How to view your zoetrope vinyl
Zoetrope is essentially frame-by-frame animation, so to see the animation come to life we need to create 30 still snapshots per second. This can be achieved by filming it with a camera at 30fps (30 still images per second), or using a strobe light set to 30hz (30 flashes per seconds). In theory if you could blink 30 times per second it would work too!
Viewing through your camera/phone
1. Spin the vinyl at the speed specified for your design (33, 45, or 78 RPM) and video it at 30fps.
2. Use as much light as possible to sharpen the image (daylight is king, but bringing lamps over also works very well) .
3. If you can alter the shutter speed, then the higher the better until it gets too dark, then stop or alter the ISO to make it brighter again.
4. If your phone has ‘action mode’ turn this on. It is often represented as a little person running.
Tip: If you are struggling to get your camera to stick to 30fps, try downloading the ‘ilumiscope’ app (for iPhone). This works very well.
Viewing with the naked eye using a strobe light (or strobe light app)
Want to watch the animation with your own eyes? No problem! All you need is a strobe light or a strobe app.
1. Set your strobe light (or app) to 30Hz and spin the vinyl at the speed specified for your design (33, 45, or 78 RPM).
2. Shine the strobe at the spinning record to see the animation with your own eyes. Make the room as dark as possible for a clearer view.
Tip: If you don’t have a strobe, there are free apps you can use. We recommend ‘Strobe Light Tachometer’ (for iPhone) & Strobily (for android).
We’re here to help make sure your zoetrope experience is as magical as the music itself!
So if you have any questions, just reach out to us.