Using exposure time in photography allows you to literally perform magic, and the same is true for video. However, when filming videos, you need to think about exposure time a bit differently than when taking photos. Let’s explain how.

A video is essentially made up of individual frames stacked sequentially over a certain period of time which, when played rapidly, appear as a continuous image. These frames are assembled at a certain frequency, which is measured in FPS (frames per second).

Therefore, the exposure time needs to be set depending on the number of frames per second you choose. Generally, the more frames per second you select, the shorter the exposure time needs to be.

The most natural setting for exposure time is 1/fps x 2. So, at 25fps, this makes 1/50 of a second. At 50fps, it would be 1/100, at 100fps 1/200, and so on.

If you choose a longer exposure time, the image will be choppy and blurred because you won’t have enough frames for a smooth image at the fps you have selected. If the exposure time is shorter, the image will be smooth but the motion may appear unnaturally sharp. However, you can break this rule if you have some artistic intent.

If you want to achieve a dreamy or perhaps dazed feeling, set a longer time – for example, 1/25 or slower.

Try setting up your videos by downloading Zoner Photo Studio X for a 7-day free trial and editing them with full support of all features without limitations.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don’t miss any of our video tutorials.