Technology in Videography: Slow-Motion Cameras

In last week's edition of my blog I discussed a full length broadcast of a high school football game. I was going to discuss about video shot during some of my internship games the past few weekends. Problems arose trying to get the video from GridIron Game of the Week so that post will be pushed off until next week. This week slow-motion technology will be discussed.

First off what is slow motion? According to Wikipedia slow motion is "an effect in film-making whereby time appears to be slowed down." These high-tech cameras "can shoot 2,500 frames per second, and cost around 125,000 dollars." Cameras like these help add dramatic effects to a scene in a movie, show a replay in a sporting event, and much more.

Slow motion video records like any other video camera, but has the advanced technology of slowing down the picture frame by frame. When using these kind of cameras mounting on a tripod is essential for a steady shot. Shaky camera movements can distort the slow motion and cause the viewer to lose focus from the shot. "One downside to shooting in slow motion is having more footage than desired." There could be a cup falling over in five seconds and be as long as a minute after slowing the video down.

Next week portions of the video shot during Friday night football games will be shown.  There will be explanations of certain shots angles,correct shots, and what not to do during a game.

This post was updated December 3, 2012 at 10:30am.