When it comes to creating stunning videos, understanding frames per second (FPS) is essential. FPS is more than just a technical term; it plays a significant role in shaping the mood, clarity and overall impact of your footage. Whether you’re aiming for a cinematic masterpiece, a dynamic action sequence, or a smooth slow-motion effect, choosing the right frame rate can make all the difference in your videos.
In this blog, i’ll break down what FPS means, how it affects your videos and how to select the best frame rate for your specific project. From content creators to shooting a small movie to watch at home, this guide will help you shoot the perfect video!
So FPS in filming refers to the number of individual images, or frames, captured by a camera in one second of video. These frames are played back in rapid succession to create the illusion of motion.
Why is FPS Important?
- It determines the smoothness and style of the motion in a video;
- Higher FPS can capture fast-moving subjects more clearly, while lower FPS can create a cinematic or stylised effect.
Common FPS Settings
24 FPS (Standard for movies):
- Gives a cinematic feel;
- Slightly less smooth, but widely used for storytelling.
30 FPS (Standard for TV and online videos):
- Smoother than 24 FPS;
- Common for broadcasting and general video content.
60 FPS (Smooth motion):
- Very smooth and crisp, ideal for sports, action and slow-motion playback.
120 FPS or higher (Slow motion):
- Used for creating dramatic slow-motion effects when played back at lower speeds.
How It Works
Imagine a flipbook
- Each page is a single frame;
- Flipping through the pages faster (higher FPS) makes the motion look smoother;
- Flipping slower (lower FPS) might make the movement look choppy.
Choosing the Right FPS
- For film or storytelling: Use 24 FPS for a cinematic look;
- For online content: Use 30 FPS;
- For sports or action: Use 60 FPS for clarity and smoother motion;
- For slow-motion shots: Film at 120 FPS or higher, then slow it down during editing.
So what to use for Instagram Reels or TikTok Videos?
- Recommended FPS: 30 or 60 FPS;
- Why? These platforms prioritise smooth and sharp content;
- Tips
- 30 FPS is fine for talking-head or lifestyle videos;
- Use 60 FPS for dynamic scenes or action clips.
Other Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Lighting: Higher FPS reduces exposure time per frame, so you’ll need more light for 60 FPS or above;
- Editing Workflow: Match the FPS of your project timeline to your intended output (e.g., export 24 FPS footage in 24 FPS for consistency).
To change the frame rate for video recording on an iPhone, follow these steps:
Option 1: From the Camera App
- Open the Camera app;
- Swipe to the Video mode;
- Look at the top-right (or top-left) corner of the screen: You’ll see the current resolution (e.g., 4K or HD) and frame rate (e.g., 30 or 60 FPS);
- Tap on the resolution or frame rate to toggle between options (e.g., switch between 30 FPS and 60 FPS).
Option 2: From Settings
- Open the Settings app;
- Scroll down and tap on Camera;
- Select Record Video;
- Choose your preferred resolution and frame rate, such as:
- 4K at 24 FPS
- 4K at 60 FPS
- 1080p HD at 30 FPS
- Higher resolutions (like 4K) and frame rates (like 60 FPS) use more storage and battery.
Tips
- If you don’t see certain options, ensure your iPhone model supports them (e.g., 4K at 60 FPS is available on iPhone 8 and later);
- For better control, you can enable ProRes (on supported iPhone Pro models) for advanced filming options.
On Android
The steps to change the frame rate on Android vary depending on the device and camera app. Many Android devices allow you to adjust these settings in the camera app under the "Video Settings" or "Resolution and FPS" options. To find specific instructions for your Android phone, check out tutorial videos on YouTube.
Experiment with different FPS settings and don’t forget to balance it with proper lighting and shutter speed. With these tips, you’ll be ready to create videos that will impress your family and friends.
Happy filming!
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