Question about 24 fps Cadence

[John Froton]

I realize that 24 fps has an inherint stutter that reveals itself with camera movements and pans that are done quickly. I see the same stutter on the big screen in theaters during some pans and have noticed the same on some panning on TV as well.

My question is about the general cadence in shows on TV shot with 35mm film, like CSI, NCIS etc. Is the cadence, or temporal resolution, of these shows set at 24 fps and is the same inherint stutter in these shows that is in the HVX shooting 720 24pn? I realize that camera movement must be slow and consistant to avoid stutter but it seems that these shows shot on 35mm film look so smooth with quick action and relatively quick camera movements taking place.

I also realize that shutter angle and degree play a part in motion blur and that more blur reduces stutter to a degree. However, I guess my bottom line question is, is it strictly a matter of moving and panning the camera as the 35mm film guys do? Or is there more to it than that in order to get the same look as 35mm (aside from lighting and shallow depth of field)?

 

[Barry_Green]

Yes the cadence is identical. The key is in camera movement. Move the camera like they do in "24" or "CSI" and you'll get the same motion rendition they get. The stutter happens in movements that are too fast to be smooth, but too slow to be clean. There's a "dead zone" of camera movement speed where the stutter shows; experienced film operators know how to avoid that dead zone by either going slow enough, or fast enough, to stay out of the dead zone.

There is a little bit more to it in the aspect of shallow depth of field though; if you can more clearly discern the background, it's easier to see strobing in the background. So a 35mm camera with a blurry background may move a little "smoother" than a 1/3" video camera with a crisp background.

 

[John Froton]

Barry,

Thank you for the confirmation. It is truly an enlightening experience to try and learn to shoot video like film. It is very involved and also very rewarding. The skill set required to get satisfactory results definitely raises the quality of the final product in the end.