Slow motion can add drama, detail, and emotion to your footage—but only if it’s done right. One of the most important factors when filming in slow motion is choosing the correct frame rate (FPS). This ensures your footage looks smooth and cinematic when slowed down in post. YouTube Video
What FPS Means for Slow Motion
Frames per second (FPS) refers to how many frames your camera captures every second. A standard video typically plays back at 24, 25, or 30 FPS. When you film at a higher FPS and play it back at a normal speed, time appears to slow down.
The Math Behind It
To calculate your slow-motion percentage, divide your playback FPS by your recording FPS:
Slow Motion % = (Playback FPS / Recording FPS) × 100
For example:
Filmed at 60 FPS, played at 24 FPS→ (24 / 60) × 100 = 40% speed (60% slower)
Filmed at 120 FPS, played at 30 FPS→ (30 / 120) × 100 = 25% speed (75% slower)
Recommended Slow Motion Speeds
60 FPS → 40% speed at 24 FPS playback
120 FPS → 20% speed at 24 FPS playback
240 FPS → 10% speed at 24 FPS playback
Pro Tips
Use higher FPS for faster action (sports, water, dancing).
Maintain proper shutter speed (typically double your frame rate).
Light your scene well, since higher frame rates need more light.
Slow motion can transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary—but only if you respect the math. Plan your FPS based on how slow you want the action and match your settings accordingly.
Using Optical Flow to Achieve Smooth Slow Motion in DaVinci Resolve
When working with 24fps footage, slowing it down can sometimes result in choppy or stuttery playback. But don’t worry, DaVinci Resolve has a powerful tool to help: Optical Flow. This technique smooths out your slow-motion clips by creating intermediate frames, making your footage look seamless, even when it’s slowed down significantly.
Why Use Optical Flow?
Simply slowing down footage can lead to noticeable jumps between frames, especially when you’re working with lower frame rates like 24fps. Optical Flow analyzes the motion in your video and generates new frames between the existing ones, smoothing the transition and creating that buttery-smooth effect.
How to Use Optical Flow in DaVinci Resolve
Import Your 24fps Footage: Start by adding your clip to the timeline.
Enable Speed Change: Right-click your clip, select "Retime Controls", and slow it down to your desired speed.
Activate Optical Flow: Go to the Inspector panel, find the Retime and Scaling section, and set Motion Estimation to Optical Flow. Then, change Retime Process to Enhanced Better for the best results.
Fine-Tune Your Clip: Play back the footage to ensure it’s smooth. You can adjust the retime speed or tweak settings for even better results.
Pro Tip
For best results, use higher frame rates when filming in the first place. The more frames you have to work with, the smoother the final slow-motion footage will be. But even with 24fps footage, Optical Flow can help you achieve fantastic results!
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Motion VFX is a trusted name in the filmmaking and editing community, known for its top-notch visual effects and motion graphics tools. With their extensive collection of presets specifically designed for DaVinci Resolve, editors now have a treasure trove of creative possibilities at their fingertips.
If you're a filmmaker, video editor, or just someone interested in learning a new skill, DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your tool kit. This professional and FREE grading software is used by professionals to edit and color-grade everything from blockbuster movies to YouTube videos. In this blog post, we'll go over some tips and tricks to help you get started with DaVinci Resolve and take your video editing to new heights.
1. Get familiar with the interface
The first thing you'll notice when you open DaVinci Resolve is the interface. It can be overwhelming at first, but don't worry – it's designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. Take some time to explore the different panels and menus, and get a feel for how the software works.
2. Organize your media
Before you start editing, it's important to organize your media. DaVinci Resolve allows you to import all types of media, including video clips, audio files, and images. You can create folders to keep everything organized and easy to find. Make sure to name your files clearly so you can easily identify them later.
3. Learn the keyboard shortcuts
Like most professional-grade software, DaVinci Resolve has a lot of keyboard shortcuts. Learning these shortcuts can save you a lot of time and make your editing process more efficient. Some useful shortcuts include:
- Spacebar: Play or pause the timeline
- S: Split a clip
- B: Blade tool for cutting clips
- Command/Ctrl + C: Copy
- Command/Ctrl + V: Paste
4. Use the Fusion tab for special effects
One of the unique features of DaVinci Resolve is the Fusion tab. This powerful tool allows you to create special effects, composites, and motion graphics directly within the software. If you're new to Fusion, there are plenty of tutorials available online to help you get started.
5. Experiment with color grading
DaVinci Resolve is known for its advanced color grading tools. Whether you're looking to enhance the colors in your footage or create a specific look, DaVinci Resolve has everything you need. Take some time to experiment with the different color grading tools, and don't be afraid to get creative.
6. Use the Fairlight tab for audio editing
In addition to video editing, DaVinci Resolve also has a powerful audio editing tool called Fairlight. This tab allows you to mix, edit, and master your audio tracks. If you're new to audio editing, there are plenty of tutorials available to help you get started.
7. Export your finished project
Once you're happy with your final edit, it's time to export your project. DaVinci Resolve has a variety of export settings, including options for resolution, format, and frame rate. Make sure to choose the settings that are best suited for your project and intended audience.
In conclusion, DaVinci Resolve is a powerful and versatile video editing software that can take your projects to the next level. By taking the time to learn the interface, shortcuts, and advanced features, you'll be able to create stunning videos and films that stand out from the rest. So why wait? Start your editing journey with DaVinci Resolve today!