Videographer tips - understanding frame rates
Understanding Frame Rates: A Guide for Videographers in London
As a videographer working in London, you know that capturing stunning visuals is only half the job—ensuring your footage plays smoothly and looks professional is equally crucial. One of the foundational elements behind that polished look is your choice of frame rate.
But what exactly is a frame rate, and how do you choose the right one for different types of projects, especially when filming in the UK? Let’s break it down.
What Is Frame Rate?
Frame rate refers to the number of individual frames or images your camera captures per second (fps). Common frame rates include:
24 fps – the traditional cinematic frame rate
25 fps – the standard for PAL broadcast systems (used in the UK and most of Europe)
30 fps – commonly used in NTSC regions like North America
50 fps / 60 fps – high frame rates for smoother motion or slow-motion footage
The choice of frame rate affects how motion appears on screen. Slower frame rates (like 24 or 25 fps) produce that natural, slightly motion-blurred cinematic look, while higher frame rates (like 50 or 60 fps) offer a cleaner, crisper aesthetic—great for sports, fast action, or slow motion.
Why Frame Rate Matters in the UK
In the UK, we use the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) video standard, which means the expected broadcast or delivery frame rate is typically 25 fps or 50 fps (especially for TV work).
If you're delivering content for:
TV: Stick to 25 fps or 50 fps to comply with PAL standards.
Online platforms: You're more flexible. You can use 24 fps for a cinematic feel or 30/60 fps if targeting international or online-first audiences (like YouTube or social media).
Slow motion: Shoot in 50 fps or 100/120 fps, then slow it down in post to create elegant, smooth motion.
When to Use Different Frame Rates
25 fps: Best for most UK-based work—TV commercials, interviews, documentaries, and weddings. It integrates well with local lighting frequencies (50 Hz).
24 fps: Ideal if you're going for a filmic, cinematic look. Perfect for narrative or short film work.
50/60 fps: Excellent for sports, events, or when you plan to slow down the footage in post.
100/120 fps: Super slow motion for detailed, stylized shots—great for promotional or artistic content.
Pro Tip for London Shoots: Consider the Lights
London, like the rest of the UK, operates on a 50 Hz electrical system. If you're shooting indoors under artificial lighting and using a frame rate like 30 fps (from NTSC regions), you might see flickering due to frequency mismatch. Stick with 25 fps or 50 fps to avoid this.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right frame rate is a technical decision—but also a creative one. It affects the look, feel, and impact of your footage. Whether you're capturing a wedding at St Pauls in London, a corporate promo in the square mile, or a music video in Shoreditch, understanding how frame rates work—and which ones suit your project—will elevate your production quality.
Stay flexible, experiment with different rates, and always keep your final delivery platform in mind.