How fast is 24 frames per second?

How Fast is 24 Frames Per Second?

At 24 frames per second (FPS), a film travels through the projector at a rate of 456 millimetres (18.0 in) per second. To better understand this, let’s break down the significance of frame rates and why 24 FPS is commonly used in the film industry.

What is a Frame Rate?

A frame rate is the rate at which a sequence of still images is displayed or perceived as a continuous motion, typically measured in frames per second (FPS). Higher frame rates can result in smoother motion and improved playback quality, while lower frame rates can lead to judder or stutter.

Why 24 Frames Per Second?

In films, 24 FPS has become the standard due to technical and creative reasons. Since 1964, movie projects have been designed around a 24 FPS framework to ensure compatibility with both traditional film cameras and early televisions. This compatibility extends to the way footage is shot, edited, and projected.

Speed Perception

At 24 FPS, the human brain and eyes can process information slowly enough to perceive smooth, natural motion. Lower frame rates can create unnatural speeds, making it more apparent to the viewer.

Here’s a comparison to other common frame rates:

• 30 FPS: TV and video games usually display at 30 FPS to reduce motion blur. Some TVs can display content in 30 FPS mode.

• 60 FPS: Higher-end TVs, laptops, and gaming systems sometimes use 60 FPS, providing a smoother image.
• 120 FPS and above: High-refresh monitors and some gaming hardware prioritize high frame rates to increase smoothness and gaming realism.
• 200-600 FPS: Some modern monitors and gaming systems handle slow-motion playback at speeds close to real-time (like in sports analysis) in high-speed cameras like hockey, tennis, etc…

Benefits of 24 Frames Per Second

A commonly used frame rate also opens up opportunities for visual special effects, as studios use this standard to build shared libraries of footage for ease of editing and assembly of multiple projects.

Other creative advantages of 24 FPS include:

• Lens distortion: 24 FPS helps reduce lens distortion since it allows for precise shot composition and camera motion controls.
• Scene interweaving: The rate aligns with the number of shots per second a person can take, easing pacing and scene transitions during movie editing.
• Wide aspect ratio: When captured in 24 FPS and 2.40 aspect ratio, the standard framing ratio, it permits efficient and harmonious cinematic construction.

Conclusion: Speeding Up the Right Lane

In conclusion, a frame rate of 24 FPS is a remarkable engineering feat that has taken Hollywood by storm. We witnessed how it became an important aspect of filmmaking techniques, and how professionals like cinematographers, film composers, and editors took great strides to master and thrive within this framework. A rate of 456 mm/s may seem unusual initially, but it now transcends as a unique calling card for the magical blend of storytelling, movement, and visuals that brings memorable cinematic experiences to our collective consciousness.

Answers

* How fast is 24 frames per second?

24 frames per second: 456 millimetres (18.0 in) per second

• Is 24fps better than 60fps?

For film-like purposes, 24FPS prioritizes a more fluid natural motion. 60fps, while smoother in faster-paced content, remains predominantly used for TV broadcasting.