Top Timelapse Cameras of 2025: Capturing Moments with Unparalleled Clarity and Quality
The Lyrids and Pi Puppids meteor showers, visible in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, respectively, on April 22 and 23, promise captivating displays. With a top-tier timelapse camera, you can capture these celestial wonders in vivid detail, even the moment a meteor bursts into a fiery spectacle.
To help you make the right decision, we've curated a list of the best cameras for timelapse video, based on our expert reviews, supported by various factors. While a camera may advertise its timelapse capabilities, a range of other key aspects need careful consideration, such as battery life.
Our selection focuses on DSLR and mirrorless cameras from trusted manufacturers like Nikon and Canon, catering to diverse budgets. Furthermore, you'll also need a sturdy tripod to keep your camera steady during long exposures, as any movement will be intensified with timelapse. Alternatively, you can also explore our round-up of the best cameras for photo and video, if timelapse support is not as vital to you.
Below, we've highlighted our top recommendations for timelapse cameras, presented in an easy-to-digest format. For a more in-depth analysis of each camera, simply click on the 'Read more' links provided.
Top Choices
Best overall
Nikon Z8
This professional-level camera delivers remarkable image quality and is an exceptional choice for timelapse capture.Read more
★★★★1⁄2
Best for low-light
Full-frame 45.7MP
Ideal for astrophotography, it boasts excellent low-light performance and a Live Boost View for optimal setting up of your timelapse.Read more
Nikon Z
Best value for money
No
This full-frame, mirrorless camera offers impressive power at an affordable price, making it a smart investment for timelapse enthusiasts.Read more
Yes
Best for image stabilization
64-25,600 (expandable to 102,400)
Offering superb image stabilization and strong low-light performance, this powerful camera is a solid choice for capturing stable, high-quality timelapse.Read more
1.005kg
Best for video quality
Produce stunning, high-quality timelapse video without post-processing thanks to its built-in in-camera capabilities.Read more
Panasonic Lumix GH7
- Related: Best lenses for astrophotography
★★★★1⁄2
Nikon Z8
25.2MP Micro Four Thirds BSI CMOS
In our review of the Nikon Z8, we noted that it was a "powerful, professional-level camera that's an investment if you're a serious photographer." This mirrorless camera features a massive 45.7-megapixel sensor and a large ISO range, perfect for timelapse, especially in low-light conditions. Designed for professionals, you'll have significant control over various aspects of the camera, ensuring the best possible results for your timelapse video.
Micro Four Thirds (MFT)
Read our full Nikon Z8 review
Yes
Panasonic Lumix GH7
Yes
Easily handled low-light conditions and featuring a Live Boost View, the Panasonic Lumix GH7 is a fantastic option for astrophotography and timelapse. Its silent shutter mode reduces vibrations, resulting in sharper timelapse video. You can fully customize the timelapse shooting interval, from 1 second to 99 minutes 59 seconds. Though its 25.2MP sensor may not compete with the Nikon Z8's, you'll still capture stunning images with this Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera.
100-51200
Read our Panasonic Lumix GH7 review
805g
Canon EOS R7
The Canon EOS R7 offers an excellent balance of power and cost, making it an attractive option for timelapse capture. As a crop sensor camera, it boasts an impressive array of features, combined with a lightweight, portable design. You'll enjoy great low-light performance, a silent shooting mode for reduced vibrations, a built-in interval timer, and weather-sealed construction, perfect for outdoor timelapses.
Canon EOS R7
Read our Canon EOS R7 review
★★★★1⁄2
Sony A7R V
32.5MP APS-C
The Sony A7R V proves to be a versatile camera that delivers excellent results in various scenarios, from timelapse to nature photography and beyond. This professional-level camera boasts an AI-powered autofocus system that provides unparalleled performance. Its built-in interval timer, silent shooting mode, and other thoughtful features make it an excellent choice for capturing high-quality timelapse video.
Canon RF
Read our Sony A7R V review
Yes
Panasonic Lumix S5IIx
Yes
Although the Panasonic Lumix S5IIx has a slightly lower battery life than some other options, it remains a strong contender for capturing stunning timelapse video, thanks to its exceptional low-light capabilities and impressive image stabilization. You can shoot superb-quality timelapse video directly within the camera, eliminating the need for post-processing.
100-32000, expandable to 51200
Read our Panasonic Lumix S5IIx review
530g
Comparison Table
| Product | Rating | Sensor details | Lens mount | Articulating screen | Image stabilization: | ISO range | Weight ||------------|--------|----------------|------------|---------------------|---------------------|------------|---------|| Nikon Z8 | ✭✭✭✭1/2 | Full-frame 45.7MP | Nikon Z | No | Yes | 64-25,600 (expandable to 102,400) | 1.005kg || Panasonic Lumix GH7 | ✭✭✭✭1/2 | 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds BSI CMOS| Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Yes | Yes | 100-51200 | 805g || Canon EOS R7 | ✭✭✭✭1/2 | 32.5MP APS-C | Canon RF | Yes | Yes | 100-32000, expandable to 51200 | 530g || Sony A7R V | ✭✭✭✭1/2 | 63 MP Full-frame | Sony E-mount | Yes | Yes | 100 - 32,000 (expanded 50 - 102,400) | 383g || Panasonic Lumix S5IIx | ✭✭✭✭ | 24.2MP full-frame CMOS | L-Mount | Yes | Yes | 100-51200 | 740g |
Sony A7R V
How we test the best cameras for timelapse videos
★★★★1⁄2
To guarantee unbiased, trustworthy recommendations on the best cameras for timelapse video, our dedicated expert staff and knowledgeable freelance contributors carefully evaluate each camera based on performance, ease of use, and versatility. Factors considered include the camera's construction, design, and overall imaging quality. We test each camera under realistic conditions, commenting on aspects such as battery life and temperature tolerance, to ensure you're making an informed decision.
63 MP Full-frame
Sony E-mount
Related: Best lenses for astrophotography
Yes
Nikon Z8
Yes
Our expert review
100 - 32,000 (expanded 50 - 102,400)
Panasonic Lumix GH7
383g
Our expert review
Canon EOS R7
Panasonic Lumix S5IIx
Our expert review
★★★★
Sony A7R V
24.2MP full-frame CMOS
Our expert review
L-Mount
Panasonic Lumix S5IIx
Yes
Our expert review
Yes
Update log
100-51200
[Editor's note: 4/16/25] - Added information about the upcoming meteor showers in April 2023.
740g
- Technology and weather can both have significant impacts on timelapse video production, as a camera's performance in various conditions, such as low light or temperature, can affect the quality of your footage.
- When utilizing gadgets like timelapse cameras during the Lyrids and Pi Puppids meteor showers, it's essential to consider not only the camera's timelapse capabilities but also other key aspects such as battery life, sensor size, image stabilization, and lens mount options, as demonstrated by our top choices including Nikon Z8, Panasonic Lumix GH7, Canon EOS R7, Sony A7R V, and Panasonic Lumix S5IIx.
