Slow Motion Video on Galaxy S7: How-To Guide

This guide shows you how to record slow-motion videos on your Samsung Galaxy S7. You’ll learn how to switch to the slow-motion mode, adjust settings, and capture clips that play back at a reduced speed, making fast action look dramatic and detailed. No additional apps or equipment are needed—everything is built into your phone’s camera.

What You’ll Need

• A Samsung Galaxy S7 (any variant: regular, Edge, or Active)
• Enough free storage space on your phone (slow-motion videos take up more space than normal videos)
• A well-lit environment—slow-motion capture requires more light to avoid grainy footage

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Camera app. Tap the camera icon on your home screen or lock screen, or swipe up from the bottom corner of the screen to launch it.
2. Switch to Slow Motion mode. In the camera viewfinder, look for the mode selector. On the Galaxy S7, you’ll see a row of modes (like Auto, Pro, Panorama) just above the shutter button. Swipe left on this row until you reach Slow motion, then tap it. If you don’t see it, tap More (the three dots) to find it in the list, then select it.
3. Adjust slow-motion settings (optional). Tap the gear icon (settings) in the top-left corner of the screen while in Slow motion mode. You’ll see options like:
   • Recording speed: Choose between 1/4 (slower) and 1/8 (even slower). 1/8 gives a more dramatic effect but requires more light.
   • Resolution: Select the video resolution. Higher resolutions (like 1080p) give better quality but use more storage.

   Set these to your preference and tap the back arrow to return to the viewfinder.

4. Frame your shot. Make sure your subject is well-lit and moving across the frame. Slow motion works best when there’s clear movement—like a splash, a jump, or a pet running.
5. Record the video. Press the red record button to start capturing. Record for a few seconds longer than you think you need—slow-motion clips are often trimmed later, and having extra footage gives you flexibility.
6. Stop recording. Tap the red button again to stop. The video is automatically saved to your Gallery.
7. Review and edit (optional). Open the Gallery app, find your slow-motion video, and tap the play icon. You can also trim the clip to the exact moment you want in slow motion. On the Galaxy S7, you can tap the Edit icon (pencil) and then use the slow-motion slider to adjust which parts of the video are slowed down.

Common Mistakes

• Not using enough light. Slow-motion video needs more light than normal video. If you shoot indoors or in dim conditions, the footage will look dark and grainy.
• Recording too short. Slow-motion clips are often only a few seconds long, but if you stop recording too early, you may miss the action. Always record a few extra seconds before and after the key moment.
• Holding the phone too far away. The S7’s slow-motion mode works best when the subject is relatively close. If you’re too far, the details get lost.
• Forgetting to switch back. After recording, the camera stays in Slow motion mode. If you want a normal video, remember to switch back to Auto mode.

Tips

• Use a tripod or steady surface. Even slight shakes become more noticeable in slow motion. A stable phone will give you much cleaner footage.
• Experiment with different speeds. Try both 1/4 and 1/8 to see which effect you prefer for your subject. Fast-moving objects like water or sports look great at 1/8, while slower movements like a smile might look better at 1/4.
• Lock exposure and focus. Tap and hold on the screen where your subject is to lock focus and exposure. This prevents the camera from constantly adjusting, which can cause flickering in slow motion.
• Use the front camera for selfie slow-mo. The front camera also supports slow motion, though at a lower resolution. It’s fun for capturing reactions or small movements.
• Clean your lens. A smudged lens will make your video look hazy. Wipe it with a soft cloth before recording.

Troubleshooting

• Slow-motion option is missing. If you don’t see Slow motion in the mode list, tap More (three dots) and check if it’s there. If it’s still missing, your camera app may be outdated. Go to the Galaxy Apps store or Google Play Store and update the Samsung Camera app.
• Video plays at normal speed. If your video plays back at normal speed, it might be because you didn’t switch to Slow motion mode before recording. Check the mode indicator at the top of the screen—it should say “Slow motion.” If it doesn’t, re-record.
• Video is too dark. Move to a brighter location or turn on additional lighting. You can also try lowering the resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) which can help in low light, though it won’t be as sharp.
• Video is choppy or stutters. This can happen if your phone’s storage is nearly full. Free up space by deleting old files or moving them to an SD card. Also, close other apps running in the background to free up memory.
• Can’t trim slow-motion sections. The editing feature for slow motion is available in the Gallery app. Open the video, tap the pencil icon, and then use the slider at the bottom to adjust which parts are in slow motion. If the slider doesn’t appear, make sure you’re viewing the video in the Gallery, not directly from the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I record in slow motion on the Galaxy S7?

There’s no strict time limit, but the phone records a continuous video. However, the slow-motion effect is applied to the entire clip by default. You can edit it later to make only certain parts slow. The maximum recording length is limited by available storage.

Does slow-motion video use more battery?

Yes, recording any video uses more battery than taking photos, and slow motion can be more demanding because it processes more frames per second. Keep your phone charged or plug it in if you plan to record for a while.

Can I take photos while recording slow motion?

No, the Galaxy S7 does not allow you to take still photos while recording in slow-motion mode. You’ll need to stop recording to take a photo.

Why is my slow-motion video blurry?

Blurriness can happen if the subject is moving too fast for the frame rate, or if the focus wasn’t locked. Try locking focus by tapping and holding on the screen, and ensure the subject is well-lit.

Can I transfer slow-motion videos to my computer?

Yes, you can connect your phone to a computer via USB and copy the video files, or use Samsung Smart Switch. The videos are stored in the DCIM/Camera folder.

How do I change the slow-motion speed after recording?

In the Gallery app, open the video, tap the pencil icon, and then use the slow-motion slider to adjust which parts are slowed down. You can also choose the speed (1/4 or 1/8) during editing, but only if you recorded in slow-motion mode.

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