FPS, in the context of frame rate, stands for Frames Per Second. It is a key measurement used to quantify how quickly a sequence of individual still images, known as frames, appears within one second.
Understanding Frame Rate and FPS
Frame rate is essentially the speed at which images are displayed sequentially to create the illusion of motion. The higher the frame rate, the smoother the perceived movement.
- Frame Rate: The overall concept of measuring how many frames are shown per second.
- FPS: The specific unit of measurement used for frame rate. It is the numerical value representing the number of frames displayed in one second.
As highlighted in the reference, frame rate is the measurement of how quickly a number of frames appears within a second, which is why it's also called FPS (frames per second).
Common Frame Rates
Different types of media utilize specific standard frame rates to achieve desired visual characteristics. A widely recognized standard, also mentioned in the reference, is 24 FPS.
Here's a quick look at this standard:
| FPS Value | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|
| 24 fps | Motion pictures, TV broadcasts, streaming video, smartphones |
Using 24fps provides a cinematic look and feel, which is why it's prevalent across various traditional and modern video platforms. Higher frame rates, such as 30fps, 60fps, or even higher, are often used for smoother video, fast-paced action, or gaming to reduce motion blur and increase responsiveness.
In summary, when you hear about frame rate in video or animation, FPS is the unit that tells you exactly how many frames flash before your eyes each second, directly impacting the smoothness and quality of the motion you see.
