60 frames-per-second is the ideal FPS rate for performing a quality swing evaluation.
No, you don’t need a special camcorder that records at 60 frames-per-second. Even though most camcorders operate at only 30 frames-per-second, there are computer swing analysis programs, like Golf Swing Analysis System Professional, that can double the rate to 60 FPS.
If 60 FPS is good, more than that might be overkill. Let’s be honest. Are the flaws in your swing that subtle or hard to see that you need to view it with a high speed camera? I don’t think so.
A few, new dual-purpose cameras, like the Casio Exilim EX-FC100, come with a High Speed Movie mode, which capture video at a high frame rate. There are some compromises with the 210 FPS video, (See Exilim EX-FC100 Review.) but you will be able to see the swing in super slow motion. Although, that’s not really unique. Most computer swing analysis programs do that. Golf Swing Analysis System Professional can play the swing at 20 different slow motion speeds. With the Casio FC100, it’s difficult getting the video to play at other than super slow. The camera controls take some getting used to. You can’t view the swing at its “real” speed.
Watching an FC100 video replay will make you think “smooth” motion rather than “slow” motion. I’ve recorded a number of very fast, jerky swings with the camera. (Other swings, not mine.) Funny. When played back in sloooow motion, all the golfers tend to look like Ernie Els. (Well, not everyone.) So, if you want to quickly smooth-out your swing, just watch it in the camera’s viewfinder.
However, if you’re serious about improving your swing, use a miniDV format camcorder and a computer analysis program like Golf Swing Analyis System Professional or All Sports Analysis Program. They’ll take the standard 30 frame-per-second video rate a normal camcorder produces and up-convert it to 60 FPS. (PAL/SECAM to 50 FPS) And, unlike Casio’s video, the images will be blur-free even when the club is moving fast. (See the Video Frame Samples post comparing the FC100 to miniDV.)
By the way, the Exilim EX FC100 has other even higher speed movie modes, 420 and 1000 FPS. The quality of those make them totally useless.