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30fps vs 60fps Video Recording: What’s The Difference?
We no longer cry with joy when we watch content recorded at 60 frames per second. We’ve grown accustomed to 60fps and aren’t impressed even with 120fps.
If you wonder how 30fps holds here, well, it is considered what 15fps was a decade ago. Still, it is quite passable, if you have to record content on a budget or nothing serious.
For years, the discussion between 30fps and 60fps has raged on, and it can be seen everywhere: in gaming, content videos, vlogging, and so on.
After analyzing various recording settings, I’m ready to put an end(as if) to the “30 fps video recording” discussion.
Understanding frame rates is crucial for operating and shooting effectively. For shot motions, a high frame rate is ideal. On the other hand, a high frame rate isn’t always the best option.
In today’s article, I will address different topics regarding frame rates and 30fps vs 60fps.
Before we dive deeper into the 30fps vs 60fps, let’s grasp the true meaning of the frame rates.
Simply put, a video is made up of a succession of still images. Because the difference between each still image is so slight, when those images are seen at a specific speed, our human eye tends to view them as something that is moving at the moment. Each of those images is referred to as a “frame.”
The “Frame Per Second,” or “fps,” on the other hand, refers to the number of still image frames in a per-second video. 60 frames per second, for example, contains 60 frames of still photos every second. The same goes for 30 and 120fps. They contain 30 frames or 120 frames in the 120fps case.
In other words, the more the merrier. The more frames per second are there, the better the quality looks; It comes in a smooth motion.
What is the Best Frame Rate to Use?
If you are playing First-person shooter games, like CS: GO, you want something that can play perform at 300fps at least
Oh wait, this is the wrong topic, sorry, I forgot that we are talking about video recording.
Anyways, when it comes to video recording, there’s no such thing as “the right frame rate”. It mostly boils down to your situation and what you are shooting.
The following is a brief overview of the most often used frame rates:
Recording in 15 Frames Per Second
I am going to be bold and straightforward about this one, stay away from it.
Recording in 15fps, won’t bring any value to your content unless you are doing time-lapses.
Recording in 24 Frames Per Second
24 Fps is the perfect frame rate if you are planning to record a movie.
It is also known as the cinematic frame rate and is favored among all filmmakers.
With 24 frames per second, filmmakers may capture fluent motion without paying expensive film stock costs. The more frames per second the more expensive the film reel or storage becomes.
Currently, 24 frames per second have become the industry standard, and any film released worldwide must support 24 frames per second.
Recording in 30 Frames Per Second
30 Fps is a really common one, while it is a tad different than 24 fps and almost impossible to tell the difference with the naked eye, it can still make a difference.
The extra detail captured by the 30 fps format for cinematic purposes can make movie sequences appear more unrealistic, which is why it isn’t the standard.
However, it has been and is traditionally used for television broadcasts and shows. Also worth mentioning, is the standard fps you get on consoles; meaning that consoles are capped at 30fps, exactly, PC master race!
Recording in 60 Frames Per Second
Since we’re on the subject of gaming, games that are played at 60fps are pure joy.
60 fps Is employed in fast-paced action content, such as in live sports, where blurry content is a big no.
The slowed-down footage appears better and crisper since it is double the frames rather than 30 fps, It simply gives viewers at home a fantastic picture of the action. Slow-motion highlights from live sports would stutter and seem choppy if shot at 30 frames per second.
The only downside is huge file sizes. 60fps videos take up a lot of space. To properly and safely store your videos, i’d recommend you read our article on the best external SSDs for Photographers.
The difference between 30fps and 60fps?
Above we concluded that it’s not really about “the more the merrier” .
We pretty much got a sneak peek at the differences between 30fps and 60fps, but I’d like to touch down on them again.
If you want to capture quick movement and slow motion, choose 60 frames per second. If not, shoot at 30 frames per second. When generating videos for social media, shooting at 60 frames per second is rarely necessary because everything is displayed at 30 frames per second.
There was also a frame rate of 24 frames per second, which was ideal for filmmaking and barely differed from 30 frames per second.
So, to summarize, both frame rates have advantages and disadvantages; while 60 frames per second are favored in most situations, it will not work in certain ones, and vice versa.
Cameras to Consider Due to Their Video Capabilities
I know, I know this is not why we are here, I just couldn’t help but list those cameras. The flagships I am about to mention are real game-changers when it comes to video recording.
Sony Alpha 1
With this flagship, Sony just prove to us their remarkable craftsmanship. This camera is simply a beast in many aspects.
It has uncanny autofocus that comes along with video capabilities that are not seen on many cameras.
The Alpha 1 is capable of recording 8K UHD video up to 30fps, while 4k ones at 120fps, are simply insane.
The only obstacle that is stopping you from getting this camera, is the painful price that it comes with.
Lastly, I believe that fps will not be a major factor when recording memories such as parties, weddings, and other events.
The memories that are captured are what matter in this case. We never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory
It makes no difference whether the content you filmed is 30 or 60 fps, or even 15 fps (hopefully not), what matters is that you get to enjoy those moments again.
Simply put a recording is a return ticket to a moment that is gone.
I specialize in landscape, street and portrait photography and I have been featured in various galleries and publications. I believe that photography is a way to tell stories!
