How to shoot slow motion video on Android
Slow motion turns a split second into something you can actually see. Here's how frame rates work, which one to pick, and the light and flicker problems that catch most people out.
How slow motion works
Slow motion is video recorded at a high frame rate and played back at a normal one. Record at 120 frames per second, play at 30, and every real second lasts four seconds on screen. At 240 fps it's eight times slower.
Which frame rate to use
| Frame rate | Slowdown at 30 fps playback | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 60 fps | 2x | Gentle slow motion: walking, hair in the wind, a subtle dreamy feel |
| 120 fps | 4x | Sport, jumps, pets running, splashing |
| 240 fps | 8x | Fast action: a ball hitting a bat, water drops, a dog shaking |
| 960 fps (short bursts, on a few phones) | 32x | Very brief events, like a balloon popping |
Slow motion needs a lot of light
At 240 fps, each frame can be exposed for at most 1/240 s. That's very little light per frame, so indoors the camera raises ISO and the footage gets noisy and soft. Shoot slow motion outdoors in daylight when you can, or add as much light as possible.
Flicker under artificial light
Many indoor lights, including LEDs, fluorescent tubes and some street lights, pulse with the mains power at 100 or 120 times a second. Normal video doesn't notice, but high-speed video catches the pulsing as flicker or rolling bands. Daylight doesn't flicker; if you must shoot indoors, try a lower frame rate or a different light source.
Why your phone has limits
The highest frame rates usually come with a lower resolution, often 1080p or 720p, and sometimes only on the main camera. Which combinations exist depends on your phone's sensor and on what the manufacturer exposes to camera apps. A camera app that reads your phone's capabilities will only offer what it can really record. See how to check your phone's Camera2 support.
Tips for better slow motion
- Start recording before the action and stop after it; you can trim later.
- Keep the phone steady or move it slowly. Slow motion shows every wobble.
- Fill the frame with the action, since resolution is often lower.
- Keep it short. A few seconds of slow motion goes a long way.
For everyday video settings, see best video settings for Android.
In One Camera
One Camera has slow motion and video stabilization in the free version. It offers the high frame rates your phone's camera exposes to apps, so what you see in the settings is what your hardware can record. Pro adds manual ISO, shutter and white balance in Pro Video, and timelapse for the opposite effect.
Questions
How do I record slow motion on Android?
Use your camera app's slow-motion mode, or record at a high frame rate such as 120 or 240 fps. Shoot in bright light, keep the phone steady, and start recording before the action.
What frame rate is best for slow motion?
120 fps for most action, which plays four times slower at 30 fps. Use 240 fps for very fast moments, and 60 fps for a gentle slowdown.
Why does my slow motion video flicker?
Many indoor lights pulse with the mains power, and high frame rates capture the pulsing. Shoot in daylight, or use a lower frame rate indoors.
Why is my slow motion video grainy?
Each frame gets very little light at high frame rates, so the camera raises ISO. Shoot outdoors in daylight or add more light.