lightning pic question

[jshields]

i was going through my video of my chase today, and i always like to pause and play in slow motion the lightning strikes that i catch on tape. i had a really good one today and when i pause it at one of the "frames", i have a really good shot of a bolt hitting the ground what looks like within a very close distance to me. i'm thinking it has to be something with the video/still pic bc i don't remember thinking this bolt was that close, plus i don't remember any loud boom, etc. what do you guys think?!!

 

[Jim Saueressig]

Certain camera shutters do that duplicate, I forgot which ones but I think its a certain rolling shutter??

 

[Paul Knightley]

It looks to me like a classic case of internal reflection, whereby the camera picks up an artefact within the optics. Video cameras can also produce artefacts by the 'interlacing' which make up the imagery. Several video grabs over the years which have been alleged to show stepped leaders are in fact artefacts.

 

[Daniel van Os]

I think this explains it all: Videoghost

Applied to your image: I think you have two strokes in your image. The first one is in the right position (the upper one) and the second is a ghost that should have been in the next frame. This ghost has been displaced down. Notice the small break in the stroke where it crosses the grass/tree line and how that break matches the top of the tree straight above it.

Daniel

 

[jshields]

thanks for all the info guys, i figured it had something to do with the camera!

 

[Jason Foster]

I think this is how a lot of people think they have a lot closer lightning strike then they actually do. I've seen this happen in a lot of video...so no surprise. I have had the same issue a few times, just assumed it was the shutter of the video camera. I always wondered if this would be better or worse when choosing between CMOS and 3CCD v.cameras. I think the general consensus there is 3CCD is better in specific regards to recording lightning.

 

[Greg Campbell]

Yea, ghosting, reflection, or a video artifact.
If nothing else, the ground near the strike site would be nicely lit up.
Also, most people tend to notice a strike ~30 feet away.