For my timelapsing, I use apple codecs.
It appears to maintain very good quality.
although, when it comes to compression, i would use either of the following - leaning more towards .mov
x264
DivX (avi)
.mov/.mp4
The norm these days is one of the above.
As for processing, I do the following
- Batch process my images by resizing the JPEG in PS or Pixresizer (
http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm) and naming in sequence -E.G mov0001.jpg 0002.jpg etc..
- use quicktime pro (File>Load image sequence - also choosing your FPS required )
Then I have 2 options from here
- Quicktime can also compress and save for web, but you are limited to 1.5mbit stream compression which would lose a bit of quality.
- save as uncompressed .MOV format, then compress in Handbrake, and choose how I would like to compress along with the resolution I would like to keep. this would then save in .mp4/.mkv
This would yield a plain no audio timelapse - If I wish to further edit, I just use windows movie maker.
Download the free program -
http://handbrake.fr/ - Handbrake
Also, a good codec pack to download is K Lite codec pack -
http://www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm
Rob