The best frame rate for slow motion and why

The best frame rate for slow-motion footage typically depends on how slow you want the movement to appear. The key to slow motion is shooting at a higher frame rate than your playback speed, which is usually 24 frames per second (fps) for cinematic content or 30 fps for standard video. Here’s a breakdown of the most common frame rates for slow motion and why each might be used:

1. 60fps

• Use case: Subtle slow motion.
• Why: A frame rate of 60fps gives you a slight slow-motion effect when played back at 24fps (about 2.5x slower). It’s great for everyday videos where you want to emphasise small details without overdoing it.

2. 120fps

• Use case: More pronounced slow motion.
• Why: When played back at 24fps, 120fps offers a 5x slow-motion effect. It’s commonly used in sports, action shots, or any scene where you want to highlight movement, like hair blowing in the wind or liquids splashing.

3. 240fps

• Use case: Dramatic slow motion.
• Why: At 240fps, footage will be about 10 times slower when played back at 24fps. This frame rate is typically used for highly detailed slow-motion sequences, such as breaking glass or water droplets flying through the air.

4. 480fps and Above

• Use case: Extreme slow motion.
• Why: For intense slow-motion shots, frame rates of 480fps, 1000fps, or even higher are used. These frame rates are usually reserved for high-speed cameras like those used in specialised film production or scientific studies. They create an ultra-dramatic effect where even the fastest movements (e.g., a bullet traveling through the air) can be captured in exquisite detail.