What is FPS and Why Does It Matter for Drone Videography?

Operating a drone often involves mastering a range of new acronyms and terms. For instance, the FAA requires pilots to learn flight regulations akin to those for commercial airline pilots before granting Part 107 certification. One frequently encountered term in drone technology is FPS, or frames per second. FPS is crucial for determining the quality and smoothness of captured footage. Understanding FPS and its significance can greatly enhance your drone photography and videography. So, what exactly is FPS, and how can you optimize your settings for the best results?

Understanding FPS

FPS, or frames per second, denotes the number of individual frames or images displayed or captured in one second of video. For example, a video recorded at 30 FPS shows 30 distinct frames every second. Common FPS rates for DJI drones include 30, 60, and 120 FPS, each serving different purposes and producing various visual effects:

• 30 FPS: Standard for television broadcasts and general video recording, providing smooth and natural motion.
• 60 FPS: Popular for fast-moving scenes and sports, delivering even smoother motion and clarity.
• 120 FPS and above: Used for slow-motion effects, allowing for dramatic playback of fast actions.

For instance, the footage for a video of St. Cecilia’s Parish in Boston, MA, was captured using a DJI Phantom 4 at 60 FPS.

Why FPS Matters in Drone Photography

As a freelance drone videographer, understanding the impact of FPS on your footage is essential. For dynamic scenes like a high school football game or vehicles in motion, shooting at 60 FPS or higher ensures each movement is smooth and detailed, ideal for creating captivating slow-motion effects in post-production. Conversely, 30 FPS is often sufficient for more static or cinematic shots, such as panoramic landscape views or architectural photography. Lower frame rates give your footage a more movie-like quality and reduce storage requirements, making the editing process more manageable and preventing unnecessary upgrades to your equipment.

• Smoothness of Motion: Higher FPS rates capture more frames per second, resulting in smoother motion. This is particularly important for drone photography, as drones often capture fast-moving scenes or track moving subjects. Higher FPS ensures that motion appears fluid and less jerky, enhancing the quality of drone footage.
• Detail and Clarity: Higher FPS can enhance the clarity of footage during high-speed movements. More frames mean more data is captured, resulting in better detail and less motion blur, crucial for shooting dynamic scenes or moving objects like cars, animals, or sporting events.
• Flexibility in Post-Production: Videos shot at higher FPS can be slowed down in post-production to create stunning slow-motion effects without losing quality, adding dramatic flair or emphasizing particular moments.
• Cinematic Quality: Different FPS settings evoke different emotions and aesthetics. For instance, 30 FPS is commonly used in movies for a film-like quality, while 60 FPS can make footage feel more lifelike and immersive. Choosing the right FPS can set the tone and style of your drone footage.

Optimizing FPS for Drone Photography

• Assess the Scene: Consider what you are filming. For static landscapes, real estate, or slow-moving subjects, 30 FPS may be sufficient. For action scenes, wildlife, or fast-moving objects, opt for 60 FPS or higher to capture smooth, detailed footage.
• Lighting Conditions: Higher FPS requires more light. In low-light conditions, using a lower FPS can ensure each frame has enough exposure. If shooting at a higher FPS in low light, adjust other settings like ISO or aperture to compensate.
• Storage and Processing Power: Higher FPS videos require more storage space and more powerful processing capabilities. Ensure your drone and editing setup can handle the increased data load. Be mindful of your storage capacity and battery life when shooting at higher FPS.
• Final Output: Consider the platform where your footage will be displayed. For social media, 30 FPS might be more than enough. For professional work, including broadcast or cinematic projects, or if you tend to fly fast, higher FPS might be necessary to meet quality standards.

Understanding and optimizing FPS settings can significantly enhance the quality and professionalism of your drone videography, ensuring that your final video projects meet the desired standards.

For expert CRE drone videography, visit VidTech.com.