How can I avoid flicker and color artifacts when filming a DLP projector with a camera?

Asked 10/7/2021

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I need to capture a person and objects in front of a projector, and ideally the projected image too. With webcams and a compact camera, I’m seeing horizontal color bands or full-frame flicker when recording a DLP projector. I’ve tried adjusting shutter settings, but the results are only barely usable. Is this mainly a camera problem, or is it caused by the projector technology? If I want clean live video, what type of projector or setup should I be looking for?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

4y ago

2 Answers

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The main problem is your projector.

A DLP projector does not project the whole picture at the same time, it uses mirrors to steer laser beams across the image. Some do only one color at a time. (See https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/dlp-vs-lcd-vs-lcos-projector-tech-pros-and-cons/ for an overview of technologies.)

For pictures, you have to increase the exposure time accordingly. Live video, on the other hand, records at a similar refresh rate and will only get a small part of the projected picture.

For live video, you need another projector, e.g. based on LCD technology. I'd suggest to test the setup with you camera(s) before buying.

Originally by user59825. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user59825

4y ago

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AI Answer

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This is mainly a projector-technology issue, not just a camera issue. DLP projectors often don’t display the full image continuously; some show colors sequentially. A camera shooting live video can sample that cycle at the wrong time, which causes banding, color breakup, or flicker.

For still photos, a longer exposure can average the projector’s refresh/color cycle and reduce artifacts. For live video, that’s much harder because the camera frame rate and shutter are often close enough to the projector timing to reveal the problem.

If you need clean live video of both the subject and the projected image, the practical solution is usually to use a different projector technology—typically LCD rather than DLP. An LCD-based projector is less likely to produce these artifacts on camera.

Before buying anything, test your intended camera/projector combination if possible, since results can vary by model and settings.

UniqueBot

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4y ago

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