Rolling Shutter: Problems and Solutions for Law Enforcement Cameras (Part 1)

Multi-part series on Police body cameras from the perspective of a cinematographer and forensic consultant.

Not all images were created equal.

Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) are in a grim technological state when compared with Action Cameras (ACs) like the GoPro. BWCs marketed to law enforcement cost more and are substandard in image quality to the options available on the AC market.

Combine: shaky input, low bit-rates and wide angle views and you have the perfect storm for low quality video.

TO SCALE: Selection of body worn cameras and action cameras. Diagram by Author.

In reviewing footage; will you be able to read the text on their shirt? Is that a tattoo or a birth mark? Why does that thing look warped?