Shooting a computer screen

[cdeemer]

What's the secret to shooting something on a computer screen so it looks on video the way it does on the computer?

[Wheat King]

Do you mean how do video capture your screen? You could try Snag it. It's a great program.
http://www.techsmith.com/download/trials.asp

[Chuck Engels]

Or if you are trying to film it on a camcorder then you need to be able to control the frame rate or shutter speed.
The computer monitor refresh rate will cause flicker unless you can match the refresh rate with the frame rate or shutter speed.

This will explain it with more detail
http://www.likeastory.com/boards/cgi/no ... 00777.html

[jackfalbey]

Here's how to do it with a PD150/170 and VX2000, but any camcorder with similar controls should be able to do it.
http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd ... hutter.htm

[cdeemer]

Thanks for all the help.

I'm giving muvipix a plug in my video project: the 3rd and final part of the video is a "nuts and bolts" focus, where I share my methodology for working in hyperdrama -- ends up I use 8 different software programs! And in this section is where I'll mention muvipix, that if you get stuck on a tech matter, you ask and you get an answer. I'll put the web address in the credits.

[Chuck Engels]

Wow, thanks Charles

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Hi Charles,

If it is just a still image that you need then the PrEl still image capture will do the trick. If it is a video sequence that you are after then, as Chuck says, if it is a CRT type monitor you may well get the flicker effect.

On my TFT monitor set-up (resolution 1280x1024) I have successfully recorded direct to video camera without any difficulty/flicker. Just placed my camera on a tripod, focused and recorded. The images on the video were perfectly acceptable.

An alternative is to use Camstudio to record make the recording.

http://camstudio.org

[cdeemer]

John, Camstudio looks great, thanks!

[cdeemer]

Just downloaded and cranked up CamStudio ... this is EXACTLY what I need. Much of what I'm doing in the "Nuts & Bolts" section of my project is demonstrating software and this video capture tool does exactly what I need done, and I can even narrate along the way. Perfect. And it's free! What a find, thanks so much again.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

No worries. You're welcome.