Frame rate (expressed in frames per second – FPS)
What is FPS?
The term FPS (frames per second) refers to the frequency of individual images that are displayed on a video device or the number of recorded images per second. We can also encounter the abbreviation Hz (Hertz) instead of FPS, but they both basically express the same value.
FPS can be described as the picture’s smoothness – the higher the FPS, the smoother the final picture.
How does FPS work?
The human eye records images at a frequency of 24fps. So, for example, if we display an image at 50fps, the resulting image seems smoother and sharper to the human eye, as it is receiving twice as much information. There are several commonly used values for video recording. For streaming, we use values between 25 and 120 fps (namely 25, 30, 50, 60, and 120 fps).
When should we be careful with our FPS settings?
If you’re recording fast action in front of your camera, it will be more pleasant for the viewer to watch the image at a higher frame rate. The resulting image will seem smoother and more natural. High FPS is typically used in sports streams, where a lot of fast action passes in front of the camera. In these situations, the viewer’s main interest is the smoothness and sharpness of the image. No one likes watching a ball that leaves a blurry trail behind it while flying through the air.
Resolutions are getting larger and larger, while the screens that we play video on are growing as well. That’s why 30fps is usually unsuitable for recording movement and leads to fuzzy images. As you can see on the image, doubling FPS makes for a much better image and the resulting impression on the viewer is more acceptable. Today’s new IP cameras record images at up to 120fps, ensuring that the resulting image is perfectly smooth.
FPS means smoothness of the image. If you want a sharp, seamless image that’s pleasant to watch, think about the size of your frame rate.
