What Does FPS Mean In Cameras (Relation Between Shutter Speed and FPS)

Frames per second (FPS) play a major role in determining camera result at the time of photoshoot. FPS is used in photography as how many frames are captured in a second or how many images are captured in a burst in still photography. In this blog, learn everything about what does FPS mean in camera settings for best camera result.

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What Does FPS Stand For?

When discussing a video, the terms “frames per second” (abbreviated “FPS”) and “frame rate” apply to both the recording and playback speeds.

What Does FPS Mean In Cameras?

A measure of display device performance used in video capture, playback, and video gaming is frames per second (FPS). FPS is a typical statistic used in video capture and playback when addressing video quality. Moreover, it is used to quantify frame rate, which is the number of images presented each second sequentially.

Frames, also known as frames per second, or fps, is another name for numerous individual images that make up a video. You refer to a camera’s frame rate as how many images it records per second.

How smoothly the graphics play is based on the frame rate. Moreover, for smooth, fast-moving footage, you require a high frame rate. As a result of the brief amount of light that hits the sensor while filming, the photos are noticeably underexposed.

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What Does FPS Do?

The human brain can process only 10–12 FPS. Over this threshold, frame rates are regarded as moving. The smoother the movement of the video seems, the higher the FPS. Videos in full motion often have 24 FPS or more.

FPS rates vary between different video formats. As a result, smaller computer files are produced at slower FPS rates.

Operation of Frames Per Second

Frame rates for early silent movies ranged from 16 to 24 FPS. Because the cameras were hand-cranked, the frame rate was very unpredictable. Therefore, the filmmakers took advantage of this variation by altering the frame rate to suit the communication mode.

The frame rates for movies in earlier times were high enough to detect motion, but the footage was still jerky. Displays used dual- and triple-blade shutters that would show each frame twice or three times to lessen flickering.

Furthermore, this would raise the flickering to a more tolerable 48 to 72 hertz. So, the new videos continued to use 24 FPS in conjunction with two- or three-blade shutters when the sound film became available.

Before the development of television, there was little change in the idea of frame rate. The frequency of power from a cable wall socket was used to calculate the frame rates of televisions. It was 60 Hertz in Korea, North America, and Japan and 50 Hertz in the majority of the rest of the world.

As a result, the televisions’ frame rates were respectively 60 FPS and 50 FPS. With 24 FPS, neither format performs well. While 25 FPS videos are needed for 50 FPS televisions, 30 FPS videos are used for 60 FPS televisions. So, to decrease flicker and suit the faster speeds, each frame is displayed twice.

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Why is FPS Important?

Importance of quality of an image and the number of frames per second that the camera takes before you purchase a video camera or camera with recording capabilities.

Similarly, this is referred to as the video resolution and frame rate (fps). These elements affect how sharp and smooth your photographs appear.

The definition of video resolution

Image resolution describes how many pixels are present in your movie on both the horizontal and vertical axes. You can see more detail the higher the resolution. 1920×1080 pixels, sometimes known as Full HD, is the most popular resolution. Ultra HD, sometimes referred to as 4K which, is widely used nowadays on screens.

Because of this, camera makers put cameras with this resolution of recording on the market. So, it’s important to note that you cannot see 4K videos if your camera records in 4K and your monitor does not support this quality.

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What Is The Relation of Video Resolution With FPS?

You will receive better video and animation quality as the higher the frame rate. A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and monitor capable of high frame rates > 30 fps are almost always preferable for gaming performance. So, standard 1080p video is best captured between 15–30 frames per second, whereas 4K UHD 2160p would appear best at >30 frames per second.

While it is generally believed that videos with faster frame rates and higher resolutions seem better, this is actually reliant on the display’s capabilities. Moreover, an OLED display, for instance, is significantly superior to an LCD display when it has 60 to 120 frames per second.

Getting the best results in video with the FPS setting

Not every camera has the ability to capture images at the maximum frame rate and with the best image quality. For instance, you may record at 30 frames per second in 5K quality and 240 frames per second in Full HD with the new GoPro HERO action camera.

Similarly, you can capture footage in Full HD at 60 frames per second with a simple camera as well. So, the majority of action cameras are capable of up to 30 frames per second 4K recording.

What Frame Rates Are Available?

15 FPS:

15 FPS is used for taking very still pictures with little movement, like landscapes.

24 or 30 FPS:

24 to 30 FPS is used for recording regular and mild movements, such as walking or interviews, use. Images in your video will have a broad dynamic range.

60 FPS:

60 FPS is used to capture motion and quick movements. Moreover, they can be utilised to slightly slow down your footage (slow motion).

120 FPS:

120 FPS is used for slowing down your footage and making slow motion videos. Therefore, utilize only in well-lit areas to prevent underexposure.

240 FPS:

240 FPS is used for recording material in incredibly slow motion and producing slow motion videos. So, to prevent underexposure, it should only be used in very well-lit environments.

How To Select The Right FPS?

There isn’t a concrete response to this query. Everything relies on the context and subject matter of the shooting. Choose 60 FPS if you want to capture quick movement and slow-motion scenes.

If not, choose 30 FPS instead. It frequently serves no purpose to shoot in 60 frames per second if you’re primarily producing videos for social media because everything is displayed in 30 frames per second.

Adjusting FPS for optimal results

Now that we are aware that there are various circumstances for various frame rates, we have listed the following few factors for you to take into account while selecting the frame rate.

01. The subject of your shot

Examine your subject matter to see whether recording at high FPS is necessary. So, your project will appear best if it is taken in 24 or 30 frames per second if you are taking steady pictures with only occasional movement. Further, you should choose higher frames if your project calls for a lot of moving objects or subjects or slow motion.

It is actually preferable to film low-light footage at 30 FPS as opposed to 60 FPS. Moreover, this is because it enables the camera to capture more light, resulting in smoother and lit-up footage.

02. The quantity of moving subjects

More details are captured at 60 frames per second, which significantly improves motion capture. 30 frames per second could result in a bad-looking film if your scene has a lot of movement. Therefore, you would get a smoother film with 60 frames per second, and you’d be glad you did it in the end.

Thoroughly check the storyboard before deciding whether to shoot a scene or a project in 60 frames per second.

03. Video distribution and playback

As previously established, 24 frames per second is always projected in theatres and is actually a requirement. Although you are not required to shoot at 24 frames per second, you will need to transcode the footage before theatrical release.

24 fps is preferable if you’re shooting a movie for a theatrical release. By doing so, you may ensure that the conversion to either higher or lower frame rates has no impact on the video you capture.

In addition, higher frame rates require larger files or, if you’re an old-schooler, more film reels. Recording at lower frame rates can save you a tonne of storage space and is also the best option if your project doesn’t require a higher frame rate.

Frame rates can affect how quickly a project uploads if it’s going online, and in certain circumstances, they can prevent you from uploading it altogether if the file is too big.

04. Whether or not to stream the video

The standard frame rate for the majority of systems is 30 FPS, which is reserved for the internet. Meanwhile, you could save some time by recording at 30 FPS if your project is intended for web use. When filming a program for streaming services or a video for social media, keep it in mind.

What Is The Relation Between Shutter Speed and FPS?

Understanding the link between shutter speed and frame rate is crucial for taking smooth videos. So, you may wish to select a quicker or slower shutter speed depending on the lighting conditions, the look and emotion you want to capture, and other factors. But once more, your frame rate, as well as shutter speed, affects how your video looks.

When shooting at 24 or 30 frames per second, use a shutter speed of at least 1/50 of a second, and when shooting at 60 frames per second, use a shutter speed of at least 1/60 of a second. It is recommended that you double the FPS to achieve your working shutter speed.

If you select a shorter shutter speed, moving objects will appear more blurry. Furthermore, if you use a faster shutter speed, the movement will appear to be frozen.

To Conclude

Different FPS are preferable for different purposes; for example, if you want to shoot a movie for a theatrical release, then 24 FPS is preferable.

More details are captured at 60 frames per second, which significantly improves motion capture. Moreover, if your scene has a lot of movements, then 30 frames per second could result in a bad-looking film. So, learn and keep shooting stunning images in your professional photography .

What Does FPS Mean In Cameras Settings?