Rolling shutter photography

[Chris_]

Rolling shutter (aka line scan) is a method of image acquisition in which each frame is recorded not from a snapshot of a single point in time, but rather by scanning across the frame either vertically or horizontally. In other words, not all parts of the image are recorded at exactly the same time, even though the whole frame is displayed at the same time during playback. This produces predictable distortions of fast moving objects or when the sensor captures rapid flashes of light.

This method is implemented by rolling (moving) the shutter across the exposable image area instead of exposing the image area all at the same time (the shutter could be either mechanical or electronic). The advantage of this method is that the image sensor can continue to gather photons during the acquisition process, thus increasing sensitivity. It is found on some film cameras (such as the Graflex Speed Graphic), as well as digital still and video cameras using CMOS sensors, and is most noticeable when imaging extreme conditions of motion or the fast flashing of light. While some CMOS sensors use a global shutter, the majority found in the consumer market utilize a rolling shutter.

Wikipedia

Flickr

[thundley4]

I seen something like the second picture on gizmodo that said it was taken with an iPhone.

[cavegal]

Kool! Thanks for sharing.