📷 Insta360 X3 Timelapse-mode Interval-parameter: Recording-time To Clip-time Mapping Table

(Illustration: Sanshia Waterfall, Taiwan. Image source: Ernest)

About

I often use the convenient and user-friendly Timelapse mode of the Insta360 X3, but the parameter to adjust is the Interval, and converting it to the actual recording time always takes a bit of effort. I compiled a comparison chart a while ago, and just recently a friend needed it, so I’m posting it here in the notes section to share with everyone.

Configuration

• Timelapse mode is used, and there are two variables related to time:
  • We fixedly use 30 FPS for calculation.
  • Only the Interval is adjusted.
• The remaining variable is the Recording Time we have on-site.
• Finally, we calculate the Clip Time of the video.

Time Required for 30FPS One-Second Video

Reading the table:

• If the Interval is set to 2 seconds,
• Recording a video for 1 second (Clip Time),
• Requires 60 seconds or 1 minute of Recording Time.

This table serves as the basis for calculation, actual on-site operations can directly refer to the comparison table below.

30FPS Mapping Table

When recording a video with Insta360 X3, there are two time-related constraints:

• How much time do we have for recording on-site? 👉 Refer to the Total Recording Time on the left side of the table.
  • e.g., Want to record a time-lapse of a meal during dining, you can allocate approximately one hour (60 minutes) of Recording Time.
• How much playback time do we have when using or showing the video to family or viewers? 👉 Refer to the Clip Time on the right side of the table.
  • e.g., I recorded a landing of over ten minutes, but the kids only watched for a minute and then ran away… (Dad cried XDD)

Mapping Table Highlights:

• Cells marked green represent my commonly used choices, making it easier for readers to locate them in the table.
• If the recording time is <= 60 minutes (1 hour),
  • I usually choose Interval = 0.5 sec, resulting in a maximum of 4 minutes of video clip.
• If the recording time is <= 120 minutes (2 hours),
  • I usually choose Interval = 1 sec, resulting in a maximum of 4 minutes of video clip.
• If the recording time is <= 720 minutes (12 hours),
  • I usually choose Interval = 2 sec, resulting in a maximum of 12 minutes of video clip.
• If the recording time is <= 1440 minutes (24 hours),
  • I usually choose Interval = 5 sec, resulting in a maximum of 9.6 minutes of video clip.