Frame Rate & Shutter Speed Cheat Sheet

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and practical settings related to frame rate and shutter speed.

Frame Rate (FPS)

The number of individual frames your camera captures every second while recording video.

24 fps

Standard film frame rate that creates a cinematic look with slight motion blur.

30 fps

Smooth, clear frame rate commonly used for YouTube videos, vlogs, and school projects.

60 fps

Very smooth frame rate suited for sports, fast action, and footage to be slowed down later.

120 + fps

Ultra-high frame rate for super-slow-motion playback and special effects.

Shutter Speed

The length of time each frame is exposed to light, affecting brightness and motion blur.

180-Degree Rule (Double Frame Rate)

Guideline stating shutter speed should be roughly twice the frame rate (e.g., 24 fps → 1/48 s).

Slow Shutter (≈ 1/30 s)

Creates noticeable motion blur; useful for dreamy visuals or shooting in low light.

Normal Shutter (1/50–1/60 s)

Produces natural-looking motion blur for everyday filming.

Fast Shutter (1/250 s or faster)

Freezes motion sharply; ideal for sports, action, or slow-motion capture.

ND Filter

Neutral-density filter that reduces incoming light, letting you keep correct shutter speed in bright conditions.

Fast Shutter → Darker Image

Shorter exposure time lets in less light, resulting in a darker video.

Slow Shutter → Brighter Image

Longer exposure time lets in more light, making the video brighter.

Cinematic Settings

Record at 24 fps with a 1/48–1/50 s shutter for a movie-style look.

Sports/Action Settings

Record at 60 fps with a 1/120 s shutter to capture crisp, fast movement.

Slow-Motion Settings

Shoot at 120 fps (shutter ~1/240 s) and play back at a lower frame rate for smooth slow motion.

Vlog/School Video Settings

Capture at 30 fps with a 1/60 s shutter for smooth everyday footage.