GoPro Time Lapse vs Time Warp [Modes EXPLAINED]

There are times where you want to capture moments that happen for an extended period of time. These can be cars passing by, the sun raising/setting, long walks or rides, or just flowers blooming. GoPro Time Lapse vs Time Warp let you do just that.

But, what’s the difference between a GoPro time lapse and time warp?

Let me explain…

GoPro Time Lapse

GoPro Time Lapse is a technique through which still photos, taken by the camera at intervals over a long period of time, are played back at increased speed to create an appealing movie for the viewer. With time lapse, you can easily reduce and convert the length of your long videos of stuff like a day-night shoot, long duration recordings of the horizon, and a lot more into clips of only a few seconds!

In addition to this, there’s another way to create beautiful time lapse videos. You can do it by taking a series of photos at regular intervals and arrange them together in proper sequence to make a video.

GoPro offers 3 Time Lapse modes:

1. Time Lapse Video,
2. Time Lapse Photo, and
3. Night Lapse Photo.

Time Lapse Video

GoPro time lapse video mode is a great option to record footage for a long duration. It creates the output time lapse file in video format. With this mode, you can shoot long videos and create high quality output files without requiring post-production work in most cases. But, you’ll have to give up some of the manual controls if you use this setting because Protune is not available in Time Lapse video mode.

Time Lapse Photo

The GoPro’s time lapse photo mode is a simple way to create amazing time lapses. The camera captures images at a specific interval – for example, once every five seconds – and outputs them as JPEG or RAW formats. Once you download all the photos from your sessions and combine them together in post-production, you’ll have an epic time lapse video that will impress your viewers!

The image below shows how a number of photos captured at a set time interval within the span of a full day create a wonderful time lapse.

Night Lapse Photo

GoPro Night lapse Photo mode is a technique used to create a time-lapse in low light, night-time conditions. When night-lapse mode is on, GoPro allows for longer exposure time to capture clearer shots when there isn’t much light around you.

Depending on how lit your surroundings are at any given moment, users can choose different shutter speeds. Lower lighting usually needs higher exposures so that more detail is captured from the darkness. Brighter areas like city skylines under streetlights would be easier to capture since they’re lid by artificial sources such as lamps and windows. And, in case you aren’t sure, you can set the shutter speed to ‘Auto’ and let your GoPro decide.

GoPro Time Warp

Time Warp is, basically, HyperSmooth stabilization applied to Time Lapse video. It’s like magic! GoPro Time Warp can make your videos smooth and shake-free, allowing you to move around. You also get the option of increasing the speed up to 30x which lets you turn longer activities like hiking or biking rides into shareable moments with just one click!

Time Warp can turn an otherwise monotonous road trip recap or scenic walk into a much more engaging experience. When you play it back in real-time, the footage would surely seem boring to most. However, if you speed it up by 2x, 5x 10x 15 x 30 and pair it with GoPro’s HyperSmooth video stabilizing features then its possible that this kind of content will be both entertaining and easy on your eyes.

When you use TimeWarp, the GoPro first analyzes the scene and applies Timewarp based on your selected Speed Setting (Hyperlapse or Normal). Then, it processes all that data on its own before bringing out an edit ready for sharing – No editing software needed!

Which GoPro cameras have TimeWarp feature?

Listed below are the GoPro cameras which feature TimeWarp:

• Hero 12
• Hero 11 Black
• Hero 11 Mini
• Hero 10 Black
• Hero 9 Black
• Hero 8 Black
• Max
• Hero 7 Black

What is Better Time-lapse or Time Warp?

Time-lapse and Time Warp are two different techniques used to capture and create time-based videos. The difference between GoPro TimeWarp and GoPro TimeLapse is simply that TimeWarp is stabilized.

GoPro TimeWarp mode should be used when you want to capture a hyperlapse with your camera while moving. TimeWarp is for longer, moving videos. It is useful for activities like skiing, motorcycling, snowboarding, etc.

GoPro TimeLapse should be used for stationary videos such as those taken on a tripod and while shooting a sunset. Time Lapse, on the other hand, is for longer, stationary videos, such as for shooting sunrise, sunset etc.

The field of vide (FOV) of TimeLapse is a bit wider when compared to TimeWarp. This is because stabilization crops a bit of the FOV.

So, the choice between time-lapse and Time Warp depends on the type of footage you want to capture. If you want to capture a slow and gradual change in a scene, time-lapse is the better option. But if you want to capture fast-paced action while on the move, Time Warp is the way to go.

What is The Best Time-Lapse Setting for GoPro?

Learn all the best settings for Time-Lapse in the following article: GoPro Time Lapse Settings [Full GUIDE].

Does GoPro 11 Have Time Lapse?

Yes! To achieve stunning shots using the Time Warp and Time Lapse modes with your GoPro Hero 11, it’s important to use the appropriate settings for different situations. With its great video and photo capabilities, the Hero 11 offers a range of settings that can be optimized for different shooting scenarios to achieve the best results.

The Time Lapse Interval is a crucial setting that determines how frequently your GoPro Hero 11 Black captures a shot in the Time Lapse video and Time Lapse photo modes. To get the best results, it’s important to choose the right interval for the activity you’re recording. For quick activities, shorter intervals are recommended, while for extended activities, longer intervals are more suitable.

The Hero 11 offers a range of time-lapse intervals to choose from, including 0.5 (default), 1, 2, 5, 10, 30 seconds; 1, 2, 5, and 30 minutes; and 1 hour. Here are some recommended time-lapse intervals for different activities:

• 0.5-2 seconds: Ideal for surfing, biking, or other fast-paced sports.
• 2 seconds: Perfect for capturing a busy street corner.
• 5-10 seconds: Recommended for recording clouds or outdoor scenes for an extended period.
• 10 seconds–1 minute: Suitable for art projects or other lengthy activities.
• 1 minute–1 hour: Best for recording construction work or other activities that take place over a very long period.

Read more on the best time lapse settings for your camera in the following article: GoPro Hero 11 Time Lapse & Time Warp GUIDE + Best Settings.

How Long Will a GoPro Last on TimeLapse?

GoPro Time Lapse VS Time Warp: Which Mode is for You?

Planning to shoot a long duration footage of things like sunrise/sunset, clouds, horizon or anything similar with your GoPro camera stationary? Go for GoPro Time Lapse.

Want to speed up the long footage of activities or adventures like a simple walk around the city, biking, hiking or anything similar with your GoPro moving? then switch to GoPro Time Warp mode!

I hope that this article helps you clearly know about the various differences between a GoPro time lapse vs time warp.

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Related Articles:

• The ULTIMATE GoPro TimeWarp (Hyperlapse) GUIDE
• GoPro Time Lapse: Creating Stunning Time Lapse Shots
• GoPro Time Lapse: Beginners Guide (Step-by-Step) + [VIDEO TUTORIAL]
• 10 GoPro Photography Tips for Epic Shots (+ Best Settings)
• GoPro Hero 11 Time Warp Guide (Settings Explained)