If you are a video editor, you might have heard about the term “refresh rate” or “Hz” before. This refers to the number of times your display refreshes per second. The standard refresh rate is 60Hz, but there are monitors available in the market that offer much higher refresh rates, such as 120Hz or even 144Hz.
The question is – do you need a higher refresh rate for video editing? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. It depends on your personal preferences and the type of video editing work you do.
What is Refresh Rate?
Before we dive into whether you need 120Hz for video editing, let’s understand what refresh rate means. Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz) and it denotes how many times per second your monitor updates its display image. A 60Hz monitor will update its image 60 times per second while a 120Hz monitor will update its image 120 times per second.
What are the Benefits of Higher Refresh Rates?
A high refresh rate can provide several benefits while video editing, such as:
- Smoother Motion: Higher refresh rates make motion appear smoother and more fluid, which can be beneficial when working with videos that have fast movement.
- Reduced Eye Strain: A higher refresh rate can reduce eye strain and fatigue when working for long hours.
- Better Responsiveness: Higher refresh rates can also make your mouse movements feel more responsive and accurate.
Do You Need 120Hz for Video Editing?
Now that we know what refresh rates are and their benefits let’s discuss whether you should go for a 120Hz monitor specifically.
If you work with videos that have a lot of fast motion, such as action scenes or sports videos, a higher refresh rate can be beneficial. The smoother motion will make it easier to edit and ensure that you’re not missing any details in the footage.
However, if you work with slower-paced videos or mainly focus on color correction and grading, then a higher refresh rate might not be necessary. In this case, you might want to invest in a monitor with better color accuracy or resolution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you need 120Hz for video editing depends on your personal preferences and the type of video editing work you do. While there are benefits to having a higher refresh rate, it’s not always necessary. Consider your workflow and priorities before investing in a monitor with a higher refresh rate.
