Video Frame Rates

Video Frame Rates

Frame rate is the number of individual frames captured per second in a video, measured in frames per second or fps. The frame rate determines how motion is perceived in the final video. Different frame rates have different looks and are used for different purposes. The most common frame rates are 24 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps, and each creates a distinct feel that audiences have come to expect from certain types of content.

24 fps is the standard frame rate for cinema. It has been used for movies since the early days of sound film and is deeply associated with a cinematic look. The slight motion blur and subtle stutter of 24 fps feels natural and artistic to audiences. If you want your video to look like a movie, shoot at 24 fps. This is the standard for narrative filmmaking, music videos, and high-end commercial work.

30 fps is the standard for television and most online content. It is smoother than 24 fps and works well for live broadcasts, news, sports, and general YouTube content. 30 fps is also the standard for broadcast television in many countries. It provides a good balance between smooth motion and file size. For most general video work, 30 fps is a safe and practical choice.

60 fps captures twice as many frames per second as 30 fps, resulting in very smooth motion. This is ideal for fast-moving action like sports, gaming, and nature footage. 60 fps also gives you the ability to slow down the footage in post to 30 fps or 24 fps for smooth slow motion. The downside is that 60 fps files are twice as large as 30 fps files and require more processing power to edit.

Higher frame rates like 120 fps and 240 fps are used specifically for slow motion. When you shoot at 120 fps and play back at 24 fps, the footage is five times slower. This allows you to see details that happen too fast for the human eye, like a splash of water or a bird taking off. The key to good slow motion is shooting at the highest frame rate your camera supports and playing back at a standard frame rate.