How Often Do Cameras Take Photos?
Builder.Cam cameras can capture photos up to every minute. Most projects use 5-minute intervals for an excellent balance of detail and efficiency.
Frequency Options
| Interval | Best For | Storage | Detail Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every 1 minute | Critical phases, concrete pours, lifts | High | Maximum detail |
| Every 5 minutes | Standard active construction | Moderate | Excellent for most needs |
| Every 15 minutes | Lower activity phases | Lower | Good overview |
| Every 30-60 minutes | Long-term monitoring, quiet phases | Minimal | Basic progress record |
Choosing the Right Frequency
Our Recommendation
Start with 5-minute intervals. This works well for most projects and creates smooth time-lapses. Increase to 1-minute for critical phases, decrease for quiet periods. Adjust anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the default photo frequency?
Typically every 5 minutes. This provides excellent documentation for most construction phases—enough detail to track activity without generating unnecessary volume. You can adjust based on your needs.
Can I change the frequency during the project?
Yes. You can adjust frequency as project phases change. Increase to every 1 minute during critical work, reduce to every 30 minutes during slow periods. Changes take effect immediately.
Does frequency affect time-lapse quality?
Yes. More photos create smoother time-lapses. At 5-minute intervals, a month of photos creates a very smooth video. At 30-minute intervals, time-lapses are still useful but show more 'jumping' between frames.
Is there extra cost for higher frequency?
No. Your subscription includes storage and data for whatever frequency you choose. Choose based on your documentation needs, not cost concerns.
What about nighttime photos?
By default, cameras capture during daylight hours only. You can enable 24-hour capture if needed—night photos will show whatever ambient light reveals (security lights, etc.).
Related Topics
Capture What Matters
Flexible frequency settings let you document every project the right way.
