For slow motion, record at a higher frame rate than your final timeline and play it back at the lower rate. Roughly 60 frames per second gives mild slow motion, 120 gives a clear slow effect, and higher rates give extreme slow motion, but each step asks for more light and often lowers resolution. Treat these as general guidance, not fixed rules.
How Slow Motion Works
If you record at 120 frames per second and play the clip on a 30 frames per second timeline, it runs at one quarter speed. The ratio is simply the recorded rate divided by the timeline rate. Your editing software must be set to conform the footage this way.
| Record rate | Timeline rate | Speed result |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 30 | Half speed |
| 120 | 30 | Quarter speed |
| 240 | 30 | One eighth speed |
Step by Step Setup
- Decide your final timeline rate, often 24 or 30 frames per second.
- Choose a recording rate that gives the slow effect you want. Many action cameras offer 60 and 120 options.
- Check the resolution available at that rate. Higher frame rates may lower the resolution.
- Set the shutter speed to roughly double the frame rate as a general guide, for example about 1/240 at 120 frames per second, if your camera allows manual control.
- Film in bright light. Fast shutter speeds need strong daylight to avoid noisy, dark footage.
- Lock exposure and white balance when possible to avoid flickering shifts.
- Import the clip and set it to play at the timeline rate.
Tips for Better Results
- Use slow motion for short moments: a jump, a splash, a landing. Long slow clips can drag.
- Stabilization may be limited at higher frame rates, so keep the camera steady or mounted firmly.
- Avoid artificial lights that flicker, as high frame rates can show banding.
- Leave normal speed footage around the slow clip so the change has impact.
- Check card speed requirements in your camera’s manual, since high rates create heavy data.
Matching Rate to Subject
Match the rate to how fast the action is. Walking, skating and general sports often look good at 60 frames per second. Water splashes, jumps and spinning wheels reward 120 or higher. Very fast, short events, such as a ball hitting a surface, are where the highest rates earn their cost in light and resolution.
FAQ
Is 240 frames per second always better?
No. It needs a lot of light and often reduces resolution. For many scenes, 60 or 120 looks smooth and keeps more quality.
Can I slow footage after shooting at normal speed?
Yes, with software that interpolates frames, but the result is usually less clean than footage recorded at a high frame rate.
The Short Version
Choose 60 or 120 frames per second for most slow motion, and go higher only in strong light. Use a shutter speed near double the frame rate as a general guide, and confirm what your camera supports in its manual.
