Best cameras for timelapse videos in 2025

Want to make the most of the total lunar eclipse this March 13-14, when Earth's moon turns an unsettling shade red? Then why not capture these events on one of the best cameras for timelapse video?

There are some events, such as this 'blood moon' or the partial eclipse this March 29, that just beg to be recorded in timelapse video. But there's more to timelapse than just picking up a camera that supports it; battery life is also a significant factor, for example. That's why, supported by our expert reviewers, we have rounded up the best cameras for timelapse video.

We have included several models, with a focus on DSLR and mirrorless cameras. You don't need to break. The timelapse cameras we've selected are from trusted manufacturers such as Nikon and Canon, and cover a range of budgets. You will also need a tripod because, with timelapse, even the slightest movement is amplified. So take a look at our guide to the best tripods or, if you're on the go, the best travel tripods.

The Quick List

We've rounded up our picks for the best timelapse cameras below. For more in-depth information on a particular camera, click the read more links.

• Related: Best lenses for astrophotography

Best overall

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The mirrorless Nikon Z8 may be a little too pricey for beginners. But this powerhouse of a camera is an absolute must for photography pros looking to capture that perfect event as timelapse.

In our review of the Nikon Z8, we sang its praises and called it "An absolute behemoth in every respect," It boasts a massive 45.7-megapixel sensor, and its large ISO range makes it ideal for timelapse, especially in low light situations.

Geared towards professionals, you can tweak virtually every aspect of this camera. The Z8's silent shutter mode, helps reduce vibrations, leading to sharper images. Its exposure smoothing is a boon to astrophotographers and, on top of that, the Z8 boasts a respectable battery life, so you shouldn't find your timelapse video truncated by low battery.

When it comes to watching your video back, the chances are you'll be absolutely stunned by the Z8's image quality. You've got serious control over its video options, too. It shoots in up to 8K 60P, and can output a host of various video codecs including such as N-Log, ProRes Raw HQ and more. If you are night shooting, be sure to combine the Z8 with one of the best lenses for astrophotography.

• Read our full Nikon Z8 review

Best for low light

If you're planning on taking timelapse video of the lunar eclipse, the Panasonic Lumix GH7 is a great choice. It's an excellent camera for low light photography and not just because of its superb noise reduction. Its Live Boost View feature is a serious boon, too, letting you see a light-adjusted image of the sky through the viewfinder.

The GH7's silent shooting option reduces vibrations, resulting in sharper timelapse video. You've also got total control over the timelapse shooting interval, from 01s to 99m 59s. And while its 25.2MP sensor may not match the Nikon Z8's, you'll still get some stunning images out of the GH7. As a Micro Four Thirds (MFT), the camera itself is portable, though the trade-off is that its lenses are heavier.

In our review of the Panasonic Lumix GH7, we called it "a brilliant hybrid camera with impressive functionality for photographers and videographers alike". We were particularly taken with its image stabilization, which will also boost the quality of your timelapse.

On the whole, those who've purchased it are as positive, though one or two did say the battery life was a little lower than they expected. Timelapse video uses less charge than regular video, but you've nothing to lose by bringing a spare battery if you can.

• Read our Panasonic Lumix GH7 review

Best value for money

Not to be confused with the Canon EOS R8, which has a disappointingly low battery life, the Canon EOS R7 is excellent for timelapse photography. In our review of the Canon EOS R7 we called it a "A powerful crop sensor camera that can get near full-frame results and can handle almost anything you throw at it with ease", and, two years later, we stand by that verdict.

The Canon EOS R7 boasts superb low light performance and is silent shooting mode means the mechanical shutter is locked up, so we don’t have to worry about this creating unwanted movement.

There's a built-in interval timer, with intervals from 1 second to 100 hours, and it's weather-sealed. The latter is especially helpful if it's going to be set up outdoors for any length of time and while it has a respectable, it also supports USB-C power delivery, allowing you to plug in a compatible power bank for extra shooting time.

• Read our Canon EOS R7 review

Best for image stabilization

Also featured in our best camera list, the Sony A7R V boasts an AI-powered autofocus system that's on a whole other level. It builds upon the power of previous models and in our Sony A7R V review, we called it "A fantastic all-round camera that can handle most things you throw at it."

It's also an excellent timelapse camera, with a built-in interval timer, the option for silent shooting via its electronic shutter, and a host of other helpful options. Its dual memory card slots ensure you'll have plenty of space to capture timelapse in RAW. We were especially impressed by the improved of accuracy of White Balance control, due in part to the camera's built-in AI features. The shots we took required next to no tint editing.

The one snag is that if you're only looking for astro timelapse, you might want to consider some of the other models. The astrophotography shots we took featured a little more noise than we would have liked.

• Read our Sony A7R V review

Best for video

In our Panasonic Lumix S5IIx review, we called this a "video powerhouse" and, on the whole, this is a solid timelapse camera. We think it's one of the best cameras for low-light photography and has superb image stabilization, a real boon when it comes to timelapse.

Unlike some cameras, it supports outputting timelapse shots as 4K video, there's no need to compile them on a computer, meaning you can review your video before you head home. It doesn't boast the highest ISO but it's plenty for astrophotography and its Live View Boost means you can see exactly what you're shooting in low light.

We would have preferred a longer battery life, but it should still be fine for timelapse shooting and, timelapse aside, this is also an excellent all rounder.

• Read our Panasonic Lumix S5IIx review

Best cameras for timelapse videos: Comparison

How we test the best cameras for timelapse videos

In order to guarantee you’re getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras for timelapse videos to buy here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. Each camera is reviewed based on a multitude of aspects, from its construction and design, to how well it functions as an optical instrument and its performance in the field.

Each camera is carefully tested by either our expert staff or knowledgeable freelance contributors who know their subject areas in depth. This ensures fair reviewing is backed by personal, hands-on experience with each camera and is judged based on its price point, class and destined use. For example, comparing a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a sleek little crop-sensor DSLR wouldn’t be appropriate, though each camera might be the best performing product in its own class.

We look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it contains the latest up-to-date imaging technology, whether the cameras can shoot high-quality stills photos and high-resolution video and also make suggestions if a particular camera would benefit from any additional kit to give you the best viewing experience possible.

With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras for timelapse, whether you should purchase a camera or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.

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