Isolating a lightning still frame

[JTE48]

I was reviewing some lightning footage and saw a number of bolts going different directions in a split second during normal playback. When I tried to find the individual bolts (to get a still frame) by toggling through a frame at a time I didn't see all the bolts - I only see all of them on normal playback speed. Why is this? Is this a top field first field order thing or something related to HDV? Thanks!

[mattmatt]

Yes, you are exactly right - if you are viewing your clip in your player monitor, it will by default only be showing you one field set at a time when scrubbing. You need to go to App settings, Playback, and tick "show correct frame when scrubbing".

See if that works :)

[JTE48]

humm, that didn't work. I'll keep messing with some settings.

[Rusty]

Well not exactly mattmatt...

The bolts only appear on a single field, and unless you pause on the correct one you only have a 50-50 chance of seeing it. (or not) This also applies to camera flashes.

To properly find the bolt, pick View>Pause Field>Frame.

Getting a decent still will be another challenge!
You will also see both fields in a Progressive Project.

[JTE48]

It worked! Thanks a bunch guys!

[mattmatt]

Thanks Rusty :)