How to take movie screenshots with an SLR

[Anim]

Hey all

Whats the best way to take Movie screen shots using an SLR camera, any tips?

ISO Shutter speed etc

I want to do a test between a WM9 720p version of Fifth Element to the standard DVD and see if I can post em up here for you guys to see.

Ta
Anim

[Klippie]

This picture was taken with a EOS350D DSLR.

The EXIF data reads...

File size 150458 bytes
File date 09-Dec-2006 02:37:11
Camera make Canon
Camera model Canon EOS 350D DIGITAL
Date/Time 2006:12:08 00:00:52
Resolution 800 x 534
Flash No
Focal length 31.0mm (31/1)
35mm equivalent 0mm
CCD width 22.20mm
Exposure time 0.077 s (1/13)
Aperture f/3.5
ISO equivalent 800
Exposure bias 0.00 (0/2)
Exposure program (auto)
Jpeg process Baseline

Its basically in point and shoot mode for ease of use, I tried it in shutter priority and manual mode but there was too much to take into account because of the variable light levels on the screen.

[Anim]

Cool thanks for that. I will have a go with mine later (Nikon D50).

[Gary Lightfoot]

I think the key points are a fast(ish) shutter speed with a high ISO number (equivalent of a faster film speed) and a large aperture (allows more light in).

And not having the flash on

Gary

[nwgarratt]

Originally Posted by Gary Lightfoot

I think the key points are a fast(ish) shutter speed with a high ISO number (equivalent of a faster film speed) and a large aperture (allows more light in).

And not having the flash on

Gary

I find a slower shutter speed is needed as a faster one comes out too dark (even at F2.8). I do it manually at either F2.8 or F5.6 (depends on how bright the scene is) and a slower speed of around 1.3 seconds.

[Gary Lightfoot]

Originally Posted by nwgarratt

I find a slower shutter speed is needed as a faster one comes out too dark (even at F2.8). I do it manually at either F2.8 or F5.6 (depends on how bright the scene is) and a slower speed of around 1.3 seconds.

Good point - though that would be for a paused image. If you want to take a pic with a moving image a faster shutter speed etc would be needed to prevent blurring.

Gary

[nwgarratt]

Originally Posted by Gary Lightfoot

Good point - though that would be for a paused image. If you want to take a pic with a moving image a faster shutter speed etc would be needed to prevent blurring.

Gary

I only take paused images. I also have to put the camera in front of the projector (it is on a stand) as I don't have a tripod. It means I get a lot of unwanted space so, I have to crop it.

[Gary Lightfoot]

I'll have to have a look at what my digital does. It's not an expensive one but I've taken a couple of shots with it in auto mode and I can't remember if I paused the images or not. I've a feeling I didn't but will have to check since my memory isn't that good with things like this.

Gary

[Timbo21]

Originally Posted by Gary Lightfoot

And not having the flash on

[JaniH]

Here's some good tips: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...49#post8326549

[anibap]

I always use the Night shot mode without flash by puasing the image or freezing the image.

For dark scenes i use a 2 sec speed manually.

DSLRS have better options. found it when my friend took some pictures during our HD experiment.

[Anim]

So in summary:

Lowest ISO your camera will go to and use aperature priority, let the camera handle shutter speed, don't use any zoom, 50mm lens if possible. I have an 18-70mm.

At this slow shutter speed its best to use a timer or remote trigger to avoid hand shake.

Edit: And no flash

Anim

[gandley]

i always stick the camera in night mode, too high an ISO will introduce unwanted noise to the image, thou not so bad with a quality SLR.
Some zoom is fine, as long as the camera does not engage the digital zoom, which can then add all kinds of nasties.

Im lazy so i just choose nightmode and the rest is in 'AUTO' mode. (flash off)

[Gary Lightfoot]

Good point about image noise with higher film speed. Does that happen even with digitals?

Gary

[Penfold73]

Yes, digitals are quite prone to image noise in low light conditions.