Frame Rate – The number of image frames generated per second of footage (fps)
When filming for online distribution you can use almost any frame rate without an issue, sites such as facebook, youtube, vimeo, etc will all accept almost all fps.
In this case, choose the appropriate frame rate in which to record your video, by taking into consideration your desired aesthetic, the speed of your subject, the image stability and the amount of storage you have available.
24fps - Standard for cinema. Famous for the 'Filmic' Look. Sometimes the most effective for audio syncing.
25/30fps - Standard frame rates for television & online distribution. (See map below) Consider these frame rates for a smooth and natural look, if you have camera stabilisation, or if your subject does not move at great speed.
30fps is the standard for American broadcasting, and as such has become the standard for the majority of online video distribution platforms. These platforms will accept almost all formats, but will convert videos into 30fps for distribution.
50/60fps - These faster frame rates capture more motion, create sharper images, and can be effective for capturing fast moving subjects like dance or sports, or for the option of creating slow motion effects in post-production. The file sizes for these frame rates can also be slightly larger so be aware of the amount of storage you can accommodate on your SD card & hard drive.
These frame rates can be output as they are, but occasionally look unnaturally sharp due to the faster shutter speed adopted, however it is an aesthetic choice and may produce an intended look. If in doubt do a test shot to determine the right frame rate for your video.
120/240fps - Use for slow motion. Most consumer cameras now have the capabilities to record significantly faster frame rates such as 120 / 240 / etc for the purpose of generating slow motion footage. These settings are best utilised for capturing fast, dynamic motion in a creative way. Useful for creative filmmaking, promotional videos, music videos, etc.
Be aware of light sources when recording on slow motion, they can often generate flicker. They also sometimes drop in resolution.
NTSC is an abbreviation for National Television Standards Committee, named for the group that originally developed the black & white and subsequently color television system that is used in the United States, Japan and many other countries. An NTSC picture is made up of 525 interlaced lines and is displayed at a rate of 29.97 frames per second.
PAL is an abbreviation for Phase Alternate Line. This is the video format standard used in many European countries. A PAL picture is made up of 625 interlaced lines and is displayed at a rate of 25 frames per second.
SECAM is an abbreviation for Sequential Color and Memory. This video format is used in many Eastern countries such as the USSR, China, Pakistan, France, and a few others. Like PAL, a SECAM picture is also made up of 625 interlaced lines and is displayed at a rate of 25 frames per second. However, the way SECAM processes the color information, it is not compatible with the PAL video format standard.
Most HDTVs and Video Players on your Mac or PC have de-interlacing software which will allow you to watch interlaced footage clearly, however you may find some that don’t. When this happens, you may notice an effect called “Combing” indicated in the images above.