Video frame rate (frames per second, or FPS) is the rate or number of times consecutive still images appear on the screen. Each individual picture is known as a frame. When viewed on a screen in rapid succession at a certain speed, these individual images give the impression of movement. In other words, the frame rate is a count of the number of individual photos projected onto the screen in any given second.
For example, if a video is captured and played at 24 fps, this means that every second of video shows 24 different still images. Depending on the number of frames per second selection during shooting and playback, the motion of a video changes, whether it’s normal motion, slow motion, time-lapse and more.
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How does frame rate affect gameplay?
The frame rate will not necessarily affect your gameplay. In many single-player games, the frame rate is negligible because even if there is some stuttering, you won’t be significantly negatively affected by it.
However, games that focus on twitch reflexes – the ability to react to something as fast as possible – will suffer significantly from a low frame rate.
What is the difference between frame rate and shutter speed?
In video, the frame rate is a recording format and gives the number of individual video frames captured by the camera. Shutter speed affects how quickly the shutter opens and closes, affecting the exposure of the shot; you can use the shutter speed to darken or lighten the image.
Is 60 FPS enough for modern games?
The old standard of 30 FPS is still enough to make a game playable. Anything lower can often feel choppy, and most gamers will find it difficult to enjoy their games at a lower frame rate.
In modern cinematography and animation, the standard is 24 FPS. However, those are experiences that do not involve human participation. So our eyes are more relaxed and able to enjoy the movie at that frame rate.
Style/Realism
The frame rate of a video greatly affects the look and feel of a video, which in turn determines the level of realism of the video. This concept ties directly into the way we naturally see the world.
When we see motion, such as a person throwing a ball or a passing car, we naturally see some motion blur. Ideally, the frame rate you choose will mimic this motion blur, keeping the experience as realistic as possible. If you choose too high a frame rate, things will start to look unnatural and the video will suffer from what is called the “soap opera effect”.