SHOOTING DIGITALSHOOTING DIGITALiMovie gives you the option to save the current frame as a still image:
Simply choose File > Save Frame As, then select jpeg or
pict as the file format.
However, there is a bug in the jpeg Save Frame As export that affects both NTSC and PAL movies.
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| Original image created in Photoshop. 640x480 pixels. | Original image created in Photoshop. 768x576 pixels | |
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| NTSC iMovie Save Frame As: jpeg | PAL iMovie Save Frame As: jpeg | |
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| NTSC iMovie Save Frame As: pict | PAL iMovie Save Frame As: pict |
For DV Stream video, NTSC uses 720x480 "thin" pixels (640x480 is the square pixel equivalent). PAL uses 720x576 "fat" pixels (768x576 is the square pixel equivalent).
The JPEG Save File As operation saves a 640x480 piece of the rectangular pixel (720x480) NTSC video frame so grabs will look stretched horizontally compared to the original while it saves a 640x480 piece of the rectangular pixel (720x576) PAL video frame so grabs will look stretched vertically compared to the original.
In any event, with EITHER system, use the PICT option to preserve proper image look.
Shooting-Digital.com is the companion site for a new book Shooting Digital: Pro Tips for Taking Great Pictures with Your Digital Camera written by Mikkel Aaland. I was the Technical Editor of the book. Shooting-Digital.com is also an educational site devoted to all aspects of digital imaging. Topics include shooting, acquiring, using and sharing digital images. Check it out!
Copyright 2003 by Frederick L. Shippey, Electronic Imaging Consulting