Normal shooting at 24 fps
Normal cinematic shooting is done at
24 fps, the same rate as in film
cameras. Discrete 720p images
and a specially developed film
gamma curve create images
with the same tonal
characteristics as film.
Lower-speed shooting at 4 to 23* fps
For example, shooting at 12 fps lets you attain a 2x fast-
motion effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps.
This technique can be combined with zooming to create a
warp-speed effect, such as for giving special emphasis to
flowing water, fast-moving clouds, or a person standing still
amid a bustling crowd. Decrease the shutter speed for a
strobe effect, or increase it for a ghost effect. The expressive
possibilities are endless.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 30 fps, anything under 29 fps
will be undercranked.
Higher-speed shooting at 25* to 60 fps
For example, shoot at 48 fps to attain a 1/2x slow-motion
effect with playback at the cinema speed of 24 fps. This is
especially effective for high-action scenes such as car chases
or spectacular crashes, or for scenes with great dramatic
impact. Unlike the slow motion captured at playback speed by
ordinary video cameras, the Varicam captures highly dense
frames to provide a smooth, naturally flowing slow-motion
effect with vivid picture quality.
*When the standard speed is 24 fps. For a standard speed of 30 fps, anything over 31 fps
will be overcranked.
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