Supported Frame Rates
PixelRecorder supports standard broadcast and cinema frame rates for professional compatibility.
Available Frame Rates
| Frame Rate | Common Name | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 23.976 fps | 24p | Cinema, film-look video |
| 24 fps | True 24 | Digital cinema |
| 25 fps | PAL | European broadcast |
| 29.97 fps | 30p (NTSC) | US broadcast |
| 30 fps | True 30 | Web, streaming |
| 50 fps | 50p | European high frame rate |
| 59.94 fps | 60p (NTSC) | US high frame rate |
| 60 fps | True 60 | Gaming, smooth motion |
Drop Frame vs Non-Drop
Drop Frame (DF)
Used for NTSC rates (29.97, 59.94 fps):
- Maintains sync with real-world time
- Frame numbers skip periodically
- Essential for broadcast timing
Non-Drop (NDF)
- Sequential frame numbering
- Drifts from real-world time
- Common in post-production
Settings
Configure in Settings > Timecode:
- Auto: Drop frame for NTSC rates
- Force Non-Drop: Always use non-drop
Matching Your Project
Cinema/Film
- 23.976 fps: Standard for film-look
- Compatible with DaVinci Resolve, Premiere
Broadcast
| Region | Standard | Frame Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Americas | NTSC | 29.97 fps |
| Europe | PAL | 25 fps |
| Japan | NTSC | 29.97 fps |
| Australia | PAL | 25 fps |
Web/Streaming
- 30 fps: Standard for web
- 60 fps: Gaming content, smooth motion
Multi-Stream Considerations
When recording multiple streams:
- All streams should use same frame rate
- Ensures perfect sync in NLE
- Timecode aligns across all files
Camera Limitations
Camera frame rate depends on:
- Camera hardware capabilities
- USB/Thunderbolt bandwidth
- Resolution (higher res may limit fps)
Common Camera Limits
| Camera Type | Typical Max |
|---|---|
| Built-in MacBook | 30 fps |
| Webcam 1080p | 30 fps |
| Webcam 4K | 30 fps |
| Pro Capture Card | 60 fps |
Performance Impact
Higher frame rates require more resources:
| Frame Rate | CPU Impact | Storage Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 24 fps | Baseline | Baseline |
| 30 fps | +25% | +25% |
| 60 fps | +150% | +150% |
Best Practices
- Match your NLE project: Set frame rate before recording
- Consider delivery: Match target platform requirements
- Test camera capability: Verify smooth capture at desired rate
- Use consistent rates: All streams at same frame rate for sync