The refresh rate is the number of images viewed per second. Like a movie, video is rapid progression of one still image after another. The human eye normally can’t see the difference between 30/sec and higher video rates, however, if you are following a fast moving object, or panning rapidly, you might see a little difference as a slight flicker. I bought the 30hz version because the price difference in the Opmod version was hundreds of dollars less. I really don’t see any significant difference. Bottom line, if you want to never see flicker, buy 60. If you want to pay less, buy 30. You won’t regret either choice as both are great thermal scopes.