High frame rate (HFR)
Also known as: HFR, 120 fps, 240 fps, high fps
Recording far more frames per second than normal playback, such as 120 or 240 fps, so footage can be slowed down smoothly or show very fluid motion.
Updated
What it means
Standard video plays at 24, 25, 30 or 60 frames per second. High frame rate recording captures many more, often 100, 120, 200 or 240 fps on action cameras and phones. Played back at normal speed, it becomes smooth slow motion: 120 fps slowed into a 30 fps timeline gives four times slower motion.
HFR can also be played at its native rate on devices that support it, giving extremely fluid, almost real-life motion. Some gamers and sports viewers like that look, though many people find it less cinematic than 24 or 30 fps.
Most cameras limit resolution, field of view or stabilization at the highest frame rates, because the processor has to handle far more frames every second.
How it works in practice
Use HFR for moments worth slowing down: jumps, tricks, splashes, sprays of snow, a wave breaking. Record the whole move in HFR, then choose in the edit which parts play slow and which play at normal speed with a speed ramp.
Good light is essential. At 120 fps, each frame has at most 1/120 second of exposure, and usually less. In shade, the camera raises ISO and the slow-motion shot turns noisy and soft.
For a natural look at normal playback speed, many filmers record 50 or 60 fps as a compromise, which allows gentle 50 percent slow motion.
What to watch out for
HFR files are larger and drain batteries faster, and some cameras heat up quickly. Use it for the moments that need it rather than all day, and watch for overheating warnings on hot days.
Lower resolution at high frame rates means less room to crop. A 1080p 240 fps clip will look soft if you zoom in during editing.
Playing HFR footage in a timeline set to the same high rate gives no slow motion at all. Interpret or conform the clip to your timeline rate so it plays slowed down. Most editors have a simple setting for this, often found in the clip properties.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip accepts high frame rate footage, including 60 to 120 fps clips, together with normal recordings. Upload your HFR jumps and splashes with the rest of the day, and the AI builds them into one highlight.