What Is The 120 Shutter Rule?.
The 120 Shutter Rule: Your Guide to Cinematic Motion Blur
Introduction
The 120 shutter rule is a filmmaking technique that uses a shutter speed that is twice the frame rate. This creates a natural motion blur that is pleasing to the eye and gives your footage a more cinematic look.
The rule is named after the fact that it was originally used when shooting film at 24 frames per second (FPS). With a shutter speed of 1/48th of a second, each frame of film is exposed for 180 degrees of the shutter rotation. This creates a natural amount of motion blur that mimics the way the human eye perceives motion.
Today, the 120 shutter rule can be used with any type of camera, including digital cameras and video cameras. It is especially useful for shooting slow motion footage, as it helps to create a smooth and fluid effect.
Benefits of using the 120 shutter rule
There are several benefits to using the 120 shutter rule, including:
- More realistic motion blur: The 120 shutter rule creates a natural amount of motion blur that is pleasing to the eye. This makes your footage look more realistic and cinematic.
- Reduced strobing: Strobing is a phenomenon that occurs when the shutter speed is too fast for the frame rate. This can cause your footage to look jerky and unnatural. The 120 shutter rule helps to reduce strobing, especially in low light conditions.
- Smoother slow motion: The 120 shutter rule is especially useful for shooting slow motion footage. It helps to create a smooth and fluid effect, even when shooting at very high frame rates.
How to use the 120 shutter rule
To use the 120 shutter rule, simply set your shutter speed to twice your frame rate. For example, if you are shooting at 24 FPS, you would set your shutter speed to 1/48th of a second. If you are shooting at 60 FPS, you would set your shutter speed to 1/120th of a second.
Here are some additional tips for using the 120 shutter rule:
- Use a variable ND filter: A variable ND filter can help you to maintain a shutter speed of 1/48th of a second in bright light conditions.
- Shoot in a well-lit environment: If you are shooting in low light conditions, you may need to use a faster shutter speed to avoid blur. However, this may also increase the amount of strobing in your footage.
- Experiment with different shutter speeds: The 120 shutter rule is a good starting point, but you may want to experiment with different shutter speeds to find what works best for your footage.
Examples of the 120 shutter rule in action
The 120 shutter rule is used in many popular movies and TV shows. Here are a few examples:
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy: Director Peter Jackson used the 120 shutter rule to create the epic and cinematic visuals of The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
- The Matrix: The 120 shutter rule was used to create the iconic slow motion bullet dodge scene in The Matrix.
- Game of Thrones: The 120 shutter rule is used throughout Game of Thrones to create a cinematic and realistic look.
Conclusion
The 120 shutter rule is a simple but effective technique that can help you to create more cinematic and realistic footage. If you are new to filmmaking, or if you are simply looking for ways to improve your videos, I encourage you to experiment with the 120 shutter rule.
Here are some additional tips for using the 120 shutter rule:
- Consider the mood of your scene: The 120 shutter rule can be used to create a variety of moods in your footage. For example, a slow shutter speed can create a more dreamy and ethereal look, while a fast shutter speed can create a more dynamic and action-packed look.
- Be aware of your surroundings: When using the 120 shutter rule, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. If there are flashing lights or other distractions in the background, they may be more noticeable in your footage.
- Experiment and have fun: The 120 shutter rule is just a starting point. There is no right or wrong way to use it. Experiment with different shutter speeds and frame rates to find what looks best for your footage.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of the 120 shutter rule and how to use it to improve your filmmaking. Happy shooting!