Whether you’re shooting on a cellphone or a RED cinema camera, picking the right frame rate is essential for a good finished video. Here’s a guide to choosing the right frame rate for any purpose.
In this video by Potato Jet, there is an in-depth explanation of how to select the proper frame rate, as well as what steps to take in editing to achieve effects including a filmic look, pseudo slow motion, and full-on slow motion.
I appreciated the brief history of frame rates, which went quite a way to explaining the difference between PAL and NTSC frame rates. It goes quite a way into clearing up any confusion over the different rates. As a good rule of thumb, he shoots 24 frames per second, which matches my personal preference.
A great tip was to shoot 30 frames per second video, but then edit in a 24 frames per second timeline. This provided a very subtle slowing effect, not as conspicuous as typical slow motion, but still helpful in mellowing out the footage. I’ve used this with footage from a gimbal, which can help with the slight shake that can make it past the gimbal.
Like many of Potato Jet’s videos, this one does a great job of breaking down videography concepts in an easy and informal manner.
Lead image courtesy of Jacob Owens.