Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera Time Lapse Review Best Settings and Tips

The Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera delivers impressive time-lapse footage with the right settings, making it a budget-friendly choice for capturing dynamic scenes. For optimal results, use 5-second intervals in daylight and 10-second intervals in low light, paired with a stable mount and fully charged battery to avoid interruptions. This compact camera balances simplicity and performance, ideal for adventurers and content creators alike.

Key Takeaways

• Optimal resolution: Use 720p for crisp, storage-friendly time lapses.
• Interval mastery: Set 2-5 sec intervals for smooth motion effects.
• Stable mount: Secure camera firmly to avoid shaky footage.
• Battery saver: Carry spares or use external power for long sessions.
• Light matters: Shoot in consistent lighting to prevent flickering.
• Test first: Always preview settings before full recording.

Why Time Lapse Matters for Action Cameras

Ever tried capturing a sunset with your action camera and ended up with a shaky, 30-second clip that just doesn’t do the moment justice? I’ve been there. You want to show the sky melting into gold and pink, but your footage feels flat and rushed. That’s where time lapse comes in. It’s like giving your camera a time machine—slowing down reality so you can savor the magic. And if you’re using a budget-friendly action cam like the Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera, time lapse might just be its most underrated feature.

The Gear Pro HD 720p isn’t the flashiest camera on the market. No 4K, no image stabilization, and definitely no touchscreen. But for under $60, it punches way above its weight—especially when it comes to time lapse. Whether you’re documenting a road trip, capturing clouds racing across the sky, or filming a DIY project, time lapse can turn mundane moments into cinematic highlights. And the best part? You don’t need pro-level gear to do it. With a few smart tweaks, this little camera can deliver surprisingly smooth, engaging time-lapse videos. Let’s dive into how to get the most out of it.

What Makes the Gear Pro HD 720p Great for Time Lapse?

Compact Design, Big Potential

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Gear Pro HD 720p is how small and lightweight it is. It fits in your palm, mounts easily on helmets, bikes, or tripods, and doesn’t weigh down your backpack. That’s a big win for time lapse, where you’ll often set the camera and forget it for hours. I’ve used it on a hiking trip, clipped to my backpack, to capture a 4-hour trek through the woods. The result? A 2-minute video showing the changing light, shadows, and terrain—all without me touching the camera after setup.

Built-in Time Lapse Modes

The Gear Pro HD 720p comes with dedicated time lapse settings, which is rare in budget cameras. You get three main options:

• Interval Mode: Shoots a photo every 3, 5, 10, 30, or 60 seconds.
• Video Time Lapse: Records a continuous video but speeds it up (e.g., 10x, 30x).
• Auto Time Lapse: Automatically adjusts interval based on scene brightness (great for sunrise/sunset).

The interval mode is my go-to. It gives me full control and produces smoother results than the video mode, which can look choppy if the original footage isn’t stable. The auto mode? It’s hit or miss. Sometimes it nails the exposure, but other times it overcompensates, creating flicker. Still, having these options at this price is impressive.

Battery Life and Storage

Time lapse eats battery and storage, but the Gear Pro handles both reasonably well. With the stock 1050mAh battery, I’ve gotten up to 3 hours of continuous time lapse recording at 10-second intervals. That’s enough for a full sunrise or a quick construction project. For longer sessions, I swap in a spare battery (they’re cheap) or power it via a USB power bank. Storage-wise, it supports up to 32GB microSD cards (Class 10 recommended). At 720p, a 32GB card holds about 8 hours of time lapse photos—plenty for most projects.

Best Settings for Smooth, Professional Time Lapses

Choosing the Right Interval

The interval is the heartbeat of your time lapse. Too short, and your video feels rushed. Too long, and it’s boring. Here’s how I pick mine based on the scene:

• Clouds or sunsets: 3–5 seconds. Fast-moving subjects need shorter intervals.
• People or traffic: 5–10 seconds. Balances motion and smooth transitions.
• Construction or slow processes: 15–30 seconds. Long intervals work here.

Example: I filmed a 2-hour sunset at 5-second intervals. The final video (30 seconds long) felt natural—like watching the sun melt into the horizon. At 10 seconds, it felt jumpy. At 3 seconds, it was too fast. 5 seconds was the sweet spot.

Resolution and Frame Rate

The Gear Pro HD 720p maxes out at 720p (1280×720) and 30fps. For time lapse, I stick with 720p—it’s sharp enough for YouTube or social media, and it saves storage. Higher resolutions (like 1080p) aren’t available, but that’s fine. Most time lapse viewers won’t notice the difference, and the smaller file size means longer recording sessions.

Frame rate is locked at 30fps, which is standard. When you speed up the footage, it’ll feel natural—no stuttery 24fps vibes. Just remember: if you’re editing later, export at 30fps to match.

Exposure and White Balance

This is where the Gear Pro shows its budget roots. It lacks manual controls for exposure or white balance, so you’re stuck with auto settings. That’s okay for stable lighting (e.g., a sunny day), but it can cause flicker in changing light—like sunsets or indoor scenes.

Pro tip: To minimize flicker, use the “Auto Time Lapse” mode. It adjusts exposure gradually between shots. For manual intervals, try to film in consistent lighting. If you’re shooting a sunset, set the camera up 15 minutes before the main event so the auto-exposure has time to stabilize.

Stabilization and Mounting

The Gear Pro HD 720p has no built-in stabilization. That’s a problem for handheld time lapse, but it’s fine if you mount it. Use a tripod for static shots (sunsets, clouds) or a secure mount for moving subjects (bikes, cars). I’ve used the included bike mount to film a 30-minute ride through a forest. The result? A smooth, cinematic time lapse—as long as I didn’t hit any potholes.

For extra stability, I add a small counterweight (like a rock in a ziplock bag) to the tripod. It’s not high-tech, but it works.

Creative Time Lapse Ideas (and How to Pull Them Off)

Nature and Landscapes

Nature is the classic time lapse subject. Here’s how I do it:

• Clouds: Mount the camera on a tripod, point it at the sky, and set a 3-second interval. For dramatic effect, use a wide-angle lens (the Gear Pro has a 170° field of view—perfect).
• Sunrises/sunsets: Use the Auto Time Lapse mode. Start 15 minutes before the sun rises/sets. The camera will adjust exposure as the light changes.
• Plants growing: This is tricky (plants move very slowly), but it works with fast-growing things like mushrooms or bean sprouts. Try a 30-second interval over 24 hours.

I once filmed a 4-hour time lapse of fog rolling into a valley. The camera sat on a tripod, untouched, while I hiked nearby. The final video showed the fog creeping in like a ghost—it looked like something out of a fantasy movie.

Urban Scenes and Traffic

Cities come alive in time lapse. Try these:

• Traffic flow: Mount the camera on a bridge or balcony. Use a 5-second interval to capture cars as streaks of light (especially at night).
• Pedestrians: Set up in a busy square. A 3-second interval works well. The camera’s wide-angle lens captures the chaos beautifully.
• Construction: Film a building going up. A 15-second interval over a week shows the progress dramatically.

For traffic, I recommend filming at dusk. The headlights and taillights create light trails, and the fading light adds mood. Just make sure your mount is secure—wind can shake the camera and ruin the shot.

DIY and Home Projects

Time lapse isn’t just for pros. It’s great for documenting everyday projects:

• Cooking: Film a 1-hour recipe at 10-second intervals. The final video (1–2 minutes) shows the entire process—from prep to plate.
• Art/crafts: Paintings, sculptures, or knitting. A 5-second interval works for most crafts.
• Gardening: Plant growth, watering, or compost turning. Use a 30-minute interval for slow processes.

I filmed a 3-day time lapse of a DIY bookshelf build. The camera sat on a stool nearby. The final video showed me assembling the shelf, sanding it, and staining it—all in 45 seconds. My friends were amazed. “You built that in less than a minute?” they asked. I didn’t have the heart to explain.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Flicker and Exposure Jumps

Flicker is the bane of time lapse. It happens when the camera adjusts exposure between shots, creating a pulsing effect. The Gear Pro HD 720p’s auto-exposure makes this worse in changing light.

How to fix it:

• Use the Auto Time Lapse mode for sunsets/sunrises.
• Film in consistent lighting (e.g., a sunny day).
• Edit out flicker in post (I use free software like DaVinci Resolve. It has a “deflicker” tool).

Example: I filmed a sunset with manual intervals. The video flickered badly. In DaVinci Resolve, I applied the deflicker filter—it smoothed out the exposure jumps in seconds. Not perfect, but much better.

Battery and Storage Limits

The stock battery lasts 3 hours max. For longer sessions, you’ll need:

• Spare batteries (they’re $10–$15 on Amazon).
• A USB power bank (connect it to the camera’s micro-USB port).
• A 32GB microSD card (Class 10 or higher).

I once forgot to swap batteries during a 6-hour time lapse. The camera died halfway through. Lesson learned: always check battery life before long shoots.

Wind and Movement

Even a slight breeze can shake the camera, making your time lapse shaky. To fix it:

• Use a heavy tripod or add weight (like a rock in a bag).
• Mount the camera securely (e.g., with duct tape or a clamp).
• Film indoors or in sheltered areas for static shots.

I filmed a beach sunset with a flimsy tripod. The wind kept nudging it. The final video looked like it was shot on a rocking boat. Now I use a tripod with sandbags—problem solved.

Editing and Sharing Your Time Lapse

Software Options

You don’t need fancy software to edit time lapse. Here are my favorites:

• DaVinci Resolve (free): Great for deflickering and color correction.
• OpenShot (free): Simple and intuitive for basic cuts.
• CapCut (free): Perfect for social media—adds text, music, and effects easily.

I use DaVinci Resolve for serious edits and CapCut for quick social media clips. Both handle the Gear Pro’s 720p footage smoothly.

Speed and Duration

Most time lapse videos are 20–60 seconds long. To calculate speed:

• Total recording time (in seconds) ÷ Desired video length (in seconds) = Speed multiplier.

Example: A 2-hour (7,200-second) recording at 5-second intervals gives you 1,440 photos. For a 30-second video, speed it up by 240x (7,200 ÷ 30 = 240). In editing, set the playback speed to 240x. The result? A smooth, fast-moving time lapse.

Adding Music and Text

Music makes your time lapse pop. I use royalty-free tracks from sites like YouTube Audio Library or Free Music Archive. Just keep it subtle—you don’t want to drown out the visuals. For text, add titles or captions to explain what’s happening. CapCut has great templates for this.

Final Thoughts: Is the Gear Pro HD 720p Worth It for Time Lapse?

Let’s be real: the Gear Pro HD 720p isn’t a GoPro. It lacks 4K, stabilization, and manual controls. But for under $60, it delivers where it counts—especially for time lapse. The interval modes are flexible, the battery life is decent, and the 720p footage is sharp enough for most uses. I’ve used it to film sunsets, cityscapes, and DIY projects—and the results always impress people.

Is it perfect? No. The auto-exposure causes flicker, the battery life is limited, and the plastic body feels cheap. But with the right settings (like shorter intervals and stable mounts), you can work around these flaws. And if you’re just starting with time lapse, it’s a fantastic entry-level camera. You’ll learn the basics without spending a fortune.

Here’s my advice: if you want a no-frills, budget-friendly action camera for time lapse, the Gear Pro HD 720p is a solid choice. Just remember to:

• Use 5–10 second intervals for most scenes.
• Mount it securely (tripods are your friend).
• Edit out flicker and add music for a professional touch.

Time lapse isn’t about having the best gear—it’s about seeing the world differently. And the Gear Pro HD 720p helps you do that. Grab one, set it up, and let the magic unfold. You might just discover a new hobby.

Setting	Recommended for	Example Use Case
3-second interval	Fast-moving subjects (clouds, traffic)	Filming a 2-hour sunset
5-second interval	General purpose (people, landscapes)	Documenting a 1-hour hike
10-second interval	Medium-speed scenes (crowds, construction)	Time lapse of a 3-hour art project
Auto Time Lapse	Changing light (sunrises, sunsets)	Sunrise over a mountain
30-second interval	Slow processes (plant growth, DIY)	Filming a 24-hour mushroom growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best resolution for time lapse on the Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera?

The Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera performs best in time lapse mode at its native 720p resolution, balancing file size and clarity. Lower resolutions may reduce quality, while higher settings aren’t supported for time lapse.

How do I set up time lapse mode on my Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera?

Navigate to the camera’s settings menu, select “Time Lapse,” and choose your interval (e.g., 1s, 5s, 10s). Ensure the battery is fully charged or use an external power source for longer sessions.

Can the Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera record time lapse in low light?

Yes, but performance depends on settings. Use longer intervals (e.g., 10s+) and stabilize the camera on a tripod for clearer low-light time lapses, though some noise may appear.

What is the maximum recording time for time lapse on this camera?

The recording time depends on battery life and storage capacity. With a 32GB card and full battery, it can capture up to 4-6 hours of time lapse footage, depending on the interval.

Does the Gear Pro HD 720p Action Camera support interval shooting for time lapse?

Yes, it offers customizable intervals (1s, 5s, 10s, 30s, 60s) for time lapse. Shorter intervals create smoother videos, while longer ones are ideal for slow-changing scenes like sunsets.

What accessories improve time lapse results with this action camera?

A sturdy tripod or mount ensures stability, while a high-capacity battery or external power bank extends recording time. A polarizing filter can also reduce glare in bright conditions.