Ok to grab still frames from video, or use digital camera?

Noob here. Just bought a Sony DCR-HC96 DV camcorder that I'm still playing around with.
Wondering how good the photo image quality is if I use the "Save Frame" commend to create jpeg images from imported video. Or, am I better off relying on my digital camera for still images (requiring me to carry/use two gadgets)

There's just one other thought:
A frame grab from an HD (hi-def) camcorder can look really good ..as in the 16:9 "widescreen" rhino, giraffe and zebra shots halfway down this page..
Click on those 16:9 photos to see larger versions.. (..the pics called "No pasaran!", "High, again!", "Camouflage", etc..)
Although the quality is not as good - as Kirk says - as a proper digital camera (..the other pics on that page were taken with an assortment of "proper" digital cameras..) there may be an occasional slight advantage to using an HD camcorder and then taking stills from the video: a camcorder generally has a longer zoom range than most digital stills cameras, so letting you get nice and close to the action.
So stills from a standard-def camcorder: no ..as Kirk says; awful.
Stills from an HD camcorder: can be fairly good..

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https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3231

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Is it possible to grab stills from the iPod videos using iMovie?

I'm not familiar with that software, but I imagine it would be fine (depending on your needs).
For most people, it doesn't really matter which software you use on your computer. They'll all do basically the same thing.
You could also use Google's Picasa 3 software for PC. If you import and playback a video, you have an easy solution to pause, select a frame you like, and click a convenient "Take a Snapshot" button.
If you don't even want to use third party software, you could cheat (again), and just use Alt+PrtSc to copy an active window into your clipboard, then open paint, paste the captured image, use select/crop to remove the window border, and save. It's a quick, cheesy way to make an image file of just about anything. If you want to reuse this video still in another video somewhere, this of course would not be a good solution.
Go with Picasa (which is FREE), or probably your software as well.

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I have managed to extract still frames from videos and put them back into iMovie. I would now like to export some still frames from iMovie and put them into a Word document. I can't seem to figure out how to do this. Any ideas?

set playhead at wanted position of clip ..
ctr-click, choose 'add still frame to Project'
in Project window, click on new clip, ctrl-click, choose 'reveal in Finder'
from Finder, copy .jpg to any other location of harddrive
drag that copy into your document..

Print Out Still Frames From HD Video

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I have made a few still frames from the video for printing. I could not export them to iPhoto or Photoshop Elements 2.
Select the "still frame" sequence and use the "Reveal in Finder" option to take you to the saved "still image" in the named_Project package. If you then double-click the image, it will open in Preview. Using Preview, you can print the image or save it to any of the available image formats in any "visible" location for later access by whatever graphic application you wish to use.

This is how you extract frames from video

right then, in answer to many posts about how to get the individual frames from video, here is my solution. it seems to work with mpg files but it doesnt seem to work with any of the avi files i tried. not sure why it doesnt work with those. i have modified javas frame access.
nothing is displayed except it prints which frame it is doing.
if anyone wants to improve it, please do. i still dont understand fully how it works so i probably wont be able to answer many questions about it. anyway here it is:
* @(#)FrameAccess.java 1.5 01/03/13
* Copyright (c) 1999-2001 Sun Microsystems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
* Sun grants you ("Licensee") a non-exclusive, royalty free, license to use,
* modify and redistribute this software in source and binary code form,
* provided that i) this copyright notice and license appear on all copies of
* the software; and ii) Licensee does not utilize the software in a manner
* which is disparaging to Sun.
* This software is provided "AS IS," without a warranty of any kind. ALL
* EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY
* IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR
* NON-INFRINGEMENT, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. SUN AND ITS LICENSORS SHALL NOT BE
* LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY LICENSEE AS A RESULT OF USING, MODIFYING
* OR DISTRIBUTING THE SOFTWARE OR ITS DERIVATIVES. IN NO EVENT WILL SUN OR ITS
* LICENSORS BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST REVENUE, PROFIT OR DATA, OR FOR DIRECT,
* INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, HOWEVER
* CAUSED AND REGARDLESS OF THE THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF
* OR INABILITY TO USE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF SUN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
* POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
* This software is not designed or intended for use in on-line control of
* aircraft, air traffic, aircraft navigation or aircraft communications; or in
* the design, construction, operation or maintenance of any nuclear
* facility. Licensee represents and warrants that it will not use or
* redistribute the Software for such purposes.
import java.awt.*;
import javax.media.*;
import javax.media.control.TrackControl;
import javax.media.Format;
import javax.media.format.*;
import java.io.*;
import javax.imageio.*;
import javax.imageio.stream.*;
import java.awt.image.*;
import java.util.*;
import javax.media.util.*;
* Sample program to access individual video frames by using a
* "pass-thru" codec. The codec is inserted into the data flow
* path. As data pass through this codec, a callback is invoked
* for each frame of video data.
public class FrameAccess implements ControllerListener {
     Processor p;
     Object waitSync = new Object();
     boolean stateTransitionOK = true;
     public boolean alreadyPrnt = false;
     * Given a media locator, create a processor and use that processor
     * as a player to playback the media.
     * During the processor's Configured state, two "pass-thru" codecs,
     * PreAccessCodec and PostAccessCodec, are set on the video track.
     * These codecs are used to get access to individual video frames
     * of the media.
     * Much of the code is just standard code to present media in JMF.
     public boolean open(MediaLocator ml) {
          try {
               p = Manager.createProcessor(ml);
          } catch (Exception e) {
               System.err.println(
                    "Failed to create a processor from the given url: " + e);
               return false;
          p.addControllerListener(this);
          // Put the Processor into configured state.
          p.configure();
          if (!waitForState(Processor.Configured)) {
               System.err.println("Failed to configure the processor.");
               return false;
          // So I can use it as a player.
          p.setContentDescriptor(null);
          // Obtain the track controls.
          TrackControl tc[] = p.getTrackControls();
          if (tc == null) {
               System.err.println(
                    "Failed to obtain track controls from the processor.");
               return false;
          // Search for the track control for the video track.
          TrackControl videoTrack = null;
          for (int i = 0; i < tc.length; i++) {
               if (tc.getFormat() instanceof VideoFormat) videoTrack = tc[i];
               else     tc[i].setEnabled(false);
          if (videoTrack == null) {
               System.err.println("The input media does not contain a video track.");
               return false;
          String videoFormat = videoTrack.getFormat().toString();
          Dimension videoSize = parseVideoSize(videoFormat);
          System.err.println("Video format: " + videoFormat);
          // Instantiate and set the frame access codec to the data flow path.
          try {
               Codec codec[] = { new PostAccessCodec(videoSize)};
               videoTrack.setCodecChain(codec);
          } catch (UnsupportedPlugInException e) {
               System.err.println("The process does not support effects.");
          // Realize the processor.
          p.prefetch();
          if (!waitForState(Processor.Prefetched)) {
               System.err.println("Failed to realise the processor.");
               return false;
          p.start();
          return true;
     /**parse the size of the video from the string videoformat*/
     public Dimension parseVideoSize(String videoSize){
          int x=300, y=200;
          StringTokenizer strtok = new StringTokenizer(videoSize, ", ");
          strtok.nextToken();
          String size = strtok.nextToken();
          StringTokenizer sizeStrtok = new StringTokenizer(size, "x");
          try{
               x = Integer.parseInt(sizeStrtok.nextToken());
               y = Integer.parseInt(sizeStrtok.nextToken());
          } catch (NumberFormatException e){
               System.out.println("unable to find video size, assuming default of 300x200");
          System.out.println("Image width = " + String.valueOf(x) +"\nImage height = "+ String.valueOf(y));
          return new Dimension(x, y);
     * Block until the processor has transitioned to the given state.
     * Return false if the transition failed.
     boolean waitForState(int state) {
          synchronized (waitSync) {
               try {
                    while (p.getState() != state && stateTransitionOK)
                         waitSync.wait();
               } catch (Exception e) {
          return stateTransitionOK;
     * Controller Listener.
     public void controllerUpdate(ControllerEvent evt) {
          if (evt instanceof ConfigureCompleteEvent
               || evt instanceof RealizeCompleteEvent
               || evt instanceof PrefetchCompleteEvent) {
               synchronized (waitSync) {
                    stateTransitionOK = true;
                    waitSync.notifyAll();
          } else if (evt instanceof ResourceUnavailableEvent) {
               synchronized (waitSync) {
                    stateTransitionOK = false;
                    waitSync.notifyAll();
          } else if (evt instanceof EndOfMediaEvent) {
               p.close();
               System.exit(0);
     * Main program
     public static void main(String[] args) {
          if (args.length == 0) {
               prUsage();
               System.exit(0);
          String url = args[0];
          if (url.indexOf(":") < 0) {
               prUsage();
               System.exit(0);
          MediaLocator ml;
          if ((ml = new MediaLocator(url)) == null) {
               System.err.println("Cannot build media locator from: " + url);
               System.exit(0);
          FrameAccess fa = new FrameAccess();
          if (!fa.open(ml))
               System.exit(0);
     static void prUsage() {
          System.err.println("Usage: java FrameAccess <url>");
     * Inner class.
     * A pass-through codec to access to individual frames.
     public class PreAccessCodec implements Codec {
          * Callback to access individual video frames.
          void accessFrame(Buffer frame) {
               // For demo, we'll just print out the frame #, time &
               // data length.
               long t = (long) (frame.getTimeStamp() / 10000000f);
               System.err.println(
                    "Pre: frame #: "
                         + frame.getSequenceNumber()
                         + ", time: "
                         + ((float) t) / 100f
                         + ", len: "
                         + frame.getLength());
          * The code for a pass through codec.
          // We'll advertize as supporting all video formats.
          protected Format supportedIns[] = new Format[] { new VideoFormat(null)};
          // We'll advertize as supporting all video formats.
          protected Format supportedOuts[] = new Format[] { new VideoFormat(null)};
          Format input = null, output = null;
          public String getName() {
               return "Pre-Access Codec";
          //these dont do anything
          public void open() {}
          public void close() {}
          public void reset() {}
          public Format[] getSupportedInputFormats() {
               return supportedIns;
          public Format[] getSupportedOutputFormats(Format in) {
               if (in == null)
                    return supportedOuts;
               else {
                    // If an input format is given, we use that input format
                    // as the output since we are not modifying the bit stream
                    // at all.
                    Format outs[] = new Format[1];
                    outs[0] = in;
                    return outs;
          public Format setInputFormat(Format format) {
               input = format;
               return input;
          public Format setOutputFormat(Format format) {
               output = format;
               return output;
          public int process(Buffer in, Buffer out) {
               // This is the "Callback" to access individual frames.
               accessFrame(in);
               // Swap the data between the input & output.
               Object data = in.getData();
               in.setData(out.getData());
               out.setData(data);
               // Copy the input attributes to the output
               out.setFlags(Buffer.FLAG_NO_SYNC);
               out.setFormat(in.getFormat());
               out.setLength(in.getLength());
               out.setOffset(in.getOffset());
               return BUFFER_PROCESSED_OK;
          public Object[] getControls() {
               return new Object[0];
          public Object getControl(String type) {
               return null;
     public class PostAccessCodec extends PreAccessCodec {
          // We'll advertize as supporting all video formats.
          public PostAccessCodec(Dimension size) {
               supportedIns = new Format[] { new RGBFormat()};
               this.size = size;
          * Callback to access individual video frames.
          void accessFrame(Buffer frame) {
               // For demo, we'll just print out the frame #, time &
               // data length.
               if (!alreadyPrnt) {
                    BufferToImage stopBuffer = new BufferToImage((VideoFormat) frame.getFormat());
                    Image stopImage = stopBuffer.createImage(frame);
                    try {
                         BufferedImage outImage = new BufferedImage(size.width, size.height, BufferedImage.TYPE_INT_RGB);
                         Graphics og = outImage.getGraphics();
                         og.drawImage(stopImage, 0, 0, size.width, size.height, null);
                         //prepareImage(outImage,rheight,rheight, null);
                         Iterator writers = ImageIO.getImageWritersByFormatName("jpg");
                         ImageWriter writer = (ImageWriter) writers.next();
                         //Once an ImageWriter has been obtained, its destination must be set to an ImageOutputStream:
                         File f = new File(frame.getSequenceNumber() + ".jpg");
                         ImageOutputStream ios = ImageIO.createImageOutputStream(f);
                         writer.setOutput(ios);
                         //Finally, the image may be written to the output stream:
                         //BufferedImage bi;
                         //writer.write(imagebi);
                         writer.write(outImage);
                         ios.close();
                    } catch (IOException e) {
                         System.out.println("Error :" + e);
               //alreadyPrnt = true;
               long t = (long) (frame.getTimeStamp() / 10000000f);
               System.err.println(
                    "Post: frame #: "
                         + frame.getSequenceNumber()
                         + ", time: "
                         + ((float) t) / 100f
                         + ", len: "
                         + frame.getLength());
          public String getName() {
               return "Post-Access Codec";
          private Dimension size;

The quality of the produced video from this example is very poor.
It comes to huuuuge surprise the following fact.
If you comment the line where you set the PostAccessCodec, the chain of the codecs is:
MPEG-1 decoder -> YUV2RGB -> Direct Draw Renderer. ( The one used from the system to decode and render)
If you run the example purely as is above you get the following sequence(as long with the poor quality):
MPEG-1 decoder -> YUV2RGB -> Windows GDI Renderer.
So you say lets set another Renderer. So
you add the following line videoTracker.setRenderer( new DDRenderer() )
What comes to a surprise is the following chain of codecs:
MPEG-1 decoder -> YUV2RGB -> Post Codec -> Java RGB Converter - > DDRenderer
The quality now may be perfect but video runs to slow. The surprising thing here is that even though we have set the outputFormat of the PostAccessFrame codec to RGBFormat the system converts it again to RGB through codec Java RGB Format.
After searching a lot and reaching the conclusion that the deference between the 2 RGB's is their sizes I sudently was brought in front of a method called grabFrame(). Bels started ringing inside my head. Starts were comming up. Looking at the definition of the class com.sun.media.renderer.video.DDRenderer I descovered that this damn class implements the FrameGrabbingControl Interface. What the f.....? The problem that consumed 4 days of my life and multiplied with 10 to give hours has finally come to an and.
Summing up the solution for grabbing frames is this!!!!!
DDRenderer renderer = new DDRenderer();
videoTrack.setRenderer( renderer );
and in your actionPerformed implementation
FrameGrabbingControl fr = (FrameGrabbingControl)renderer.getControl( "javax.media.control.FrameGrabbingControl");
Buffer frame = fr.grabFrame();
The following stuff ...are stated in FrameAccess
--Sniper

Error when trying to save still image from video with Quicktime Pro

I just purchased Quicktime Pro so that I can use it with my new Nano (the one that shoots video). I want to grab a frame from the video and create a still image (in jpeg format). I should be able to do it, but when I try, I get an error 11005 (or something like that). Anyone know any way to fix this? Thanks!

I also tried the alt/ctrl/shift buttons when clicking Editor in the Photoshop welcome screen. It did ask if I wanted to reset the preferences. I chose yes. I still get the same error message when trying to save for web.
Below....showing I don't have a "save for web" folder on my C drive.
And below, showing the same error after pressing alt/shift/ctrl when clicking on editor and clearing the preferences.
I don't have a 'Save for Web' folder anywhere on my C: drive. I searched and came up with no folder with the text "save for web" in it.
I did find a "save for web" folder on my D: drive and deleted that.. but now when I start up Photoshop, the option for Save for Web is grayed out...not able to select it.

Is there a way to create a still image from video in either imovie or iphoto? I want to add an arrow to an imovie and so far have not had any luck but I'm thinking I might be able to add an arrow to a photo and then incorporate it into the movie.

I'm still trying to point out a location in an imovie with an arrow. I thought I might be able to insert an arrow in a still photo from the imovie and then reinsert the photo in the movie but my attempts at capturing a still frame from a video in imovie or iphoto haven't worked so far. Any ideas any one???

First, get an app called MPEG Streamclip, which is free. You can find it by googling MPEG Streamclip Squared 5.
Open MPEG Streamclip.
In iMovie, select the clip you need. Then, right-click/Reveal in Finder.
Drag this clip into MPEG Streamclip
In MPEG Streamclip, move the playhead to the frame you want.
In MPEG Streamclip, click FILE/EXPORT FRAME.
Choose JPEG, TIFF, or PNG and give it a name.
Also, for how to add a pointer, try Karsten Schluter's website for a good post on how to do this.

Is there a way to create still jpegs from video clips in iMovie?

I shot some video on Christmas day and imported them to iMovie 9.
I want to creat some jpegs from the video clips and print them as photos.
Is there a way to create a jpeg from a video clip and save the file?
Thanks for the info!
Len

Here is a method for extracting a still from iMovie 09.
Are you working in iMovie and realize that certain frames in the movie would be perfect as photographs? Here is how to extract them...
*To get a still frame from an Event*, right-click on the frame and select "Add Still Frame to Project". The still will be added to the end of the current project. Right click on the still frame in the project and select "Reveal in Finder". You will see a jpeg file that is highlighted. Drag this jpeg file in the finder to the iPhoto icon on your dock.
*If you want a still from a project*, rather than an event, the process is similar, except you right-click on the frame and select "Add Freeze Frame", and it adds the freeze frame at the end of the clip rather than at the end of the project. Right-click/reveal in Finder, drag JPEG to iPhoto icon in dock.
*If you are not using iPhoto*, and just want to save to your desktop, click Reveal in Finder as above, then COPY, then PASTE to desktop.
Hint: If you do not want to clutter up your iMovie Project with stills at the end that you would have to go back and delete, then create a separate iMovie Project just for your stills, and follow the instructions for capturing stills from an Event.
Note: If you do not have a right mouse button, then control-click will work instead of right-click.

Help how do you save a still frame of video as a photo?

Help how do you save a still frame of video as a photo? Thanks

A still frame from an Event:
Put cursor at the frame you want, then right click (or command click) and select "Add Still Frame to Project".
The still frame will be added at the end of the Project.
A still frame from a Project:
Put cursor at the frame you want then right-click (or control-click) and select "Add Freeze Frame". The Freeze frame will be added after the clip.
In both cases:
Select the still frame (so the yellow band is around it).
Right-click (or control-click) and select "Reveal in Finder".
You will see a JPG file highlighted in the finder.
Drag this file and drop it on your iPhoto icon in the Dock.

Ok to grab still frames from video, or use digital camera?

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