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This page explains about filming for slow-notion and how this can be achieved with the cameras available at BSU.
For specific set up for each of the cameras, click on these links:
Sony A7111
Sony NEX700
The normal frame rate for narrative and documentary filmmaking is 25 frames a second, (24 in the US) and is referred to as 25fps. These are whole frames, much like original film frames, and also referred to as P (for progressive).
If a camera records at a higher frame rate than this, but the footage is played back at 25fps, then the motion in the shot will be slowed down. Slow motion footage is often considered ‘Cinematic’ as before sophisticated digital cameras were available, these kind of images were only seen in movies.
Shooting at 50p, particularly people walking, talking, living their best life etc, makes the shot different enough to cut into music videos, weddings, commercials, etc and can give a ‘dreamlike’ quality.
For sports, stunts, etc you can go upto 100fps, and for the real sexy slow motion of liquids, impacts, explosions and falls you are looking at 200 fps plus.
Here is a video explaining typical use of frame rates by Mark Bone. He is filming in the US, so when he talks about 24, 60, 120 and 180fps, think of 25, 50,100 and 200 fps in the UK.
The following clips filmed here show the difference at the higher frame rates.
100 fps: water (sony Z90)
200 fps: hair and football (Sony NEX FS700 R)
250 fps: Water again Sony (Z90)
All the cameras at Bath Spa will record faster than 25p, here is a list and what they can do in HD. Burst mode means they can only record for a short time, (5-10 seconds)
Sony X70
50p
Canon C100
50p in Pal setting
60p in NTSC setting
Panasonic GH4
96p(does not look at great at 96 so best stick to 50fps)
Sony A7111
50p, 100p
Sony Z90
50p, 100p
250p, 500p (Burst mode)
Sony NEX 700
200p Burst mode
400p (half HD) In Burst mode only.
You will need LOTS of light to shoot slow motion.
Normal daylight is fine, even an overcast day as long as it is not approaching dusk.
For interiors with artificial light you will need bright lamps, close to the subject.
Some LEDS may flicker at high frame rates so incandescent lamps are preferable.
Alway shoot with a shutter speed double, or greater than double the frame rate, or the motion blur will be too much and the footage will look smeary.
50fps =1/100th of a second
100fps = 1/200th of a second
200fps = 1/400 of a second
250fps = 1/500 of a second
Written by FR
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