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SHOULD I SHOOT IN 24 OR 29.97 FRAMES?

Nigel G. Kettle

Updated: Jan 31

Written by Nigel G. Kettle -


At Kettle Media Concepts, we frequently encounter questions about framerate in video production. Framerate is often overlooked and shrouded in confusion despite being a crucial aspect.  This lack of attention can result in significant budget overruns, with producers and post-production supervisors bearing the brunt of the blame.  Failure to address framerate issues during pre-production and production usually costs an additional $1,500 to $5,000 to rectify problems later in the post-production phase. Unfortunately, many of these issues are not discovered until the final color-correction and finishing stages, creating severe pressure as television network deadlines loom.

Here’s the key information: For filmmakers working on movies and documentaries intended for theatrical release, the recommended frame rate is 23.98 per second, commonly called 24 fps. This standard simplifies the creation of Digital Cinema Packages (DCPs), essential for theatrical presentations. It's important to note that DCPs are produced at 24 frames per second, and the slight difference from 23.98 is negligible, which means that complex cross-conversion isn't required.

 

However, 29.97 fps is the recommended frame rate if the documentary is meant for television. Many historical recordings are done at 29.97 fps, so if you are incorporating a lot of old footage, it's advisable to stick with this frame rate.

 

Currently, there is no effective way to convert from 29.97 fps to 23.98 fps without encountering issues, especially during camera pans and tilts, where dropped frames become noticeable. Specifically, dropping six frames is necessary to convert from 30 fps to 24 fps, which can result in a lack of smoothness in the video. Video software and hardware often struggle with this conversion. While AI shows potential in addressing dropped frame issues, it has not yet fully resolved the problem.

 

When producing content for television, it is advisable to shoot at 29.97 frames per second, generally known as 30 fps. In the United States, the broadcasting standard for all TV stations is 29.97 or 59.94fps), meaning that all television shows must be converted to this framerate for airing even if the network accepts 23.98.

 

Don't believe your camera operator when they say that shooting at 24 frames per second is better. While it's true that shooting at 24 frames allows for more information to be stored on memory cards, which many camera operators prefer, it doesn't necessarily make for better-looking footage. The quality of your shots depends primarily on your camera, lens, and how well you light and frame your scenes, not on the framerate itself.

 

In the past, some claimed that the slower 24 frames per second created a kind of hypnotic effect on viewers. This idea is not accurate, but passionate supporters often defend it vigorously. I leave that to personal preference.

 

I once heard a cameraman argue that shooting at 29.97 frames per second produces a flatter appearance, while 24 frames give a more lifelike, three-dimensional feel. An experienced post-production supervisor present at the time nodded in agreement. What can I say? The mind can indeed be deceived when you clink to misinformation as truth.

 

The bottom line is if you are shooting a documentary for TV and mixing it with a lot of archival footage, shoot at 29.97 or 59.94. They are interchangeable. Framerate has nothing to do with depth of field or your image looking flat. Flat video is due mostly to poor lighting and, to a degree, your camera lens.

 

Happy Shooting, everybody!

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