How to capture Slow Motion Video on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in January 2025, is a powerhouse for videography, offering robust slow-motion capabilities through its advanced camera system and AI-driven features like Instant Slow-Mo. While it does not support Super Slow-Mo (960fps) as seen in older models like the Galaxy S23 Ultra, it excels with 1080p at 240fps for high-resolution slow motion and 4K at 120fps for cinematic slow motion across all lenses, enhanced by Galaxy Log and Pro Video Mode.

The Instant Slow-Mo feature, powered by Galaxy AI on One UI 7, allows you to convert any video (up to 4K at 60fps) into a slow-motion masterpiece post-recording, making it ideal for capturing dynamic actions like a golf swing without needing precise timing.

This detailed guide walks you through capturing and editing slow-motion videos on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It covers preparation, recording methods (native slow-motion and Instant Slow-Mo), editing, and sharing, with tips to optimize footage for professional results.

Prerequisites

Before recording slow-motion videos, ensure the following:

• Device: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra running One UI 7 (Android 15). Update to the latest firmware via Settings > Software Update for optimal camera performance.

• Storage: Slow-motion videos, especially at 1080p@240fps or 4K@120fps, consume significant space (e.g., ~300MB/min for 1080p@240fps). Ensure at least 5GB free storage (Settings > Device Care > Storage). Use a microSD card (up to 1TB) for extra space.

• Battery: High-frame-rate recording is power-intensive. Charge to at least 50% or use a power bank, as the 5000mAh battery drains faster during extended shoots.

• Lighting: Slow-motion modes require bright conditions to avoid noise, especially at 240fps. Use natural sunlight, LED lighting, or avoid flickering fluorescent lights to prevent streaks.

• Stabilization Tools: The S25 Ultra has OIS (main, telephoto) and AI-enhanced EIS (Super Steady mode), but a tripod (e.g., Manfrotto Pixi) or gimbal (e.g., DJI Osmo Mobile 6) ensures smoother footage.

• Accessories: Optional external microphone (e.g., Rode VideoMicro) for better audio, as slow-motion playback can amplify background noise.

Method 1: Recording Native Slow-Motion Video

The S25 Ultra supports 1080p at 240fps (8x slower at 30fps) and 4K at 120fps (4x slower at 30fps) across all lenses (200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 10MP 3x telephoto, 50MP 5x telephoto), ideal for high-resolution and cinematic slow motion, respectively.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Camera App:

   • Launch the Camera app from the home screen or app drawer.

   • Ensure you’re in Video mode or swipe to select it.

2. Select Slow-Motion Mode:

   • Tap More at the bottom of the camera interface.

   • Choose Slow Motion from the list. This activates 1080p@240fps recording.

   • Alternatively, for cinematic slow motion, stay in Video mode and adjust frame rate (see Step 3).

3. Adjust Frame Rate and Resolution:

   • For 1080p@240fps:

     • In Slow Motion mode, the camera defaults to 1080p@240fps. Confirm via Resolution (tap the resolution icon, e.g., “FHD 240”).

     • This mode is ideal for high-resolution slow motion, turning a 1-second action into 8 seconds at 30fps.

   • For 4K@120fps:

     • In Video mode, tap the resolution icon (e.g., “UHD 60”) and select UHD 120 (4K at 120fps).

     • This mode offers cinematic slow motion, turning a 1-second action into 4 seconds at 30fps, with Dolby Vision HDR support.

   • Lens Selection: Tap the lens icons (e.g., 0.5x for ultrawide, 1x for main, 3x or 5x for telephoto) to choose the desired perspective. All lenses support 1080p@240fps and 4K@120fps.

4. Enable Stabilization:

   • Tap the Quick Controls (four dots) and select Super Steady (hand icon) to activate AI-enhanced EIS for smoother footage, especially for handheld recording.

   • OIS is automatically enabled on main and telephoto lenses.

5. Use Pro Video Mode (Optional):

   • For advanced control, tap More > Pro Video.

   • Adjust:

     • Shutter Speed: Set to 1/500s or higher for 240fps to reduce motion blur (e.g., 1/1000s for fast actions like a golf swing).

     • ISO: Use 100-200 in bright daylight; increase to 400-800 in low light.

     • Focus: Tap the screen to set manual focus on the subject (e.g., golf ball).

     • White Balance: Set to 5500K for daylight or adjust for indoor lighting.

   • Enable Galaxy Log for softer colors and greater post-production flexibility (ideal for DaVinci Resolve).

6. Set Up the Shot:

   • Position: Frame the subject (e.g., golfer) with ample space for motion. Use a tripod or gimbal for stability.

   • Lighting: Ensure bright, even lighting (e.g., sunlight or LED). Avoid flickering lights to prevent video streaks.

   • Focus: Tap the subject on-screen for auto-focus or use manual focus in Pro Video Mode for precision.

7. Record the Video:

   • Press the red Record button to start capturing.

   • For fast actions, start recording 1-2 seconds before the motion (e.g., golf swing) to capture the full sequence, as there’s no motion detection for auto-triggering.

   • Record for 5-10 seconds to ensure sufficient footage. Stop by pressing the Record button again.

   • Note: 240fps clips are limited to short bursts due to processing demands, but 120fps in 4K allows longer recordings.

8. Review and Save:

   • Tap the Gallery thumbnail (bottom-left corner) to preview the video.

   • Slow-motion videos are automatically saved in the Gallery app under the Videos album, tagged as “Slow Motion”.

Method 2: Using Instant Slow-Mo for Post-Recording Slow Motion

The Instant Slow-Mo feature, exclusive to the S25 Ultra and other newer Galaxy devices, uses Galaxy AI to add slow-motion effects to any video (720p to 4K, up to 60fps) by generating additional frames. This is perfect for candid moments or when you forget to use Slow Motion mode, offering flexibility without requiring high-frame-rate capture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Record or Select a Video:

   • Record a new video in Video mode (1080p or 4K, up to 60fps) using the Camera app. Ensure dynamic action (e.g., a golf swing) for compelling slow-motion effects.

   • Alternatively, choose an existing video from the Gallery app. Note: Videos must be in H.264 codec, 720p to 4K, and non-HDR10+ format. Convert incompatible videos (e.g., 8K) using a tool like HandBrake.

2. Open the Video in Gallery:

   • Launch the Gallery app from the home screen.

   • Navigate to the Videos album and select the video you want to edit.

3. Apply Instant Slow-Mo:

   • Play the video and pause at the moment you want to slow down (e.g., the golf club’s impact).

   • Preview Slow-Mo: Tap and hold anywhere on the screen. Galaxy AI generates frames to create a smooth slow-motion effect, denoted by a soft flash.

   • Adjust Speed: Tap the Edit button (pencil icon) at the bottom, then select Adjust Speed.

     • For 60fps videos, choose speeds from 1/8x to 1/2x (e.g., 1/8x makes 1s appear as 8s).

     • For 30fps videos, choose 1/4x or 1/2x.

   • Set Slow-Motion Range: Drag the sliders on the timeline to select the start and end points of the slow-motion effect (e.g., 0.5s around the golf swing impact).

   • Preview: Tap the Play button to review the effect. Adjust sliders or speed as needed.

4. Save the Edited Video:

   • Tap Save (top-right) and choose:

     • Save: Overwrites the original video with the slow-motion effect.

     • Save as Copy: Creates a new slow-motion video, preserving the original.

   • The saved video appears in the Videos album, tagged with “Slow Motion” if edited.

5. Limitations:

   • Compatibility: Works best with videos recorded on the S25 Ultra. Some third-party videos may not support Instant Slow-Mo due to file type or codec issues.

   • Quality: AI-generated frames may introduce minor artifacts in complex scenes (e.g., fast-moving crowds), but results are generally smooth.

   • Processing: Requires Snapdragon 8 Elite’s power, ensuring quick rendering.

Editing Slow-Motion Videos

Enhance your slow-motion videos using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s built-in tools or third-party apps for professional results.

Using Samsung Gallery Editor

1. Open the Video:

   • In the Gallery app, select the slow-motion video (native or Instant Slow-Mo).

2. Edit the Video:

   • Tap the Edit button (pencil icon). Available tools include:

     • Trim: Drag white sliders to shorten the video, focusing on the slow-motion segment.

     • Adjust Speed: Fine-tune slow-motion speed or add additional slow-motion sections.

     • Filters: Apply filters (e.g., Vivid, Cinematic) to enhance mood.

     • Decorations: Add text, stickers, or draw for captions (e.g., “Perfect Swing”).

     • Color Adjustments: Use Galaxy Log footage to adjust brightness, contrast, or saturation for cinematic grading.

   • For Galaxy Log videos, export to Samsung Video Editor for advanced grading (e.g., LUTs).

3. Save and Export:

   • Tap Save or Save as Copy to preserve edits.

   • Export resolution remains 1080p for 240fps or 4K for 120fps, maintaining quality.

Using Third-Party Apps

For advanced editing, import videos to:

• CapCut: Add speed ramps, transitions, or music. Supports 1080p@240fps and 4K@120fps.

• DaVinci Resolve (desktop): Use Galaxy Log for professional color grading, ideal for cinematic slow motion.

• Adobe Premiere Rush: Apply slow-motion effects, stabilize footage, or add motion graphics.

Sharing Slow-Motion Videos

Share your slow-motion masterpiece directly from the Galaxy S25 Ultra:

1. Open the Video:

   • In the Gallery app, select the edited slow-motion video.

2. Share:

   • Tap the Share icon (bottom of the screen).

   • Choose a method:

     • Quick Share: Send to nearby Galaxy devices or via Wi-Fi.

     • Social Media: Upload to Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok (ensure platform supports slow-motion playback).

     • Messaging: Share via WhatsApp, Telegram, or Gmail.

     • Google Drive: Upload for cloud storage or collaboration.

   • Convert to GIF: In Gallery, tap More > Create GIF for smaller files ideal for social media with file size restrictions.

3. Tips:

   • Add captions or hashtags (e.g., #SlowMotion, #GalaxyS25Ultra) to increase visibility on social media.

   • Ensure videos are in MP4 format (H.264 codec) for compatibility across platforms.

Tips for Optimal Slow-Motion Videos

• Lighting: Record in bright sunlight or under LED lights to minimize noise, especially at 240fps. Avoid fluorescent lights to prevent flickering.

• Stabilization: Use Super Steady mode or a gimbal for handheld shots. For static shots, a tripod ensures rock-solid footage.

• Timing: Since the S25 Ultra lacks motion detection, practice timing by starting the recording 1-2 seconds before the action (e.g., golf swing).

• Lens Choice: Use the 5x telephoto for distant sports shots, ultrawide for expansive scenes, or main lens for low-light clarity.

• Pro Mode: In Pro Video Mode, set a high shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000s) and low ISO (100-200) in daylight for crisp footage.

• Experiment with Scenes: Capture varied subjects like water splashes, sports, or pets to find compelling slow-motion effects.

• Storage Management: Regularly transfer videos to a microSD card or cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive) to free up space.

• Audio: Slow-motion playback slows audio, often resulting in distortion. Mute audio in Gallery or add background music in CapCut.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Grainy Footage:

  • Cause: Insufficient lighting at 240fps.

  • Solution: Record in brighter conditions or use LED lighting. Increase ISO in Pro Video Mode cautiously.

• Instant Slow-Mo Not Working:

  • Cause: Incompatible video format (e.g., 8K, HDR10+).

  • Solution: Convert to 720p/1080p/4K MP4 (H.264) using HandBrake. Disable HDR in Camera > Settings > Advanced Video Options.

• Choppy Playback:

  • Cause: Low storage or processing overload.

  • Solution: Free up at least 5GB storage and close background apps. Restart the device if needed.

• Flickering in Video:

  • Cause: Fluorescent or flickering lights.

  • Solution: Record under sunlight or LED lights. Adjust anti-flicker settings in Camera > Settings > Advanced Video Options.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers versatile slow-motion videography through 1080p at 240fps and 4K at 120fps for native recording, and Instant Slow-Mo for AI-enhanced post-production flexibility. While it lacks the 960fps Super Slow-Mo of older models or the motion detection found in some competitors, its robust stabilization (OIS+EIS), Pro Video Mode, and Galaxy Log make it a top choice for creators around the world. For optimal results, experiment with lighting, lenses, and Pro Mode settings tailored to your scene.