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Hi, Josh Banks here,
Twelve years ago I uploaded my first construction time lapse video to YouTube.
Since then I've worked with Brinno, Afidus, DSLR systems and I have tested every camera solution. We have thousands of customers documenting everything from dream homes and pool installations to major commercial construction projects.
For more than a decade, creating a serious long-term time lapse meant buying specialized hardware, learning specialized software, and often spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars just to get started.
Over the last several months we've been testing a new generation of time lapse technology and what we've discovered will fundamentally change how projects are documented. There has been a technology revelation. What we've learned will change an industry.
What once required dedicated time lapse systems can now be accomplished using equipment available from your favorite retailer and configured in minutes.
The capabilities and simplicity are astonishing
- Record MP4 video, 5K video, RAW images, or JPG images
- Uploads files daily over Wi-Fi or 4G LTE
- Sleep between frames and overnight, conserving power
- Full feature packed app control
- Advanced scheduling and programmable future start date
- Weather proof and water proof (underwater time lapse is now possible)
- Use any readily available USB power supply or solar for unlimited run times
- Operates in fully automatic or manual modes.
- Use readily available accessories
Most importantly, you now have options.
You no longer need to wait weeks for specialized hardware
You no longer need to depend on limited inventory
You no longer need to choose from only a handful of dedicated systems
You can be up and running next week for less than $400.
And this is only the beginning.
In the coming days we'll be publishing equipment recommendations, solar power solutions, connectivity options, comprehensive deployment guides and instructional content.
We'll also be introducing equipment packages, rental options and optional editing services designed to make professional time lapse projects accessible and hassle free for everyone. I am also personally excited to share my photography passion and knowledge. We also have some custom manufactured products to share.
But you don't have to wait for us. We'll show you exactly how to configure the camera yourself or send you a link that will program the camera for you.
Technology evolved. The barriers have fallen. The future is here now!
ATLI E10
For 12 years, we've promoted long-term time-lapse cameras with exceptional battery life. Were we wrong? Nope! But we may have overlooked this camera for too long.
If you have access to outlet power, your camera search may be over.
The ATLI E10 lets you monitor and control your camera remotely from a computer or phone. With the right network setup, you can check on your project, adjust settings, and access your footage without making a trip to the camera.
Sometimes, simply knowing your camera is still working is priceless. At less than $400 for the camera, or around $500 for a cellular-connected setup, that peace of mind can be cheap insurance for a project worth protecting.
We've tested the E10 and are putting together our recommended accessories and setup guides. More details coming soon.
GoPro HERO 13
The Industry Disruptor
This is it! Over the past few years, I've watched GoPro's progress closely, and the combination of the HERO13 and GoPro Labs is a game changer for long-term time-lapse.
GoPro Labs is optional firmware that unlocks advanced features beyond the standard camera experience. Developed by GoPro's David Newman and the Labs team, it lets you create custom camera configurations using QR codes generated on the web or in the app.
You can program capture intervals, schedules, camera settings, and other controls to suit your project. But here's the real breakthrough. the camera can sleep between frames, drawing virtually no power while it waits, including overnight.
Combine that with a suitable solar power system and Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, and the HERO13 can support long-term deployments with minimal hands-on attention. With the right setup and adequate sunlight, it can keep capturing day after day without routine battery changes.
We've been testing these capabilities firsthand, and we're just getting started.
GoPro MAX 2
Discovering the potential of long-term 360° time-lapse is exciting! With GoPro Labs, the MAX2 can sleep between frames, making extended 360° projects possible without constant power consumption. Imagine a camera suspended from the ceiling during a kitchen remodel, in the center of a health club during equipment installation, or capturing an entire restaurant buildout. Viewers can pan, zoom, and choose their own perspective, creating an immersive experience that goes far beyond traditional time-lapse. Even short-term projects featuring nature, sunsets, or cityscapes offer exciting possibilities and compelling engagement. We're testing the possibilities now, with preliminary footage coming soon!
ATLI X10
ATLI’s app makes scheduling easy, with four daily time slots, automatic or manual controls, full-screen preview and more.
The X10 sleeps between frames, and its built-in battery can keep it running for weeks. Add a solar/battery panel and it can keep capturing until your memory card fills.
With shutter speeds from 1/20,000 to 30 seconds, you can get creative,from blurring nighttime traffic to capturing stars. Add an ND filter to create smooth, cinematic motion in bright daylight.
Brinno BCC300-M
Brinno helped pioneer long-term time-lapse over a decade ago. Josh has visited their facilities in Taiwan multiple times and has tremendous respect for the people and their achievements.
When lithium batteries and power banks struggle in freezing weather, the TLC300 offers an alternative: Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries, rated to -40°F. A sun-warmed camera may keep working even when ambient temperatures drop, but for extreme cold, Brinno is worth considering, even as a backup for the days or weeks other power sources may struggle.
The BCC300-M bundle includes the TLC300 camera and ATH120 weather-resistant housing. The included wall mount is perfectly engineered for terrible results! Almost any other camera clamp will work better, and we'll share some recommendations soon.
Wi-Fi Anywhere T-Mobile Covers
After months of testing, we've found a reliable way to bring connectivity to remote job sites, construction projects and other locations without existing Wi-Fi.The ATLI E10 offers full remote control, while compatible GoPro cameras can download files remotely over Wi-Fi.
Our tested setup uses a specific USB 4G LTE modem and a T-Mobile prepaid SIM card to bring connectivity to locations where traditional Wi-Fi isn't available.
Order the modem, visit a T-Mobile store for a prepaid SIM, and you're on your way. We'll share setup instructions and camera-specific details as we finish building our individual camera pages.
From Extension Cords to Off-Grid Power
We've spent months testing solar panels, battery packs, power banks and adapters, including plenty that didn't make the cut! From a simple extension cord to a complete solar-powered camera system, we have figured out what actually works for long-term time lapse.
We're building camera-specific pages first, with the power solutions and accessories that make sense for each camera. Our broader solar and power guide is coming soon.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
The right housing, mount, memory card, or cable can make the difference between a reliable time-lapse system and a frustrating one. We've tested plenty of accessories, discovered a few surprises, and found that the most expensive option isn't always the best.
We're building camera-specific pages first, with the power solutions and accessories that make sense for each camera. Our broader accessory guide is coming soon.