Lights causing "flicker" in video at DVinfo.net

Byron Jones · September 1st, 2013, 12:37 PM

I was recently filming a wedding and noticed during editing that footage from the dance floor had what looked like a flicker or strobe effect to it. I did not see this with my eyes or on the lcd of the camera. Please see the link below for shots including this "flicker". It is visible in the first couple shots and pretty bad at 2:58.

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-...blackbird.html

From searching this forum, I believe it was caused by the type of lighting on the dance floor. If I am correct, how can I prevent this in the future when at different venues? I couldn't even tell it was happening. Also, is there a way I can fix this in post? ...or at least make it not so pronounced? Thanks!!!

Bruce Watson · September 1st, 2013, 03:57 PM

Discharge lamps (LED, fluorescent, HMI, etc.) all can seem to flicker in video if you don't sync up with the power frequency. That would be 60Hz in NA, 50Hz in Europe, etc.

All you have to do is keep your shutter speed in a multiple of mains frequency. So if you're in NA, 1/60th is preferred, 1/30th works, etc.

Google around, you'll find you aren't the first person to have this happen, and you can find the theory behind what I've told you.

Paul Mailath · September 2nd, 2013, 10:15 AM

this is not a Hz problem it's caused by LEDs

see my comment in your other post

Pulse Width Modulation is NOT Your Friend by Art Adams

September 1st, 2013, 12:37 PM	#1
Byron Jones Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Luckey, OH Posts: 196	Lights causing "flicker" in video I was recently filming a wedding and noticed during editing that footage from the dance floor had what looked like a flicker or strobe effect to it. I did not see this with my eyes or on the lcd of the camera. Please see the link below for shots including this "flicker". It is visible in the first couple shots and pretty bad at 2:58. http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/wedding-...blackbird.html From searching this forum, I believe it was caused by the type of lighting on the dance floor. If I am correct, how can I prevent this in the future when at different venues? I couldn't even tell it was happening. Also, is there a way I can fix this in post? ...or at least make it not so pronounced? Thanks!!!

September 1st, 2013, 03:57 PM	#2
Bruce Watson Major Player Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Raleigh, NC, USA Posts: 710	Re: Lights causing "flicker" in video Discharge lamps (LED, fluorescent, HMI, etc.) all can seem to flicker in video if you don't sync up with the power frequency. That would be 60Hz in NA, 50Hz in Europe, etc. All you have to do is keep your shutter speed in a multiple of mains frequency. So if you're in NA, 1/60th is preferred, 1/30th works, etc. Google around, you'll find you aren't the first person to have this happen, and you can find the theory behind what I've told you.

September 2nd, 2013, 10:15 AM	#3
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	Re: Lights causing "flicker" in video this is not a Hz problem it's caused by LEDs see my comment in your other post Pulse Width Modulation is NOT Your Friend by Art Adams __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com