Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 1051)

Appendix B Frame Rate and Timecode 1051
XIII
Some digital video formats actually support several frame rates within a single format,
allowing variable frame rate video recording and film (24 fps) compatibility.
Important: Many people round 29.97 fps to 30 fps, but this can lead to confusion
during post-production. Today, it is still very rare to use a frame rate of 30 fps, but very
common to use 29.97 fps. When in doubt, ask people to clarify whether they really
mean 30 fps, or if they are simply rounding 29.97 fps for convenience.
Frame rate Media Description
24 Film; high definition
video This is the universally accepted film frame rate.
Movie theaters worldwide almost always use this
frame rate. Many high definition formats can
record and play back video at this rate, though
23.98 is usually chosen instead (see below).
23.98
(23.976) Film; high definition
video with NTSC
compatibility; NTSC This is 24 fps slowed down by 99.9% (1000/1001)
to easily transfer film to NTSC video. Many high
definition video formats (and some SD formats)
can record at this speed, and it is usually
preferred over true 24 fps because of NTSC
compatibility.
25 PAL; high definition
video The European video standard. Film is sometimes
shot at 25 fps when destined for editing or
distribution on PAL video.
29.97 NTSC; high definition
video This has been the color NTSC video standard
since 1953. This number is sometimes inaccurately
referred to as 30 fps.
30 High definition video;
early black-and-white
NTSC video Some high definition cameras can record at
30 fps, as opposed to 29.97 fps. Before color was
added to NTSC video signals, the frame rate was
truly 30 fps. However, this format is almost never
used today.
50 PAL; high definition
video This refers to the interlaced field rate (double the
frame rate) of PAL. Some 1080i high definition
cameras can record at this frame rate.
59.94 High definition video
with NTSC compatibility High definition cameras can record at this frame
rate, which is compatible with NTSC video. It is
also the interlaced field rate of NTSC video. This
number is sometimes referred to as 60 fps, but it
is best to use 59.94 fps unless you really mean 60.
60 High definition video High definition equipment can often play and
record at this frame rate, but 59.94 fps is much
more common because of NTSC compatibility.