Why Do 60 FPS Videos Look Faster Than 30 FPS?

Have you ever watched a 60 FPS video and felt like it was moving too fast? Or perhaps noticed that 60 FPS content looks smoother compared to 30 FPS? Understanding why this happens involves delving into the technical and perceptual aspects of video playback.

Sensorial Differences in 60 FPS vs 30 FPS Videos

The sensation that 60 FPS videos appear faster than those shot at 30 FPS is often attributed to three main factors: the smoothness of the motion, temporal resolution, and visual familiarity.

Smoothness of Motion: At 60 FPS, the video captures more frames per second, resulting in smoother motion. This higher frame rate captures finer details during fast-moving scenes, reducing motion blur and making the action appear more fluid. When you transition from 30 FPS to 60 FPS, the increased fluidity can create a sensation that the action is moving faster. Temporal Resolution: Higher frame rates offer better temporal resolution, meaning that rapid movements are represented more accurately. This can make fast actions look more pronounced, thus contributing to the perception of increased speed. Visual Familiarity: Most traditional media, such as films and television shows, are typically shot at 24 or 30 FPS. Viewers are accustomed to this frame rate, so content shot at 60 FPS can feel unusual or even unnatural, as it deviates from the familiar cinematic experience.

Motion Judder and Perceptual Contrast

At lower frame rates, motion can appear choppy or stuttered, especially during fast movements. When you transition to a smoother 60 FPS, the contrast can make the motion seem artificially accelerated. Additionally, motion judder, a noticeable inaccuracy in the timing of motion, can be more pronounced with lower frame rates, further contributing to the sensation of speed.

The Role of Content Type

The type of content can also impact the perception of motion speed. For instance, video games and sports benefit from higher frame rates because they involve rapid movements and require quick reflexes. In contrast, narrative films often don't need such smoothness, and higher frame rates can feel out of place, detracting from the intended cinematic experience.

Expert Insight

Moreover, as noted on a popular website, 60 FPS videos give a weird vibe because we see less motion blur with fast-moving subjects than we are accustomed to in real-life. Your eyes may perceive the motion as captured with less blurring than what you typically see, creating a sensation that the action is progressing more rapidly.

Under the hood, these issues arise from the interplay between our visual system, which processes frames at a certain rate, and the frame rate of the video content we consume. This interplay creates a psychological and perceptual difference that can make the motion in 60 FPS videos seem faster.

Understanding these factors can help you appreciate why 60 FPS videos might feel different from 30 FPS and how this can impact the overall viewing experience.