The intervalometer purchasing guide
An intervalometer is a device commonly used to signal, in accurate time intervals, the operation of some other device. This is often done for a time-lapse series. It may also be used to take, or begin taking, picture(s) after a set delay.
Other names include interval meter, interval timer and timer remote.
This guide walks through the most common intervalometers on the market, comparing specs and outlines pros and cons with the different models.
Most of the intervalometers offer a self-timer, interval timer, long-exposure timer, and exposure-count setting feature.
THE CANON ORIGINAL
Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3
Price approx. $130 • CR2032 battery • Manual (pdf) • Quick Guide
Those who buy Canon brand stuff will need to buy the TC-80N3. It fits the Canon pro and prosumer cameras. Settings can be made with a single thumb. It’s most noticable feature is the high price tag (for a feature that really should be built in to all cameras).
THE KNOCKOFFS
Chinese timer remote
Price approx $30 • CR2032 / 2xAAA batteries
Weight approx. 105 g (with battery)
Buy at DealExtreme (referral link)
The Chinese has made an abundance of knockoff versions of the Canon TC-80N3. There are models for most cameras, there are models with exchangeable connectors and there are models that operate wirelessly with RF signals. The same models are often labeled with different brands, though YongNuo seems to be the most common. Basically, they do the same or even more, as the original – at a fraction of the cost. The use of pretty common AAA batteries is a plus in some models, though AA would be even better.
THE SMALL AND LIGHTWEIGHT
YongNuo MC-20
Price approx $20 • CR2032 battery • Weight approx. 55 g (with battery) • Manual (PDF)
Buy at DealExtreme (referral link)
If size and weight is a bigger concern than usability, the MC-20 is the best option. It is great for lightweight hiking or saving space for other stuff in your bag. The MC-20 comes in versions for many different camera models. The buttons are recessed and so small you’ll often need a pen to make the settings. Thus not the best option for use with cold fingers. It uses a pretty uncommon battery (CR2032). Nikon sells the MC-20 under the Nikon brand name.
A LITTLE OF BOTH
JJC TM Timer remote shutter
Read the mini review
Approx $35 • 2xAAA batteries • Manual (PDF)
Weight approx. 87 g (with batteries)
Buy at DealExtreme (referral link)
The JJC is basically the same as the Canon style intervalometer in terms of functionality, only with another form factor. It is shorter, but also a lot thicker. This can make it more suitable for packing into some camera bags or backpacks, depending on your configuration. Unlike the MC-20, it operates on easily available AAA batteries.
A LITTLE SMARTER
Meyin TW-836 Wireless Timer Remote Control
Approx $33 • 2xAAA batteries
Weight approx. 114 g (with batteries and cable)
Buy at DealExtreme (referral link)
The TW-836 offer both wireless remote triggering options and more advanced options than most intervalometers. The most standout feature is one missing from every other intervalometer: a built in cold shoe mount. This is really handy, especially when the setup includes a camera slider. Advanced is good, and bad, as it provides options – but also add complexity. Another negative is added bulk and weight. This product use a camera specific external cable for connecting to the camera. The overall build quality is one step above the competition as listed above.
THE ÜBERSMART
Triggertrap Mobile
Approx $30 • Triggertrap web site • The Phoblographer review
Buy at Amazon (referral link)
The Triggertrap Mobile makes an intervalometer of your Apple iOS or Android device, via a hardware dongle and a software app. As such, Triggertrap Mobile offer a lot of options that are not available with classic “dumb” intervalometers. Dongles are available for most cameras. Some noticable features are time warp, HDR, sound sensor, vibration sensor and Wi-Fi modes.
THE OTHERS
Another intervalometer worth considering is the TimeLapse+.
ARTICLE HISTORY
This article will be continually updated to reflect the current options.
December 14, 2014: Updated to include the Meyin TW-836
April 10, 2014: Published