Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 1923)

Description Media Frame rate
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. Film; high definition
video with NTSC
compatibility; NTSC 23.98 (23.976) fps
The European video standard. Film is sometimes
shot at 25 fps when destined for editing or
distribution on PAL video. PAL; high definition
video 25 fps
This has been the color NTSC video standard since
1953. This number is sometimes inaccurately
referred to as 30 fps. NTSC; high definition
video 29.97 fps
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. High definition video;
early black-and-white
NTSC video 30 fps
This refers to the interlaced field rate (double the
frame rate) of PAL. Some 1080i high definition
cameras can record at this frame rate. PAL; high definition
video 50 fps
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 fps. High definition video
with NTSC compatibility 59.94 fps
High definition equipment can often play and
record at this frame rate, but 59.94 fps is much
more common because of NTSC compatibility. High definition video 60 fps
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.
1923 Appendix C Frame Rate and Timecode