What is the Difference Between Timelapse and Hyperlapse?

Timelapse and hyperlapse are two different ways to shoot a short video and fit the maximum amount of information into it. This is the main similarity between the two types of video shooting. The difference is in how to shoot and what ends up in the frame.

The differences can be summarized as follows: timelapse combines a series of still images into a video, while hyperlapse speeds up a video shot at normal speed. The differences between timelapse and hyperlapse can be shown in more detail using examples of their use in specific tasks.

Timelapse is a great way to show the passage of time. To shoot such a video, the camera is mounted on a tripod and focused on a specific object or phenomenon. The image is captured every few seconds or minutes, usually from one fixed point.

During the editing process, frames taken at a certain interval are glued together, and the image becomes dynamic: sprouts instantly appear from the ground, clouds fly across the sky at lightning speed, the sun goes beyond the horizon in seconds. This format is perfect for shooting sunsets, sunrises, people, transport, construction sites, etc.

If you take a picture every minute for an hour, you will get a 60-second video of that hour. Depending on your equipment, you can take pictures every hour, day, week, and fit that time period into one short video. So, one of the main differences with timelapse is that the camera usually doesn't move while shooting.

In turn, during the shooting of a hyperlapse, the camera moves at normal speed. In most cases, the camera records video, not a series of still images. As with timelapse, the image is sped up during editing, making it possible to fit a long period of time into a short video.

Timelapse, Lisbon 2024

Hyperlapse can be shot in several ways. For example, on a given course, when the copter moves in space along a certain, usually straight trajectory. Or in a circle, when the copter moves in a circle around the object being filmed. And finally, by points, when pictures are taken at a certain interval, for which the copter moves from one point to another.

Hyperlapse, Stockholm 2016

Hyperlapse perfectly conveys the rhythms of the city and allows you to shoot objects from different angles. These can be buildings, large art objects, cars and other large-scale structures. Or construction sites, of course.

Panoramic Timelapse, Lisbon 2024

Timelapse shooting is more suitable for collecting dry information, and this is why this option is much more often used for construction cameras. After all, it is information that is most needed during the monitoring of construction sites. And of course, Time Technology provides a full range of services in this area.

Hyperlapse, Sweden 2016