{"id":49636,"date":"2018-07-02T12:00:43","date_gmt":"2018-07-02T16:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=49636"},"modified":"2025-07-22T13:08:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T17:08:40","slug":"when-and-how-to-use-the-sony-a7-iiis-slow-motion-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/when-and-how-to-use-the-sony-a7-iiis-slow-motion-features\/","title":{"rendered":"When and How to Use the Sony A7 III’s Slow-Motion Features"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Slow-motion footage adds drama and intensity to every video, whether it’s a groom seeing his bride for the first time or a belly dancer performing at a surprise 50th<\/span> birthday party (I’m happy to say I’ve filmed both!). It adds a cinematic look and feel, and elevates the viewer’s emotional connection to the scene. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the start of my filmmaking career, I’<\/span>ve used slow-motion footage in just about every video. And, since purchasing the Sony A7 III<\/span><\/a> this year, I’ve elevated my slow-mo use even further, going from 60 fps slow motion to 120 fps, which slows footage down up to five times. (In other words, slow<\/i> slow-motion.)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, to be clear, with my other camera \u2014 the Sony A7S II<\/span><\/a>, I\u2019ve always had the capability to shoot in 120 fps, but doing so crops the sensor by 2.2x, meaning the lens’ view area changes drastically. Across the board, the A7 III is better equipped for slow-motion, whether it’s the better 120 fps filming options or the “Slow and Quick” (S&Q) mode<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, I\u2019ll guide you through when \u2014 and how \u2014 to use the Sony A7 III’s slow-motion features in your next film project.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to use the Sony A7 III’s slow-motion features:<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While I love slow-motion footage (oh wait, did I say that already?), there’s a time and a place for it in filmmaking. And with most footage, it’s not necessarily the best option. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, anything with audio (think interviews, exchanging vows, or talking) should be filmed at a normal 24 or 60 fps to ensure it looks natural. Similarly, most documentary footage will benefit from crisp, 24 fps footage since it’s a news-style story. You may sprinkle some slow-motion in for effect in the intro and transitions, but for the most part, you want the footage to look as real and authentic as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So when should you use slow-motion with the new A7 III (or any camera)? It really comes down to creativity. If you’re developing a creative, artsy edit, slow-motion will be your best friend.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re doing simple slow-motion with 60 fps or exaggerated slow-motion with 120 fps, here are a few slow-mo shots to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dancing<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re ever in the lucky position of filming dancing \u2014 be it weddings, birthday parties, cultural experiences, etc. \u2014 you should definitely use slow motion. As a wedding filmmaker, I use 60 fps for all of the reception, but will likely switch to 120 fps to have more flexibility with my edits moving forward. I recently also filmed a belly dancer at an Albanian surprise birthday party<\/a>, and knew instantly that I wanted exaggerated slow motion to time the flow of her movements to the beat of the music. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wedding day first looks<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For the most part, 60 fps works for me with bride and groom first looks \u2014 my music is typically a bit upbeat so I don’t need extra slow-motion \u2014 but if you\u2019re planning to film a dramatic, moody scene with slower music, you may want to up it to 120 fps so you have the different footage speeds to work with. Either way, you’ll want some<\/i> slower options because the movement of the bride in her dress and the groom turning around can look even more stunning in slow-mo.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s walking in a wedding film or strolling down a Sicilian side street for a travel show, the movement of walking (especially when filmed on a stabilizer like a gimbal<\/span><\/a>) looks exceptional in slow motion. You\u2019ll have to use your judgement on when it works best \u2013 I like to shoot 120 fps if I\u2019m filming creative travel videos to have the options for speed ramps in post, or extremely dramatic scenes that show the beauty of a culture (e.g., slowing down the chaos of a busy marketplace in Vietnam). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safaris<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nothing screams \u201cNational Geographic quality\u201d like an antelope leaping or a cheetah sprinting in slow motion. Whenever I\u2019m filming on safari<\/span><\/a>, I typically keep my frame rate at 60 fps at least so I have the opportunity to slow it down in post. (When conducting interviews or audio on safari, though, I stick to 24 fps).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n