What is the difference between 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p, 50i, 60p, and 60i video frame rates?

When recording video content, the frames per second (fps) represent the number of individual frames comprising each second of video. The most common frame rates are 24, 25, 30, and 60 fps.

There are two types of video frame formats when recording or displaying video content:

Progressive video (p) content displays the even and odd scan lines (the entire video frame) simultaneously. This format is the current recording standard for most cameras and camcorders.

• Examples: 24p, 30p, 60p

Interlaced video(I) displays even and odd scan lines as separate fields; the even scan lines are drawn on the screen, then the odd scan lines are drawn on the screen. Two even and odd scan line fields make up one video frame. Interlaced video is still popular for broadcast TV playback.

• Examples: 30i, 60i

Notes:

• The 24p video frame rate is closer to that of film in theatrical motion pictures.
• The video frame rates 50i and 60i are recommended for normal recording.
• The 25p video frame rate is used in countries outside of the United States and Canada.
• The 50p video frame rate has double the information per unit time.