8mm film flickers is a major problem encountered when shooting a projected film footage using a digital video camera. This shooting process is meant to copy the film footage in a more accessible format. The said copy makes it possible for the film to have a video version that easily can be transferred to a computer and be converted to various movie file formats for digital archiving and playback purposes. The flicker problem is caused by the frame rate difference between the projected film and the video camera used for shooting.
Instructions
1. Set up a variable-speed 8mm film projector on any table or flat and stable surface. Put it a considerable distance away from the projection wall to get the ideal image projection size. Adjust the projector's frame rate somewhere between 24fps (frames per second) to 30fps. Manually check the projected footage during a test playback to see which setting works best.
Unlike a regular 8mm film projector, using one with a variable-speed option allows you to adjust the frame rate of the playback. Adjusting the frame rate minimizes the flicker seen during the recording. While it is generally not possible to have the flicker entirely removed because of technical reasons, you can significantly decrease the flicker effect to a passable level. If you really need to get rid of the flicker problem completely, you need to bring the 8mm film to a professional studio for film scanning. However, this process is quite expensive.
2. Set up the digital video camera to be used for the recording of the projected image from the projector. Keep it secured and stable on a tripod, then open the camera to adjust the focus and framing. It should be near the film projector. With the projector turned on to show the coverage of the projection screen, make sure the video camera has the right framing for accuracy of the shooting angle and the image composition of the captured footage.
3. Cover all windows in the room with thick clothes or boards before starting the film projection and video recording. Once ready, turn off the room lights to start the test.
4. Conduct the test playback and recording by pressing the "Play" button in your projector and the "Record" function in your video camera. Adjust both of them to achieve best playback and recording settings. Use the variable-speed feature in your projector to adjust the flicker problems seen in your video camera. Your camera also can help minimize the flicker problem by using the "Slow Shutter" digital effect. If your camera has this function, use this according to how the captured footage shown on the camera's LCD screen behaves.
5. Press the "Stop" buttons in both the projector and camera after finalizing your settings. Cue the 8mm film and the camera's tape, disc or memory card to start official playback and recording of your 8mm film footage.
6. Start the projection and recording accordingly. Once done, simply press the "Stop" buttons for both the projector and the camera.
Tags: video camera, frame rate, film footage, film projector, flicker problem, playback recording, your video camera