The art of 24fps videography

One of the most important decisions you'll make as a videographer is choosing your frame rate. Few numbers resonate as deeply as 24 frames per second (fps). This frame rate, while seemingly arbitrary, has become synonymous with the cinematic experience, evoking a sense of artistry, nostalgia, and emotional depth.

But what is it about 24fps that makes it so special? Why do filmmakers and videographers continue to embrace it, even in an age of technological advancement where higher frame rates are easily achievable? This blog post delves into the art of 24fps videography, exploring its history, its aesthetic appeal, and how to master this frame rate for truly cinematic video production.

The Historical Roots of 24fps

The choice of 24fps as the standard for film was not initially driven by artistic considerations but rather by practical and economic factors. In the late 1920s, when sound was introduced to motion pictures, the industry needed a standard frame rate that would ensure synchronization between audio and visuals. After some experimentation, 24fps was chosen because it was the slowest speed that allowed for acceptable sound quality while keeping film costs manageable. This frame rate became the industry standard for motion pictures and has persisted for nearly a century.

Despite its pragmatic origins, 24fps quickly became more than just a technical necessity. As the default frame rate for films, it became ingrained in the visual language of cinema, shaping the way audiences perceive motion and storytelling on screen.

The Aesthetic Appeal of 24fps

The magic of 24fps lies in its ability to create a unique blend of realism and dreamlike quality. At this frame rate, motion is captured in a way that is close enough to how the human eye perceives the world, yet it retains a slight distortion that feels inherently cinematic. This subtle imperfection is what gives 24fps its distinct charm.

Motion Blur and Perception:
One of the key characteristics of 24fps videography is its natural motion blur. When an object moves quickly across the screen, it leaves a blur trail that feels organic and fluid. This motion blur is less pronounced at higher frame rates, where the image appears sharper and more lifelike. While this might be desirable for certain types of content, such as sports or video games, it can make video feel too clinical and detached from the emotional resonance that 24fps offers.

Temporal Compression:
At 24fps, the slight temporal compression creates a subtle sense of urgency and drama. Scenes filmed at this frame rate often have a rhythmic quality, with each frame contributing to the overall pacing and mood of the video. This can be especially effective in narrative storytelling, where the pacing of a scene can enhance its emotional impact.

Nostalgia and Tradition:
For many viewers, 24fps evokes a sense of nostalgia, harking back to the golden age of cinema. This frame rate has been the standard for countless iconic films, from classic Hollywood masterpieces to modern blockbusters. As a result, 24fps has become synonymous with the cinematic experience, evoking a sense of timelessness and tradition.

Mastering 24fps Videography

While 24fps might seem like a straightforward frame rate to work with, mastering its nuances requires a deep understanding of cinematography, lighting, and editing. Here are some tips to help you harness the full potential of 24fps in your videography projects.

Understand Shutter Speed:
The relationship between frame rate and shutter speed is crucial in achieving the desired look. For 24fps filming, the standard shutter speed is 1/48th of a second. This is often rounded to 1/50th on many cameras. This shutter speed creates the natural motion blur that gives 24fps its cinematic quality. Experimenting with faster or slower shutter speeds can yield interesting effects, but for a traditional cinematic look, sticking to the 180-degree shutter rule (shutter speed = 1/(2 x frame rate)) is recommended.

Lighting and Exposure:
Proper lighting is essential in 24fps videography. Because this frame rate captures fewer frames per second, low-light situations can become challenging, leading to increased noise and a loss of detail. Investing in good lighting equipment and understanding how to manipulate natural light will help you maintain image quality and create the desired mood for your scenes.

Frame Composition and Movement:
The way you compose your shots and move your camera can significantly impact the effectiveness of 24fps. Slow, deliberate camera movements can enhance the cinematic quality of your footage, while fast, jerky movements can disrupt the smoothness and introduce unwanted motion artifacts. When planning your shots, think about how the movement within the frame will interact with the motion blur characteristic of 24fps.

Whether you're shooting a short film, documentary, or commercial content, mastering the interplay between frame rate, shutter speed, and exposure will elevate your work and give it that coveted cinematic quality that captivates audiences.