Why is 24fps better than 60fps?

Why is 24fps better than 60fps?

When it comes to the world of videography and cinematography, frame rates are a crucial aspect of capturing high-quality footage. Two of the most common frame rates are 24fps and 60fps, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of frame rates and explore why 24fps is often considered superior to 60fps.

Why 24fps feels more cinematic

There are several reasons why 24fps is often referred to as the "classic" frame rate. First and foremost, it has a long history in the world of filmmaking, dating back to the early days of cinema. Many iconic movies were shot at 24fps, and audiences have become accustomed to seeing motion capture at this speed. When a movie is shot at 24fps, the motion appears smoother and more fluid than when captured at a higher frame rate.

Another reason why 24fps is preferred by many filmmakers is that it allows for greater flexibility when it comes to editing and post-production. With more frames per second, filmmakers have to work with fewer frames to create the final product, which can limit their creative options. 24fps provides a better balance between the original footage and the final output.

The benefits of lower frame rates

Now that we’ve established that 24fps is generally considered more cinematic, it’s essential to understand why this frame rate is favored. Here are some of the benefits of shooting at a lower frame rate like 24fps:

Fewer frames to render: When shooting at a higher frame rate like 60fps, the editor has to work with twice as many frames as someone shooting at 24fps. This can lead to increased render times and additional stress on the computer, potentially slowing down the post-production process.

Less data required: Fewer frames to work with means less storage space required, which saves on storage and reduces costs.

Greater motion blur: Shutter speeds are often fixed to 1/48 or 1/60 of a second, which provides a darker and more cinematic atmosphere. This is essential for many genres, particularly action, horror, or thrillers.

Easier editing: With a lower frame rate, it’s often easier to find matching cuts and transitions since the footage is easier to match.

Challenges of higher frame rates

While 24fps may have its benefits, higher frame rates come with their own set of challenges. Shooting at 60fps requires a significantly higher level of expertise, particularly when working with camera movements and tracking. This is because each frame needs to be more precisely matched to create smooth and seamless motion.

Another challenge of high-frame-rate shooting is that less motion blur means a greater emphasis on precision, making it more difficult for filmmakers to achieve the level of dynamic movement they require.

When to choose higher frame rates

In certain situations, high frame rates are essential for achieving specific visual effects or moods. This may be the case:

• When capturing sports, racing, or any other high-action footage, high frame rates are necessary for achieving a smooth and fast-paced look.

• In gaming, CGI, or stop-motion, high frame rates allow for greater levels of detail and precision, essential for creating realistic effects.

• When shooting with ultra-high speeds or slow-motion footage, high frame rates enable greater control and flexibility during post-production.

In conclusion, 24fps is often the better choice for cinematic content, due to its natural and realistic motion, better editing flexibility, and the fact that it’s better suited to the traditional motion capture. However, when capturing specific types of footage, higher frame rates become necessary to achieve the required level of detail and quality.

In the next article, we’ll be exploring more advanced topics on frame rates, including why filmmakers may choose to blend multiple frame rates to create unique effects and how newer camera technology is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in high-frame-rate production.