What's the best frame rate for your video?

1 What is frame rate?

Frame rate is the number of frames or images that are captured or displayed per second in a video. It is measured in frames per second (fps) or hertz (Hz). The higher the frame rate, the more frames are shown in a second, and the smoother the motion appears. The lower the frame rate, the fewer frames are shown, and the more choppy or stuttering the motion looks. Frame rate also affects the amount of light, data, and storage that your video requires.

2 How is frame rate different from shutter speed?

Shutter speed is the amount of time that each frame is exposed to light in a video. It is measured in fractions of a second, such as 1/60, 1/125, or 1/250. The faster the shutter speed, the less light and motion blur each frame has. The slower the shutter speed, the more light and motion blur each frame has. Shutter speed and frame rate are related, but not the same. You can have different shutter speeds for the same frame rate, and vice versa.

4 How do you choose the best frame rate for your video?

When determining the best frame rate for your video, there are several factors to consider. What is your goal and who is your audience? For example, if you are making a documentary or drama, you might use 24 fps to create a cinematic feel; if you are making a tutorial or vlog, 30 fps might be better for a smooth presentation; and if you are making a sports or gaming video, 60 fps could provide a fast and fluid action. Additionally, consider the content and style of the video – if there is a lot of movement, such as a car chase or dance, use a higher frame rate to capture the details. If the scene is static or slow-moving, such as a landscape or dialogue, then use a lower frame rate to create an artistic look. Finally, think about the format and platform – if shooting in 4K or HD resolution, use a higher frame rate to match the quality; if uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, use a compatible frame rate to avoid conversion issues.

5 How do you change the frame rate of your video?

You can change the frame rate of your video in two ways: before or after shooting. Before shooting, you can change the frame rate of your camera in the settings menu. Different cameras have different options and limitations for frame rates, so check your camera's manual or online resources for more information. After shooting, you can change the frame rate of your video in your editing software. You can either speed up or slow down your video to match a different frame rate, or use a tool called interpolation to create new frames in between the existing ones. However, changing the frame rate after shooting can affect the quality and consistency of your video, so it is better to choose the right frame rate before shooting.

6 What are some tips and tricks for using frame rates effectively?

Using frame rates effectively in your videography can be a tricky task. To get the most out of your video, you should follow the 180-degree rule, which states that your shutter speed should be double your frame rate. For example, if you are shooting at 24 fps, your shutter speed should be 1/48. This creates a balanced amount of motion blur and sharpness in your video. Additionally, you should use slow motion and fast motion sparingly as these effects can add drama, humor, or emphasis to your video but also distract, confuse, or annoy viewers. To gain a better understanding of how frame rate affects the mood, style, and quality of your video, experiment and test different frame rates for the same subject or scene. Doing this will help you find what works best for you and your video's purpose and audience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?