Still photos will require less space, and demand fewer computer resources for post-production. Videos can be space hogs, especially if you’re shooting in 4K for a long time (3-5 hours). With video, your resolution will be lower. Your final result will look good even if made with consumer-grade equipment because of the high resolution of the photos. You may ask: “Why should I bother with taking so many photos when I can just record a video using the first method?” Well, there are at least three good reasons it may be worth your time (depending on how pro you’re trying to go):
Not interested in separating from your phone for too long? Use an old smartphone you have lying around to create your time-lapse instead (just make sure it doesn’t run out of charge). The camera quality on these devices now far surpass earlier digital cameras, and because most people keep their phone on them at all times, creating a short time-lapse video on a casual day out is straightforward. Smartphones have come a long way since the first generation of iPhones.
Yet don’t let these popular time-lapse topics deter you from being creative. Some subjects commonly chosen for shooting a time-lapse video include sunrises, sunsets, storms, and other natural phenomena.