Timelapse mode on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to create amazing videos where slow processes — like sunset, cloud movement or building a house — are compressed in a few seconds. But few people know that the key parameter here is the shooting interval. This parameter determines how often the camera will take pictures from which the final video will then be collected. The wrong choice of interval can spoil the entire video: the video will be either too ragged or too long.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what the interval in timelapse mode is, how it affects the final video, and what settings are optimal for different scenes.+ Or Xiaomi 13 Ultra, which is a setup that can be customized in different ways, how to avoid common bugs and what apps can help expand the capabilities of a standard camera.
What is the interval of timelapse and why it is needed
The timelapse interval is the time interval between the frames that the camera captures. For example, if you set the interval of 1 second, the camera will take a picture every second. If the interval is 10 seconds, then every 10 seconds. The larger the interval, the faster the changes in the final video will occur, and vice versa.
Why does it matter? Imagine you're shooting a flower blooming. If the interval is too small (e.g., 0.5 seconds), the video will be very long and boring because the flower opens slowly. And if the interval is too long (e.g., 1 minute), you just miss key moments and the video will be twitched. The right interval helps balance the duration of the video and the smoothness of the transitions.
- 📸 Short interval (0.5–2 seconds): suitable for fast processes (traffic, people in cafes).
- ⏳ Mean interval (5-10 seconds): Universal for most scenes (sunset, clouds, construction).
- 🌅 Long interval (30 seconds – a few minutes): for ultra-slow processes (plant growth, star movement).
On Xiaomi smartphones, the interval can be configured directly in the camera app (in Timelapse or Hyperlapse mode), but not all models offer flexible settings. For example, budget Redmis often have fixed presets, while flagships like Xiaomi 14 Pro allow you to choose the interval manually.
How the interval affects the final video: examples and calculations
To understand how the interval affects the final video, let's take a simple example: let's say you're shooting a sunset that lasts 1 hour (3,600 seconds), and your goal is to get a video that lasts 10 seconds.
And you have to calculate the number of frames that you're going to need for a video (FPS) Timelapse is 30 frames/sec. So you need a 10-second video:
10 sec × 30 frames/sec = 300 framesNow divide the total shooting time by the number of frames to get the interval:
3600 seconds / 300 frames = 12 seconds per frameSo for a smooth 10-second sunset video, you need a 12-second interval. If you set it to 5 seconds, the video will last longer (24 seconds), and if you set it to 30 seconds, you will get a too short and ragged video (only 2 seconds).
| Process | Recommended interval | The approximate duration of the video (1 hour of shooting) |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic traffic | 0.5–1 sec. | 30-60 minutes |
| Clouds in the sky | 3-5 seconds | 6-10 minutes |
| Sunset/dawn | 10-15 sec. | 2-3 minutes |
| Construction/repair | 30 secs-1 min | 20–40 seconds |
| plantation | 5-10 minutes | 5-10 seconds |
Usually it's 24-30. FPS, Some models (such as Xiaomi) 13T Pro supports 60 FPS You can specify this in the camera settings or in the specifications of your model.
Where to find interval settings on Xiaomi smartphones
Depending on the Xiaomi model and firmware version MIUI, The path to interval settings may be different. Let's look at the most common options.
On most modern smartphones (for example, Xiaomi) 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) algorithm:
- Open the Camera app.
- Swipe your finger across the screen to the left or right to select Timelapse mode (sometimes it is hidden in the More or Additional section).
- Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (usually in the upper right corner).
- Find the Interval or Delayed Photo.
On certain devices (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) the interval may be called Speed and offer options:
- 1× (interval ~1 sec)
- 2× (interval ~2 seconds)
- 5× (interval ~5 seconds)
If your model does not manually adjust the interval, you can use third-party applications, for example:
- 📱 Lapse It (the paid version allows you to set any interval).
- 🎥 Framelapse (there is a free functionality with limitations).
- 🌟 Hyperlapse from Instagram (optimized for social media).
💡
If your Xiaomi model doesn’t have timelapse mode, try enabling it through your camera settings. → Additionally. → Shooting modes and activate the tick opposite Timelapse.
Optimal interval settings for different scenes
The choice of interval depends on the speed of the process and the desired duration of the video. Here are universal recommendations for popular scenarios:
1. Movement of transport or people (rapid processes)
Interval: 0.5-2 seconds.
Why: People and cars move fast, so frequent shots will help keep things smooth. If the interval is longer, the video will get twitchy.
Example: Shooting a crossroads for 30 minutes at intervals of 1 second will give a video duration ~1 minute at 30 FPS.
2. Clouds, sunset, slow changes in lighting
Interval: 5-15 seconds.
Why: Clouds move relatively slowly, and lighting changes smoothly. Too many shots will lead to excessive video duration.
Tip: For sunset, use the interval of 10 seconds and shooting in the format RAW (If supported, then adjust the white balance.
3. Construction, repair, plant growth (very slow processes)
Interval: 30 seconds - 5 minutes.
Why: Changes are extremely slow, and frequent images will only fill the device’s memory with unnecessary duplicates.
Example: Shooting a house for 1 month at intervals of 1 minute will give a video duration ~20–30 seconds.
Make sure the battery is 100 times charged%|Turn off autosleep mode in screen settings|Fix your smartphone on a tripod or stable surface|Check the free space on the memory card (minimum 2-3 GB)|Adjust white balance manually (if the shooting is long)
-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes while shooting timelapses, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
⚠️ Note: If you shoot timelapse on Xiaomi for longer than 1 hour, turn off the Battery Optimization for the Camera feature in the phone settings. Otherwise, shooting may be interrupted due to energy saving.
Mistake 1: Too short an interval for slow processes.
The result: The video is too long and boring, for example, if you take a 1-second interval of a plant, you get a 24-hour video that's several hours long.
Solution: Use a minimum of 30 seconds interval for ultra-slow processes.
Mistake 2: Shooting without a tripod.
The result: The slightest vibration or camera shift will spoil the video, and even if you hold your smartphone in your hands, microscopic motions will be visible in the accelerated video.
Solution: Use a tripod or improvised stand (like a stack of books). Xiaomi will do well with inexpensive flexible tripods with a clamping.
Error 3: Autofocus and Auto Exposure.
The result: The camera will constantly adjust to changing lighting, which will cause the video to "blink".
Solution: Block focus and exposure before shooting. In the Xiaomi camera app, you need to hold your finger on the screen at the right point until the inscription appears. AE/AF Lock.
What if the timelapse is interrupted due to battery discharge?
Professional Secrets for the Perfect Timelapse
To make your timelapses look like bloggers with millions of views, use these tips:
1. The shooting in RAW + post-processing.
If your Xiaomi supports shooting in RAW (Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Xiaomi 12S Ultra, use this format. It retains more detail, so that the laser can adjust the white balance, contrast and exposure without loss of quality.
2.Use of ND-filter.
When shooting in the bright sun (for example, a sunset), the camera can illuminate the sky. ND-The filter (neutral gray) helps reduce the amount of light that comes in by keeping details in bright areas. Smartphones sell clip-on filters that are attached directly to the lens.
3. The shooting in 4K high-resolution.
If your Xiaomi supports timelapse recording in 4K (For example, Xiaomi 14, make sure to select this resolution, even if the final video is exported to Full. HD, The reserve for resolution will allow you to fram the video without loss of quality.
Additional stabilization.
Built-in stabilization in Xiaomi smartphones (for example, OIS Xiaomi 13 Pro helps to smooth out small jitters, but for the perfect result, use a gimbal (for example, DJI This is especially important when shooting from motion (for example, hyperlapse in the city).
💡
For night timelapse shooting (for example, the starry sky), use an interval of at least 20-30 seconds and set ISO manually at 800-1600 to avoid noise.
Applications for advanced timelapse shooting on Xiaomi
The standard camera app on Xiaomi doesn’t always offer flexible settings. If you need additional features like 1 hour shooting or manual exposure settings, check out these apps:
| Annex | Key functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lapse It Pro | Any interval, shooting in RAW, built-in editor | Paid version (~300 rubles), a complex interface |
| Framelapse | Free version, support 4K, timer | Advertising, Duration Limit in the Free Version |
| Hyperlapse from Instagram | Autostabilization, optimization for social networks | There is no manual interval setting, only fixed presets |
| Camera FV-5 | Full control of the ISO, squeezing, white balance | It is difficult to set up for beginners, paid dopas |
If you choose Lapse It Pro, pay attention to the Render Quality setting — set 100% to avoid loss of quality in the render. Framelapse features Battery Optimization, which prevents you from stopping shooting because of energy saving.
For nighttime timelapses (for example, the starry sky) it is better to use Camera FV-5, You can manually set the shutter speed up to 30 seconds and ISO However, remember that the long shutter speed quickly drains the battery and heats the smartphone.