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Best Frame Rates – 25fps vs 24fps vs 30fps and Slow Motion – 50fps vs 60fps
- Monique Harmer
- 2 minute read
Best Frame Rates
Frame rate is one of the most important aspects of video production as it affects the look, feel, and quality of the footage. Different frame rates are used for different purposes, whether for standard video, cinematic productions, or slow-motion effects. Here’s a breakdown of 25fps, 24fps, 30fps, and 50fps vs 60fps for slow-motion, explaining when and why each is used:
1. Standard Frame Rates: 24fps, 25fps, and 30fps
24fps (Frames Per Second)
- Description: 24fps is the standard frame rate used in cinema and film production. It’s considered the most “cinematic” frame rate because it mimics the look of traditional film.
Advantages:
- Cinematic Look: 24fps is associated with the look and feel of high-end films, making it the standard for movies, TV shows, and narrative storytelling.
- More Natural Motion: The motion blur at 24fps is often perceived as more natural to the human eye, especially for cinematic visuals.
- Industry Standard: Nearly all feature films, most documentaries, and many high-end TV productions are shot at 24fps.
Disadvantages:
- Less Smooth: 24fps can look less smooth, especially when showing fast-moving action or sporting events.
- Not Ideal for Broadcast: Some broadcast and TV content (especially live events) often uses 30fps or 60fps for smoother motion.
When to Use:
- Film and Cinematic Projects: Use 24fps for cinematic, narrative video, commercials, music videos, and films to maintain the “film look.”
- TV Shows/Films for Web Platforms: When producing content meant for streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime, 24fps is often the preferred frame rate.
25fps
- Description: 25fps is commonly used in regions that follow the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) video standard, like Europe and parts of Asia. It’s used for broadcast television and video recording.
Advantages:
- European TV Standard: Ideal for European TV networks or streaming platforms that use the PAL standard, where 25fps is more common than 24fps.
- Compatibility: Works well for European audiences and for broadcasting in countries that use 50Hz power grids.
Disadvantages:
- Less Common Worldwide: 25fps is less commonly used outside of PAL regions, so it can be problematic for international distribution or compatibility with non-PAL equipment.
When to Use:
- European Broadcast & Production: 25fps is most suitable for projects in countries that use PAL systems, such as most European and parts of Asian countries.
30fps
- Description: 30fps is the standard frame rate used in the NTSC (National Television System Committee) system, which is used primarily in North America, Japan, and parts of South America.
Advantages:
- Smooth Motion: 30fps provides smoother motion compared to 24fps, making it ideal for live events, sporting events, and news broadcasts.
- TV and Web Content: It’s commonly used for TV shows, YouTube videos, and streaming platforms, especially in countries that use NTSC (North America, Japan).
Disadvantages:
- Not as “Cinematic”: Although smoother, 30fps is generally seen as less cinematic than 24fps, so it’s not typically used for feature films.
- Can Appear Too Smooth for Narrative Film: For scripted or cinematic storytelling, 30fps might appear overly smooth and less visually engaging compared to 24fps.
When to Use:
- Live Broadcasting and TV: Use 30fps for live TV broadcasts, news, sports, or any content where smooth motion is essential.
- Web and YouTube Content: Ideal for online content and YouTube, where smooth motion is needed for engaging videos.
2. Slow Motion: 50fps vs 60fps
For slow-motion video, shooting at higher frame rates, such as 50fps or 60fps, gives you more frames to work with, allowing you to slow down the action in post-production without it looking choppy. Below is a comparison of these frame rates:
50fps (Frames Per Second)
- Description: 50fps is commonly used in PAL regions, especially in Europe, and is often used for shooting slow-motion video in cinematic or broadcast environments.
Advantages:
- Smooth Slow-Motion: 50fps allows for smooth slow-motion footage when played back at 25fps or 24fps, providing a natural feel.
- PAL Standard: It works seamlessly in PAL video systems, where the frame rate aligns with the region’s 50Hz power grid.
Disadvantages:
- Limited Compatibility in NTSC Regions: 50fps might not work as smoothly in NTSC systems, and converting it to 30fps can introduce issues in compatibility or frame interpolation.
When to Use:
- Slow-Motion in PAL Regions: Use 50fps when filming in regions that adhere to the PAL standard, such as most of Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa, especially for slow-motion footage.
- Cinematic Slow Motion: If you want to create high-quality slow-motion shots while maintaining a cinematic frame rate (like 24fps), shooting in 50fps provides that smooth, gradual motion.
60fps (Frames Per Second)
- Description: 60fps is widely used in NTSC regions, especially in North America and Japan, and is ideal for smooth slow-motion footage at high frame rates.
Advantages:
- Excellent Slow-Motion: Shooting at 60fps allows for very smooth and fluid slow-motion when the footage is played back at 30fps or 24fps. It’s commonly used in action sequences or sports video.
- Wide Compatibility in NTSC Regions: Since it aligns with the NTSC standard, 60fps is ideal for slow-motion video in North America and other NTSC regions.
- Higher Detail: The higher frame rate allows you to capture more detail in fast-moving scenes, making it great for sports or action shots.
Disadvantages:
- Not as Cinematic: 60fps is often seen as too smooth for narrative or cinematic video, which can affect the overall visual style if that’s your goal.
- Large File Size: Higher frame rates like 60fps result in larger file sizes, requiring more storage space.
When to Use:
- High-Action Slow Motion: Use 60fps when you need to capture smooth, high-detail slow-motion footage, especially for sports, fast-moving action, or nature footage.
- Broadcast and Streaming: Ideal for video production in NTSC regions, where 60fps is a common frame rate for content like sports or action sequences.
Comparison of Frame Rates and Slow Motion
Which Frame Rate to Choose and Why?
Choose 24fps for cinematic productions, narrative films, and content intended for a traditional, film-like look. It’s the industry standard for most high-end productions.
Choose 25fps if you are working in PAL regions or for broadcast TV content in Europe and parts of Asia.
Choose 30fps for live events, sports, and content that needs smooth motion without the “cinematic” look, especially in NTSC regions.
Choose 50fps or 60fps for slow-motion footage:
- 50fps is great for PAL regions where you want to create smooth slow-motion while keeping a cinematic look when played back at 25fps.
- 60fps is better for NTSC regions where you need high-quality slow motion, especially in fast-moving action scenes.
Ultimately, the choice of frame rate depends on the type of content you’re creating and the region you’re working in. For slow-motion shots, 50fps and 60fps offer excellent flexibility and smooth results, with 60fps being better for highly detailed, fast-paced action.
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Best Frame Rates
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Hi I'm Monique
Personal and business brand photographer and educator, super passionate about empowering business women and men to have a positive self perception, with the right tools and guidance so they can share their gifts with the world.
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Best Frame Rates
Download PDF version here
Best Frame Rates
25fps vs 24fps vs 30fps and Slow Motion - 50fps vs 60fps
download
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