Eli5: understanding why we see propellers on film slow

Question

Eli5: spinning propellers and film have always been interesting to me. I’ve been told it’s because the film rate matches. I took that at face value without realizing I have no idea what that explanation means. Can someone explain it like I’m 5?

In: Technology

Answer 1

A video camera is basically just a regular camera taking still pictures really fast. The propeller is spinning such that each time the camera takes a picture, the blades are in the same place, or just slightly off each time so you get that slow motion “walking” effect.