Flicker problem with LED stage lights

[Jason Severino]

LED’s flicker at I think 60Hz per second, intermingling with your initial frame rate. they do sell flicker-less leds, at 120Hz per second, but this might be out of the question if everything is already set in stone. Its like recording with old VCR Video recorders on CRT monitors would have the scrolling effect, when watched it was slightly faster. I would guess this is similar to the electrical flicker with the LEDs. Can you set the camera to start off at 30 fps, or would the quality be too greatly effected?

[Anne Davis]

Thanks for the quick response. I can shoot a 30fps test with the camcorder. Maybe playback on the camcorder’s LCD while still in the venue to see about flicker at various settings. I’m shooting a stage in a restaurant, lighting is fairly low even with the LED lights on the stage. I’m concerned if 30fps will affect image resolution?

I have numerous interviews already shot at 60fps – possible to use both the 30fps and 60fps on same Final Cut Pro timeline for editing without creating additional problems?

If I can’t get the lights changed out and/or bring in additional lights (assuming shooting at 30fps w. addt’l lights to help resolution), are there any additional FCP options to make this work?

[Jeremy Garchow]

Any chance you can post a few seconds of full resolution footage?

[Chris Brown]

Depending on the manufacturer, I’ve seen many of the cheaper LED fixtures actually output light at 80-82Hz. I’ve had to syncro-scan some cameras to compensate.

[Anne Davis]

Thanks for quick reply. Venue is willing to work with me on the lights, I’ve tried several random settings but will try your fix if they aren’t abot to change out the fixtures.

[Anne Davis]

Thanks for responding. The venue is going to try to change out the fixtures so I can reshoot. I’ll post footage if venue isn’t able to change out lights — I’ll need help for sure!