The Challenges of Recording High Speed (Slow Motion) Video

Slow motion video is a great way to add dramatic effect to a video. It can be used to highlight a particular moment within a video or to emphasise the effect of a certain action. However, recording slow motion video can be a bit tricky, and it's important to understand the challenges before you start shooting.

The first challenge is that of shutter speed. To record slow motion video, you'll need to use a faster shutter speed than you would normally use. This is because when you're recording slow motion video, you're capturing more frames per second than regular video. The faster shutter speed will help to ensure that each frame is properly captured and that the motion is smooth.

Another challenge is that of lighting. When you're recording slow motion video, you'll need more light than you would for regular video. This is because the camera is capturing more frames per second and it needs more light to properly expose each frame. If the lighting isn't sufficient, the video will look dark and grainy.

At Studio Slowmo, we use the The Phantom Flex 4K digital cinema camera that is capable of recording up to 1000 frames per second (fps) of full resolution 4K video. This camera is capable of capturing incredibly high quality images and is used in high-end feature films, commercials, and scientific research projects. However, using a Phantom Flex 4K to record high speed video can be an extremely challenging and difficult process.

First, the cost of the camera and its accessories is significant. The camera body itself can range from £100,000 to £250,000, and the lenses, filters, and other accessories can add up to even more. This can be prohibitively expensive for most filmmakers, and is an obstacle that must be overcome before production can begin.

Second, the camera requires specialised training and knowledge to operate correctly. This is not a camera for beginners, and users must have a deep understanding of the camera’s functions and features in order to get the best results.

Finally, the camera’s high speed capabilities require a lot of storage. A single second of 4K video at 1000 fps can easily take up over 1 GB of storage, and a full project can take up hundreds of GBs. This means that filmmakers must have a reliable storage solution in place to ensure that the footage is properly backed up and preserved.

Recording slow motion video can be a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and equipment, it's definitely possible. Make sure you're familiar with the challenges before you start shooting and you'll be able to get great slow motion video every time.