR/Mirrorless cameras.

I get the add on intervalometer option, but this still produces only a series of stills. You have to use a video editor to create the video in post. This is beyond the ability of my friend. And I ain't gonna do it for him. ;-)

Both the Panasonic mentioned, and the Brinno camera that Jerry mentioned can deliver a time lapse video out of camera. The latter is probably a better choice in this case. It's limited, but purpose made.

jmizera Loc: Austin Texas

By golly, you're right. Will definitely look into this.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

dallis's comment reminded me that some Nikons can also do time lapse in-camera. Of course, then you're shooting hundred of shots for a short movie. That's more wear and tear than I'd want to put on a good camera.