Time-lapse Software Survey: Which Apps Do You Use?

This post is about the many or the not so many software applications you use throughout your time-lapse work flow.  From batch processing programs to Non-Linear Editors (NLE) from deflickering applications to HDR merging, what have you found to be the simplest to use and/or produce the best time-lapse results?

Finding and using a particular software application to render a time-lapse sequence is simple, but so was hand sanding a detailed wood carving before I discovered a Dremel.  Let’s just say knowing what tools exist is a very good thing.

Take a look at some of the categories below.  If you’ve used the applications and have an opinion, please share by answering a few questions.  This particular survey will act as an initial collection and lay of the time-lapse landscape to be tweaked and reviewed.  What are your thoughts?

Here’s what the first round of results look like in no particular order:

I listed prices just because some folks might be searching for free time-lapse applications.  Keep in mind a majority of paid apps offer free trials to test out before deciding if the investment makes sense for you. Discounts for students and folks in any kind of teaching are likely available as well as monthly subscriptions if you need them for a limited amount of time.  Obviously some of these programs overlap.

Standalone Batch RAW Image processors

Batch editing a collection of RAW images before creating the initial time-lapse sequence.

Aperture ($80)
Camera RAW  (Free)
Lightroom ($89 education price)
Lightroom4 Beta (free for a limited time)
Photoshop ($699 or $35/mo)
Photoshop Elements ($69)

Rendering the time-lapse sequence itself

Aftereffects ($699 or $49/mo)
LRTimelapse (Free eval version, $116)
Photolapse (Free)
Premiere Pro ($699 or $30/mo)
Quicktime Pro ($30)
VideoMach (Free)
VirtualDub  (Free)

Deflickering in post production

GBDeflicker ($99)
CHV Long Exposure plugin for FCP (Time-collection $39)
LRTimelapse (Free, donation)
VirtualDub with MSU Deflicker (Free)

Main NLE (Non-linear editors) for creating final works

Final Cut Pro ($299)
Lightworks (Free – public beta)
Premiere Pro ($699 or $30/mo)
Sony Vegas ($525)

Color Correction Any preferences?

Magic Bullet Colorista (Free)

HDR Batch Processing

Photomatix ($99)
HDR Expose ($149)
SNS-HDR ($120)

I hope this list is a helpful starting point to your next step.

I will be updating this list as more results come.  It’s already opened my eyes to some great new and yes FREE programs to try.

Thanks for your feedback.