Understanding Shutter Speed And Frame Rate In Video

Understanding shutter speed, and frame rate and their relation in video can be tricky. In this extremly clear and well made video by Greg Olson from videomaker.com this important topic is explained and many examples are shown.

Many aspiring videographers and even some more experienced photographers might feel confused about the way the shutter speed work in video. While in stills its operation is quite straightforward – the longer the shutter is open the more light reaches the sensor – when moving to video – you need to consider the effect of shutter speed not on a single frame but on a sequence of frames which can be faster or slower.

As with stills, slower shutter speeds in video can increase motion blur, while faster shutter speeds in video will make the image sharper but in some cases less natural looking. In the video Olson discusses and demonstrates how fast moving action, flowing water, or low light shooting are influenced by different combinations of frame rate and shutter speed in video.

You can watch more HDSLR and video techniques on our dedicated HDSLR channel here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.