What is shutter speed? Frame rate?
The frame rate and the speed of shutter are two closely related -- and often confused -- camera settings. However, by taking a closer look at the meaning behind each setting and how to utilize them to really bolster the quality of your videos.
Ready to see the frame rate and shutter speed on the move? Scroll on for a helpful video instruction.
In this article
- What is the frame rate of video?
- What is the shutter speed?
- [Video tutorial] Shutter speed vs. frame rate
- Commonly asked questions
What is the frame rate in video?
Frame rate is the quantity of individual frames which make up each second in video. Also called FPS (frames per second) Most commonly, frame rates are 24, 25, and 30 frames per second.
What is shutter speed?
Shutter speed is the amount of time each frame is exposed for. In the world of video, shutter speed will be almost always in fractions of a second. The number used in setting the shutter speed is the numerator of this fraction. So, if you choose to set the shutter speed at 60, that means each frame is shuttered for one-sixth of one second.
Shutter speed rule of thumb
The ideal shutter speed is to be approximately double the number of frames per second that you are recording. So, if you're recording with 30 frames per second you'll need your shutter speed to equal one-sixth of a second.
[Video tutorial] Shutter speed vs. frame rate
This is the reason why frame rate could be mistakenly equated with shutter speed. Some individuals believe that if they shoot at a shutter speed of 1/100th of a second, they are in turn producing 100 frames per second. However, this isn't the case.
A typical frame rate to shoot video is around 24 frames per second, (and occasionally 25 or 30). Shutter speed means you're exposing every frame at one hundredth of one second.
Fast shutter speed vs. an unfast shutter speed
An extremely fast shutter speed, such as 1/400th of a second will produce clear images with the appearance of choppy as they are played back. On the other hand the slower shutter speed (such as 1/30th of one second) results in a string of blurred frames that appear smoother when played back.
While you usually set the shutter speed that's double the number of frames per second, you are able to achieve some artistic effects by straying from the normal. Speed of shutter can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of your videos particularly in the case of motion.
A higher shutter speed creates an energetic, crisp tennis ball, and a slower frame will result in a blurry, bouncing ball -- and a more relaxed state of mind.
Do not forget to experiment with it! You may find that a higher or lower shutter speed is more appropriate to the mood of the video.
Most frequently requested questions
What is the shutter speed?
The shutter speed determines the length of time that each frame is exposed for when you shoot video using your DSLR. For example, if you set the camera's shutter speed at 60, each frame will be exposed for 1/6th of one second. What is framerate?
Frame rate is the rate when a shutter open and closes, or a sensor captures video during one second. Typical frame rates are 24-25 29.97, 30 and between 50 and. What is FPS stand for?
In the field of video production, FPS is "frames per second." How do I change the shutter speed in the camera?
Use the dial on your camera to adjust the shutter speed. For the other hand, if you're using a DSLR, you'll need to switch to manual mode in order to alter the shutter speed , by shifting the dial left or right. If you choose to use a faster shutter speeds, your camera exposes your photo to less light.
First published in the year 2019and updated in 2022.