About

Video production involves strict constraints regarding storage and timing. This calculator helps cinematographers and editors plan their workflows by computing the total frame count and estimated file size for various recording formats. Accuracy here is critical; underestimating storage requirements can halt a production.

It features a Slow Motion Converter to determine the necessary playback speed percentage to achieve smooth motion. The tool also includes a Visual Strobe Test, comparing 30 FPS vs 60 FPS, demonstrating why higher frame rates reduce motion blur and strobing in fast-paced content.

Formulas

Total Frames is a simple product of duration and rate:

F_total = FPS × T_sec

File Size estimation relies on the codec's bitrate (R in Mbps):

Size (GB) = R × T_sec8 × 1024

Slow Motion Stretch Ratio:

SlowMo = Shooting FPSPlayback FPS

Reference Data

FPS	Application	Look & Feel
24	Cinema / Movies	Standard cinematic motion blur
25	PAL TV (Europe)	Standard broadcast (50Hz grid)
30	NTSC TV (USA)	Broadcast, Reality TV, News
60	Sports / Gaming	Fluid motion, minimized blur
120+	Slow Motion	Used for speed ramping

Frequently Asked Questions

23.976 (often labeled 23.98) exists due to legacy NTSC color broadcasting standards. True 24 FPS is used in film projection, but digital video often uses 23.976 to remain compatible with 60Hz monitors.

It uses average bitrates for standard codecs (e.g., ProRes 422 at ~147Mbps for HD). Variable Bitrate (VBR) codecs like H.264 fluctuate based on visual complexity, so the result is an estimate (+/- 15%).

No. Higher FPS (60+) looks hyper-realistic (the 'Soap Opera Effect') which can feel cheap for narrative storytelling. 24 FPS is preferred for drama because the motion blur adds a dream-like quality.