Time Lapse Equipment Question

[EricH]

I've been asked to do a time-lapse video, and I have no experience with doing so. So, I'm asking for a little help from people that have done it.

I'm looking to record a process that takes place in an area that goes from the size of a semi trailer to about the size of an FRC field carpet, with a chance to go to 2 FRC field carpets side-by-side, in about 2 hours (if nothing goes wrong--if something does, who knows how long it'll take...).

1. What camera equipment have you used for time lapses?
2. What software (if any) did you use to put the video together?

I'm currently looking into the GoPro cameras, but have been stuck on getting comparisons with other camera equipment. It would be nice to keep the cost down if possible; short lead times are a good thing.