August 12th, 2024

A Guide to CRT Photography

CRT photography involves capturing images from CRT displays, focusing on flicker, moire, and color accuracy. Key techniques include shooting in RAW, matching shutter speed to refresh rate, and using a tripod.

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A Guide to CRT Photography

CRT photography involves capturing images from CRT displays, which can be challenging due to factors like flicker, moire, and color accuracy. The guide emphasizes two primary methods for photographing CRTs: using a smartphone or a dedicated camera. For optimal results, it is recommended to shoot in RAW format, as this allows for better detail and color accuracy during post-processing. The guide suggests using apps like Open Camera for Android, which provide control over shutter speed and exposure. Proper camera settings are crucial, including matching the shutter speed to the CRT's refresh rate to avoid flickering artifacts. A tripod is advised to minimize shake and maintain consistent positioning. The guide also discusses the importance of managing moire patterns that can occur when the camera's sensor grid interacts with the CRT's phosphor grid. Techniques such as adjusting the camera's position and using different apertures can help mitigate these issues. Overall, the guide provides a comprehensive overview of the technical considerations and practical steps necessary for successful CRT photography.

- CRT photography requires careful attention to flicker, moire, and color accuracy.

- Shooting in RAW format is recommended for better detail and post-processing flexibility.

- Matching the camera shutter speed to the CRT's refresh rate helps avoid flickering artifacts.

- Using a tripod is essential for stability and consistent framing.

- Managing moire patterns is crucial for achieving clear and accurate images.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @praash - 5 months
Don't check for Moiré patterns until you're looking at an image file at 1:1 pixel size. Moiré patterns can appear on top of a perfect photo whenever the image is naively downscaled without gamma correction. This also happens within the camera display - any Moiré visible while shooting does not necessarily need to be corrected.

There's nothing wrong with choosing to blur out the grill pattern - the photos probably represent the original display signal more accurately.

By @hcarvalhoalves - 5 months
If you use a camera with shake reduction system like a Pentax DSLR, it has a function to shake the sensor slightly to avoid Moiré.
By @actionfromafar - 5 months
A more tedious, but bullet proof way to avoid moiré is to take an image of the moniter using a camera with photographic film.