A moiré pattern is a wavy or coloured interference pattern that can appear when a camera records fine, repeating detail. It is common on fabrics, fine hair, tightly spaced lines and architectural features. Nikon explains that moiré can occur when a subject’s repeating pattern interacts with the grid of the camera sensor. nikonusa.com

It can look like ripples, false stripes or shifting colour bands across a shirt, curtain, brick wall or computer screen. The pattern is created during image capture, so it may not be possible to remove it cleanly in editing.

How to reduce moiré before recording

If you notice moiré on a subject, try changing the camera angle or framing. Even a small movement can alter how the repeating pattern meets the sensor grid. Nikon notes that changing the angle can change or remove visible moiré. You can also try moving closer or farther away, changing the focal length, or choosing different clothing or materials when you control the scene.

Check your camera manual for any anti-aliasing or detail settings. Reducing sharpening may make a pattern less prominent, though it can soften the whole image. Avoid relying on a post-production fix for an important shot: record a short test and review it at full size first.

When you find it in existing footage

Try a subtle adjustment to sharpness or local detail in your editor, then compare the result with the original. Heavy processing may make the image look soft or introduce other artefacts. If the pattern is strong, reframing or using another take may give a more natural result.

Moiré is different from rolling-shutter distortion, which comes from different parts of a sensor being recorded at different times. RouteNote’s rolling-shutter guide explains that separate issue. When your picture is ready, find music and sound effects for the edit at RouteNote Licensing.