ML Settings for flicker-free fluorescents, VFD's, and CRT's at DVinfo.net

Panagiotis Raris · February 4th, 2013, 07:48 PM

I have been experimenting trying to get rid of fluorescent flicker/banding as well as flicker in VFD's (vacuum fluorescent displays such as VCR displays), and CRT screens. Basically how to shoot to eliminate these effects BEFORE post, for an upcoming field guide for T2i/T3i/60D (550D/650D/60D) and Magic Lantern unified release, which allows fine tuning of shutter speeds and angles.

I have been working on an e-book (which will be free) that deals with technical difficulties shooting with DSLR's and how to shoot properly, such as banding/flickering as well as other CMOS issues, HDR filming and a brief synopsis on editing HDR from a DSLR. If there is any interest i will post the settings i have used, as well as test footage, for NTSC and PAL formats here, and a link to the e-book when it comes out.

I spent a good month torturing myself, shooting under only consumer fluorescent lights, filming two VFD's and a CRT television until i got it JUST right at two framerates for PAL and NTSC. Though there are workarounds to fluorescents (like using HMI, LED, or tungsten lights), CRT and VFD screens are still an issue, and not everyone has a stack of cash to burn on lighting.

Ben Lynn · February 22nd, 2013, 11:04 PM

I found this post a little late but I would definitely be interested in what you found to minimize the banding from fluorescent lighting. One of the places that I shoot at on a regular basis uses fluorescent lighting and every time I try to crank up the shutter the banding occurs. I would love to be able to reach a shutter speed over 160 without the banding and changing the lighting is not an option.

Thanks!

February 4th, 2013, 07:48 PM	#1
Panagiotis Raris Major Player Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Reading, PA USA and Athens, Greece Posts: 269	ML Settings for flicker-free fluorescents, VFD's, and CRT's I have been experimenting trying to get rid of fluorescent flicker/banding as well as flicker in VFD's (vacuum fluorescent displays such as VCR displays), and CRT screens. Basically how to shoot to eliminate these effects BEFORE post, for an upcoming field guide for T2i/T3i/60D (550D/650D/60D) and Magic Lantern unified release, which allows fine tuning of shutter speeds and angles. I have been working on an e-book (which will be free) that deals with technical difficulties shooting with DSLR's and how to shoot properly, such as banding/flickering as well as other CMOS issues, HDR filming and a brief synopsis on editing HDR from a DSLR. If there is any interest i will post the settings i have used, as well as test footage, for NTSC and PAL formats here, and a link to the e-book when it comes out. I spent a good month torturing myself, shooting under only consumer fluorescent lights, filming two VFD's and a CRT television until i got it JUST right at two framerates for PAL and NTSC. Though there are workarounds to fluorescents (like using HMI, LED, or tungsten lights), CRT and VFD screens are still an issue, and not everyone has a stack of cash to burn on lighting.

February 22nd, 2013, 11:04 PM	#2
Ben Lynn Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bloomington, IL Posts: 636	Re: ML Settings for flicker-free fluorescents, VFD's, and CRT's I found this post a little late but I would definitely be interested in what you found to minimize the banding from fluorescent lighting. One of the places that I shoot at on a regular basis uses fluorescent lighting and every time I try to crank up the shutter the banding occurs. I would love to be able to reach a shutter speed over 160 without the banding and changing the lighting is not an option. Thanks!