[David Wheeler]

Hi Morten,

I am using final cut pro 7 but have also used premiere. I first convert for Premiere using Clipwrap 2 but the issue is also visible on the LCD screen when playing back the recording. Have been in correspondence with Canon for 6 months but so far they have not found a solution. My theory is it is a problem with the design of the internal recording system and have asked them to check with an external recorder. So far, they have not managed to do this.

Thanks for trying to help.

David

[David Wheeler]

Hi Gary, I don’t think I can use a 24p frame rate because in the UK the system frequency is 50 HZ. In this mode it only gives me the option of 50i or PF25. Your advice however sound good since I suspect it is in the area of hertz. (EG: TV Running at higher hertz removes the problem.) 59.94 Hz would indeed open up the options you suggested but is considered to be designed for the old NTSC rather than PAL part of the world. Am wondering though if this matters so much in the world of HD and software that can deal with it.

Will try it in 59.94 on different frame rates though. What do you mean by “pulldown?”
Still confused by the fact that the issue is not visible when recording but can be seen in the viewfinder on playback which suggests that all is ok with the settings but not the playback system.

Once I get past this busy week I will upload a clip that reveals the issue and do the tests you suggest. Thanks for your help with this.

[David Wheeler]

Hi Al, Thanks for your message. The flicker happens under all lighting conditions. It is however particularly noticable in contrast situations and an a persons face when lit or in a high contrast shot. It happens in progressive mode regardless of the camera settings. (I have tried them all.) Various technicians at Canon have been looking at it and said that on some computer screens it cannot be seen but on others it can. In most shots, not all, the problem is removed when shown on a LCD TV. Also, conversion to H264 for web viewing reduces the effect. It can be seen on the camera during playback but not while recording which leads me to think that it is something to do with the AVCHD recording system. Canon are not very good at working things out so I have suggested they do the obvious thing and use an external recorder to bypass the internal recording system. Your message has reminded me that I need to chase them up to find out how their “investigation” is going. I have experienced the problem you mentioned. If you have the flicker control on you will often get quite a severe strobing effect. This will also happen in daylight.