Ever wanted to condense hours into seconds, watching the world unfold in fast-motion? Time lapse photography is an incredibly captivating way to do just that, and your trusty GoPro Hero 4 is an excellent tool for the job! Whether you’re documenting a sunset, a bustling city street, a construction project, or even a flower blooming, getting the right gear can make all the difference.
But what exactly is the best for time lapse GoPro Hero 4 setup? It’s not just about the camera itself, but also the accessories that help you extend battery life, keep your camera stable, and protect it from the elements. In this guide, we’re diving into the top products that will elevate your time-lapse game, including the Hero 4’s own impressive capabilities, essential accessories, and even a dedicated time-lapse camera for those truly long-haul projects.
Let’s get your GoPro Hero 4 ready to capture some epic time-lapse sequences!
Why Your GoPro Hero 4 Rocks for Time Lapse
The GoPro Hero 4 Black and Silver models were trailblazers, packed with features perfect for time lapse. Its compact size, rugged design, and wide-angle lens make it ideal for capturing sweeping scenes without needing a bulky setup. With built-in time-lapse modes, you can easily set intervals and let the camera do its magic. It truly is a fantastic camera to explore the world of time lapse photography.
Key Considerations for Amazing Time Lapse Photography
Before we jump into the gear, here are a few things to keep in mind for successful time lapses:
- Stability is Key: Any tiny bump or wobble will ruin your shot. A solid mount or tripod is non-negotiable.
- Battery Life: Time lapses often run for hours, so power management is crucial. External batteries or a continuous power source are your friends.
- Protection: If you’re shooting outdoors, consider waterproof and durable housing to protect your camera from rain, dust, or accidental bumps.
- Monitoring: For complex shots, being able to preview your framing or check settings on the fly can save you headaches.
- Intervals: Choosing the right interval (e.g., 2 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 minutes) depends entirely on what you’re trying to capture. Faster changes need shorter intervals; slower changes need longer ones.
Now, let’s explore some of the best for time lapse GoPro Hero 4 related gear and why they stand out!
Product Reviews
Dsoon Time Lapse Camera, 4K FHD Timelapse Camera Outdoor
While our focus is primarily on enhancing your GoPro Hero 4’s time-lapse capabilities, sometimes you need a dedicated, set-it-and-forget-it solution for extremely long-term or highly specific outdoor projects. The Dsoon Time Lapse Camera fills that niche perfectly. This robust, standalone camera is engineered to capture detailed 4K time lapses over extended periods, making it an excellent choice for construction site monitoring, long-term environmental studies, or even documenting a multi-day art installation where continuously charging a GoPro might be impractical. It truly shines when you need a professional, hands-off approach to time-lapse photography, offering capabilities that complement or extend beyond the typical GoPro setup.
Key Features:
– High-Definition 4K Imaging with advanced chip and fill light technology
– Extra-long standby battery life (up to 180 days with 5-minute intervals)
– Effortless, continuous time-lapse setup
– Versatile shooting modes including timed, video, and photo time-lapse
– Manual macro focus capability for detailed close-ups or infinity shots
– IP66 waterproof housing for indoor and outdoor use
Pros:
– Exceptional battery life eliminates constant recharging
– High-resolution 4K capture for crisp, clear footage
– Built-in IPS display with 90-degree flip for easy framing
– Rugged, waterproof design (IP66)
– Comprehensive package with multiple mounting brackets included
Cons:
– It’s a standalone camera, not an accessory for your GoPro Hero 4
– May be overkill if your time-lapse needs are simpler or shorter in duration
– Specific to time-lapse, lacks the versatility of a general action camera
User Impressions:
Users frequently praise the Dsoon camera for its incredible battery life and robust build quality, making it ideal for long-term outdoor projects where reliability is paramount. Many appreciate the simplicity of its setup and the crisp 4K image quality, though some note it’s a single-purpose device compared to a multi-functional action camera.
GoPro Hero4 Black
It wouldn’t be a discussion about the best for time lapse GoPro Hero 4 without talking about the camera itself! The Hero4 Black was a game-changer, offering professional-grade video capabilities that blew previous action cameras out of the water. For time lapse, its ability to shoot stunning 4K video and highly customizable photo time-lapse modes makes it a powerhouse. Features like Protune give you manual control over exposure, ISO, and white balance, allowing for more professional-looking sequences, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The “Night Photo” and “Night Lapse” modes were revolutionary, opening up a whole new world of capturing starry skies or cityscapes at night.
Key Features:
– Professional 4K30, 2.7K60, and 1080P120 video
– 12MP photos at up to 30 frames per second
– Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for app and Smart Remote control
– Improved camera control and in-camera video trimming
– Protune with SuperView for cinema-quality capture and immersive wide-angle views
– Dedicated Night Photo and Night Lapse modes with customizable exposure settings
Pros:
– Excellent 4K video quality for high-resolution time lapses
– Advanced manual controls via Protune
– Specific modes for impressive night time lapses
– Compact and durable design
– Versatile for many types of time-lapse subjects
Cons:
– Battery life can be short, especially for longer time lapses
– No built-in touch display (on the Black edition, unlike Silver)
– Requires additional accessories for extended use or specific mounting
User Impressions:
Owners consistently praise the Hero4 Black’s image quality and advanced features, particularly its performance in low light and its Protune capabilities. While its battery life is a common point of contention for time-lapse enthusiasts, its overall versatility and professional output make it a beloved choice for creative projects.
GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case for GoPro Hero 4 Black
When you’re embarking on a long outdoor time lapse – perhaps capturing a construction site through all seasons, a weather phenomenon, or an underwater reef – protecting your GoPro Hero 4 is paramount. This GEPULY Waterproof Housing Case is an indispensable accessory, providing robust protection against water, dust, and impacts. What truly makes it stand out is its commitment to durability and image clarity, with a high-transmission flat glass lens ensuring your footage remains sharp even underwater, and rustproof stainless steel components that promise longevity even in harsh saltwater environments. It’s truly a must-have for adventurous time-lapsers.
Key Features:
– Perfect compatibility with GoPro Hero 3, Hero 3+, Hero 4 Black and Silver
– Waterproof up to 131 ft (40M)
– Rustproof 316 stainless steel buttons and metal parts
– Made of solid transparent plastic and high-transmission flat glass lens (98% light transmission)
– Aluminum lens border for enhanced waterproofing
Pros:
– Excellent protection for your GoPro Hero 4 against water, dust, scratches, and shocks
– Maintains image clarity with high-quality lens material
– Durable and rustproof for use in marine environments
– Compact and lightweight design
Cons:
– Can muffle audio slightly, though less critical for time lapse
– Adds a bit of bulk to the camera
– Requires the use of specific backdoors for LCD BacPacs (though this kit might include them or work with standard ones)
User Impressions:
Users are generally very impressed with this housing’s robust build and waterproof capabilities, noting its reliability for diving and other extreme sports. They appreciate the clear optics, which ensure no compromise on video quality, and the rust-resistant materials are a big plus for saltwater enthusiasts.
Suptig LCD Screen 2.0 Inch LCD BacPac Non-Touch Screen
Framing your time lapse shot precisely is critical, and trying to do it blind or relying solely on your phone can be a pain, especially when your GoPro Hero 4 Black lacks a built-in screen. That’s where the Suptig LCD BacPac comes in handy. This non-touch screen snaps onto the back of your GoPro Hero 4, giving you an immediate live view of what your camera sees. This is a game-changer for setting up accurate compositions, checking focus, and previewing previously captured photos or videos right on the spot, saving you valuable time and ensuring your time lapse is perfectly framed from the start.
Key Features:
– Compatible with Gopro Hero 4 Black/Silver, Hero 3+/3/2
– Allows real-time viewing and preview of images and videos
– Displays battery life
– Easy to install and remove; lightweight and compact
– Includes extension back cover for 114 ft waterproof capability
Pros:
– Provides immediate visual feedback for framing and settings
– Essential for GoPro Hero 4 Black users without a screen
– Helps check battery life directly on the camera
– Lightweight and easy to attach/detach
– Comes with waterproof backdoors for use with the screen
Cons:
– Non-touch screen, requiring button navigation
– Adds to the GoPro’s overall size and power consumption
– Might require a specific waterproof housing that accommodates the BacPac
User Impressions:
Customers frequently highlight how essential this screen is for composing shots, especially for the Hero 4 Black. They appreciate its simplicity and the ability to review footage on the go, which drastically improves workflow for time-lapse setup. The included waterproof backdoors are also a big bonus.
GoPro 3-Way 2.0 (GoPro Official Mount)
When it comes to capturing stable, dynamic time lapses with your GoPro Hero 4, a versatile mounting solution is paramount. The GoPro 3-Way 2.0 is an absolute winner because it offers three essential tools in one compact design: a camera grip for handheld shots, a sturdy tripod for rock-solid stability, and an extension arm for unique angles. For time lapse, the integrated tripod is a godsend, providing a quick and reliable platform to ensure your camera stays perfectly still for hours on end. Its ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to handle, whether you’re adjusting your shot or repositioning for a new sequence. It truly is one of the best for time lapse GoPro Hero 4 accessories for versatility and stability.
Key Features:
– 3-in-1 design: camera grip, tripod, and extension arm
– Integrated ball joint for easy angle changes without repositioning the mount
– Built-in tripod quickly folds out for stable shooting
– Ergonomic design for comfortable use
– Folding extension arm for selfies, overhead shots, and getting closer to the action
Pros:
– Extremely versatile for various shooting scenarios
– Integrated tripod is quick to deploy and provides excellent stability for time lapses
– Ball joint allows for precise framing adjustments
– Official GoPro product ensures high quality and perfect compatibility
– Compact and easy to carry
Cons:
– Premium price compared to third-party alternatives
– May not be tall enough for all tripod needs without additional extensions
– Can feel a bit plasticky to some users
User Impressions:
Users rave about the 3-Way 2.0’s versatility and convenience, often calling it their favorite GoPro accessory. The integrated tripod is a standout feature for time-lapse photographers, providing crucial stability. While some mention the price, most agree its functionality and compact design make it worth the investment.
FAQ Section
Q1: What is time-lapse photography?
A1: Time-lapse photography is a technique where a series of still images are captured at set intervals over a period of time, then played back as a video sequence. This compresses long events (like sunsets, cloud movements, or construction projects) into a short, dynamic clip, showing changes that are normally too slow to perceive.
Q2: How do I set up time lapse on my GoPro Hero 4?
A2: On your GoPro Hero 4, go into the shooting modes and select “Time Lapse Photo” or “Time Lapse Video.” You can then customize settings like the interval (e.g., 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60 seconds) and resolution. For “Time Lapse Photo,” the camera saves individual photos which you then combine into a video using editing software. “Time Lapse Video” generates the video file directly on the camera.
Q3: What are the essential accessories for GoPro Hero 4 time lapse?
A3: The most essential accessories for time lapse with your GoPro Hero 4 are a stable mount or tripod (like the GoPro 3-Way 2.0), extra batteries or an external power source (like a power bank), and a large-capacity SD card. For outdoor use, a waterproof housing (like the GEPULY case) is also highly recommended. If you have a Hero 4 Black, an LCD BacPac is extremely helpful for framing.
Q4: How can I extend my GoPro Hero 4’s battery life for long time lapses?
A4: To extend battery life, you can use an external USB power bank connected to your GoPro (though this requires a non-waterproof backdoor or specialized housing). Turning off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, Protune, and the LCD screen (if using a BacPac) can also conserve power. Additionally, using a higher interval (e.g., 30 seconds instead of 1 second) means the camera wakes up less frequently, saving battery.
Q5: Can I do night lapse with my GoPro Hero 4?
A5: Yes! The GoPro Hero 4 Black, in particular, has dedicated “Night Photo” and “Night Lapse” modes. These modes allow you to set longer exposure times (up to 30 seconds), which is crucial for capturing light in low-light conditions like starry skies or city lights. You’ll need a very stable tripod for these shots to avoid blurring.
Q6: What’s the best interval for different time-lapse subjects?
A6: The best interval depends on the speed of movement you want to capture:
– Fast-moving clouds, traffic: 1-2 seconds
– Sunsets, sunrises, slower clouds: 5-10 seconds
– Crowds, people walking: 2-5 seconds
– Construction, plants growing, shadows moving: 10 seconds to 1 minute
– Stars, very slow environmental changes: 15-60 seconds (or longer)
Experimentation is key to finding what works best for your specific scene!
Q7: How do I edit my GoPro time-lapse photos into a video?
A7: If you shot in “Time Lapse Photo” mode, you’ll have a series of still images. You can import these into video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve (free), iMovie, or even dedicated time-lapse software. Once imported, set the duration of each image to a very short length (e.g., 0.04 seconds for 24fps video) to create the motion effect.
Conclusion
Mastering time-lapse photography with your GoPro Hero 4 is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to see the world in a whole new light. By understanding the capabilities of your Hero 4 and pairing it with the right accessories – from essential stability mounts and protective housings to external screens and dedicated power solutions – you can unlock its full potential.
Whether you’re capturing the grandeur of nature or the subtle changes in an urban landscape, the products reviewed here represent some of the best for time lapse GoPro Hero 4 setups you can assemble. So, grab your gear, find your spot, and start creating those breathtaking compressed moments that tell a compelling story!
