How to Turn Off Flicker on Canon 80D: Proven Techniques for Flawless Photography

Flickering in your videos can be a real eyesore, especially when shooting with artificial light sources. If you’re a Canon 80D user battling this issue, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to turn off flicker on your Canon 80D, ensuring your videos are smooth and professional.

Understanding Flicker: The Root of the Problem

Flicker occurs when the shutter speed of your camera doesn‘t sync with the frequency of the artificial light source. This mismatch results in the alternating brightness and darkness we see as flickering. The most common culprits are fluorescent lights and LED lights, which operate at a specific frequency.

The Solution: Electronic Shutter Mode

The key to eliminating flicker is using the Electronic Shutter Mode on your Canon 80D. This mode captures the entire image at once, bypassing the mechanical shutter and its inherent limitations. Here’s how to enable it:
1. Access the Menu: Press the **Menu** button on your camera.
2. Navigate to Shooting Settings: Use the navigation buttons to scroll to the **Shooting** menu.
3. Find Electronic Shutter: Look for the **Electronic Shutter** option (it might be labeled differently depending on your camera’s firmware).
4. Enable the Mode: Toggle the Electronic Shutter setting to **ON**.

The Importance of Shutter Speed: A Balancing Act

While the Electronic Shutter mode eliminates flicker, it’s important to choose the right shutter speed to avoid other issues like “jello effect” or motion blur.
Here’s a general guideline:

• 24fps Video: Aim for a shutter speed of 1/48 or 1/50 of a second to achieve smooth, natural motion.
• 30fps Video: A shutter speed of 1/60 of a second is recommended.

Important Note: If you’re shooting at a higher frame rate like 60fps, you can adjust the shutter speed accordingly. For example, at 60fps, you’d aim for a shutter speed of 1/120 of a second.

Understanding the Limitations of Electronic Shutter Mode

While Electronic Shutter Mode is a powerful tool for eliminating flicker, it’s not a perfect solution. It’s crucial to be aware of its limitations:

• Rolling Shutter Effect: Electronic Shutter Mode can sometimes introduce a rolling shutter effect, especially in fast-moving scenes. This effect can make objects appear distorted or warped.
• Limited Shutter Speed: Electronic Shutter Mode often has a maximum shutter speed, which can limit your ability to shoot in bright conditions.
• Noise: Electronic Shutter can introduce more noise in your images, especially in low-light situations.

The Power of Flicker Reduction: A Backup Option

If you’re facing situations where Electronic Shutter Mode doesn’t completely eliminate flicker, or if you’re shooting in a very controlled environment, the Canon 80D offers a Flicker Reduction setting. This feature automatically adjusts the shutter speed to minimize flicker.
1. Access the Menu: Press the **Menu** button on your camera.
2. Navigate to Movie Settings: Use the navigation buttons to scroll to the **Movie** menu.
3. Find Flicker Reduction: Look for the **Flicker Reduction** option.
4. Enable the Setting: Toggle the Flicker Reduction setting to **ON**.

Beyond the Camera: Other Flicker Reduction Tips

While your camera’s settings are essential, there are other techniques you can employ to reduce flicker in your videos:

• Use a Different Light Source: If possible, switch to a light source that doesn’t flicker, such as tungsten lights.
• Change the Angle: Try adjusting the angle of your camera to minimize the impact of flickering lights.
• Use a Neutral Density Filter: A neutral density filter can help reduce the amount of light entering your camera, allowing you to use a slower shutter speed.
• Post-Production Editing: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro can help you reduce flicker in your videos post-production.

Mastering the Art of Flicker-Free Videography

By understanding the causes of flicker and implementing the techniques outlined above, you can achieve smooth, professional-looking videos with your Canon 80D. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings and techniques to find what works best for you.

The End of Flickering: Your Videos Deserve It!

This guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to banish flicker from your Canon 80D videos. With a little effort and experimentation, you can achieve the smooth, professional-looking footage you desire.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the different types of flicker?
A: There are two main types of flicker: 50Hz and 60Hz. These frequencies correspond to the alternating current (AC) power systems used in different parts of the world. 50Hz is common in Europe, Asia, and Africa, while 60Hz is prevalent in North America, South America, and some Asian countries.
Q: Can I use the Electronic Shutter Mode for still photography?
A: While Electronic Shutter Mode is primarily designed for video, some cameras offer it for still photography as well. However, it’s not typically recommended for still photography due to potential noise and rolling shutter issues.
Q: Why is flicker more noticeable in video than in still images?
A: Flicker is more noticeable in video because the camera is capturing multiple frames per second. This means that the flickering light source is captured multiple times, making the flicker more apparent.
Q: Can I use a polarizing filter to reduce flicker?
A: Polarizing filters are not designed to reduce flicker. They are primarily used to reduce glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces.
Q: Is it possible to completely eliminate flicker in all situations?
A: While it’s possible to significantly reduce flicker in most situations, it may not be possible to completely eliminate it in all scenarios. Factors like the type of light source, the distance from the light source, and the camera’s settings can all affect the amount of flicker present.