Hey Everyone! Jeff with PolarPro here with another DJI Osmo Pocket video to cover the different frame rates, as well as when and when not to use them when shooting your next projects.

I should preface this by noting that each photographer and videographer has his/her own style and creative expression when going for a specific look and feel to the projects. The DJI Osmo Pocket has seven different frame rate options; six under the video tab and one under the slowmotion tab. I personally prefer to use only four of these frame rates; 24fps, 30fps, 60fps, and 120fps. Each of these are available on the DJI Osmo Pocket with 24fps, 30fps, and 60fps available in 4k, while the slowmotion setting of 120fps is available up to 1080p and will crop in on the sensor for a more punched in look. Now lets have a look at each individual frame rate!

24fps

24fps is considered the "cinematic" frame rate because the vast majority of movies are filmed at this frame rate which causes us to associate the look with high end production and movie projects. As 24fps equates to a lower amount of captured frames per second of filming, this creates a less realistic look but more of a creative, filmic look. I would select this frame rate when working on larger projects such as short films or documentaries with a little extra creative look and feel.

30fps

30fps provides a more natural, realistic look to any video project. This is a go-to when shooting YouTube projects for example as a more realistic look seems to resonate with the audience that will feel that they are along for the journey. One added benefit of shooting in 30fps is that it evenly divides 60fps and 120fps. Why this is important is that it allows you to slow down to 60fps or 50% the speed and 120fps or 25% the speed without any loss of frames. 

60fps

60fps at 100% speed (60 frames timeline) captures a very realistic video. Many YouTubers will shoot and upload in this setting to provide the most realistic looking videos for their audience. I, however, feel that this takes out some of the creative expression and opportunity; though for a scene that has medium action with the plan to slow down by 50% in post 60fps is a great option.

120fps

120fps is also known as "slowmotion video" on the DJI Osmo Pocket. As noted, this option is only available up to 1080p, not 4k, and will be cropped giving it a more punched in look. When I plan to slow down my footage by 25% in post, I always select 120fps to create more engaging and/or dramatic scene depending on the subject being filmed. And speaking of a subject, without one or camera movement during the filming a slowmotion video can become boring and unengaging. 

We have also received many questions about uploading a video shot at 60fps as 30fps. This practice is not advised as doing so will drop half (50%) of the frames that you have captured at 60fps which will cause unnatural looking motion. When going out shooting for a project, take the time to plan ahead to determine if a slowmotion shot will be desired and select your frame rate accordingly at 60fps for a 50% slower shot or 120fps for 25% slower shot.

You will want to be sure that when you determine the frame rate best suited for the shot that you are keeping your shutter speeds in mind to agree with the 180 degree rule to maintain a shutter speed that is double your frame rate. So for the four options I use most: 24fps at 1/50th, 30fps at 1/60th, 60fps at 120th, and 120fps at 240fps. Keeping a proper shutter speed and exposure will ensure your shot comes out perfect at any frame rate you choose.

Thanks again for following along and hope that this information helps on your next filming adventure with the DJI Osmo Pocket.