How to take movie screenshots with an SLR

Anim · 21-12-2006, 12:10 PM

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 · 21-12-2006, 7:50 PM

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 · 21-12-2006, 8:59 PM

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

Gary Lightfoot · 21-12-2006, 9:32 PM

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 · 21-12-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

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 · 21-12-2006, 11:31 PM

Quote:

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 · 21-12-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

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 · 21-12-2006, 11:46 PM

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 · 21-12-2006, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary Lightfoot

And not having the flash on

JaniH · 22-12-2006, 5:21 AM

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

anibap · 22-12-2006, 9:58 AM

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 · 22-12-2006, 11:52 AM

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 · 22-12-2006, 3:31 PM

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 · 22-12-2006, 5:36 PM

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

Gary

Penfold73 · 22-12-2006, 6:33 PM

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

**Zone** · 22-12-2006, 7:33 PM

Ok so you are taking pictures of a still image then my settings etc would be

Manual settings as you're using a SLR.
ISO>lowest, always

Aperture> F8'ish as that is usually a lenses sweet spot, especially kit lenses.
Shutter speed, start at 1/60th (viewing throught the viewfinder will warn if the image will be under or over exposed) and view image and histogram and adjust accordingly, its digital so take as many as you want

Sit camera on a tripod/shelf/table to eliminate camera shake.
Use the timer and or remote, if you're really anal then use mirror lockup

Please be aware the resulting image will bare no resemblence to the actual image but they're alway good to see