| Video cameras use detail enhancement to make images look sharper on smaller video monitors. Essentially, detail enhancement is a kind of image processing that tends to add a "spike" in the signal between areas of high luminance transition to make the image appear sharper. This effect often manifests itself as a black line surrounding the object and can be accompanied by a ghostly white halo. This is not so noticeable on an interlaced monitor, but becomes very noticeable on a big screen. Detail enhancement can also add "pixelation" or “video noise” on the final image, especially in the blacks, similar to “graininess” in film terms. Again, pixelation may not be very noticeable on a small interlaced monitor, but can be displeasing when blown up to film or digital projection. Most cameras today allow you to access the "detail levels" in the camera setup menu. It is wise to turn the level down just until you can see the black lines and halos disappear. How much you turn it down is important, because a certain amount of detail enhancement is necessary otherwise images can appear flat. The trick here is to balance detail enhancement between a sharp image and one without video noise or pixelation. Consult our Digital Film Specialists for support on adjusting your specific camera "details"! |
