What is fps?
Frames per second (fps) is a measure of how many individual images, called frames, are shown each second in a video or a game. Think of it like a flip‑book: the faster you flip the pages, the smoother the motion looks. Higher fps means smoother motion; lower fps can look choppy.
Let's break it down
- Frame: a single still picture.
- Second: the unit of time.
- fps: number of frames displayed in one second.
- Example: 30 fps = 30 pictures shown every second; 60 fps = 60 pictures every second.
Why does it matter?
- Smoothness: More fps makes motion look fluid, which is important for fast‑action games and realistic video.
- Responsiveness: Higher fps reduces the delay between your input (like moving a mouse) and what you see on screen.
- Comfort: Low fps can cause eye strain or motion sickness for some people.
Where is it used?
- Video games: Consoles, PCs, and mobile games aim for 30, 60, or even 120+ fps.
- Movies and TV: Typically shot at 24 fps for a cinematic feel; some streaming services use 30 or 60 fps.
- Virtual reality (VR): Needs 90 fps or more to feel natural and avoid nausea.
- Live streaming and video calls: Usually 30 fps, but higher fps can improve quality.
Good things about it
- Provides smoother, more realistic motion.
- Improves reaction time in interactive applications.
- Enhances visual quality, especially in fast‑moving scenes.
- Makes gaming and VR experiences more immersive.
Not-so-good things
- Higher fps requires more powerful hardware (CPU, GPU, faster memory).
- Increases power consumption, which can drain batteries faster on laptops and phones.
- May produce larger video files, needing more storage and bandwidth.
- Not all content benefits; some movies are intentionally shot at lower fps for artistic reasons.