What are the best cameras to shoot 4K video at 120fps?
What cameras can record 4K video with 120fps speed? We’ve selected the best consumer cameras to capture 4K 120p video. From DSLRs like the Canon EOS R5 , to smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra and 360 VR options by Kandao.
Why shoot videos at high frame rates
In the last few years, many photographers and film makers have been searching for cameras capable of shooting 4K video in 60fps. Some people are looking for cameras that can shoot 4K video at 120fps as technology advances. Why are people seeking higher frame rates?
We’ll start by looking at the advantages of shooting in 4K 60fps. You can slow down the footage by half by shooting at 60fps.
This is also possible. So, you can mix 60fps and 29.7fps video easily. It’s possible, but not ideal. We’ll discuss that later.
Let’s start with the obvious. You can stretch a second of footage by using footage shot at 60fps and slowed down to 29.7fps. It’s perfect for creating a visual scene. Think Reservoir Dogs.
You can achieve the same effect by slowing down footage that was shot at 30fps to half speed. This will require you to stretch out 29.7 frames to 2 seconds, or 15 frames per second. This is not enough – especially in 4K – so everything looks staccato.
If you follow this logic, you would think it’s a good idea to always shoot at 60fps. You can then halve the playback speed of that footage and mix in standard 29.7fps video as required. Shooting at 60fps is not ideal.
It’s important to note that you should always shoot at the framerate you require. Film at the standard frame rate if you know that your footage will be played back at 29.7fps. If you’re looking for slow motion, increase the frame rate to the number you need.
To playback normal at 29.7fps you need 60fps. For quarter-speed, you need 120fps. We can now begin to see why you would want to film in 4K at 120fps.
The 180-degree shutter rule
We’ll now discuss why it’s not always a good idea to film at 60fps, even if the basic principles would suggest that this is a sensible choice.
Here is where the technical side comes into play. Consider the 180-degree shutter rule. The fps must always be equal to half the shutter speed. It’s easy to achieve a balance between ISO and Aperture (gain) at 29.7fps.