Generating a time-lapse is disclosed. A method includes acquiring, using a camera, a first frame of the time-lapse; acquiring, using the camera, one or more preview images, the preview images are not included in the time-lapse; determining an exposure setting for a second frame of the time-lapse using the one or more preview images; and acquiring, using the camera, the second frame of the time-lapse using the exposure setting. A camera includes a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to acquire a first frame of the time-lapse; acquire one or more preview images, the preview images are not included in the time-lapse; determine an exposure setting for a second frame of the time-lapse using the one or more preview images; and acquire the second frame of the time-lapse using the exposure setting.