H.D to S.D

[Mungai Kiroga]

Hey guys. I have been a member of this forum for a while now. I have to admit that I have learnt a lot from you. I have a question regarding High Definition filming. Its a fact that H.D has better resolution than Standard Definition. I plan to enter into music video production. I would love to shoot on film but its too expensive for a newbie.

I am therefore left with the option of High Definition for quality. Unfortunately, my country does not transmit H.D material. This means that even if I shot on H.D, I would have to release on S.D. My question is, would I loose quality, and if so, how significant would that be? I other words, would it make more sense to shoot on H.D for S.D transmission, or S.D for S.D.

I would really appreciate any advice. Asante (thanks).

[David Mullen ASC]

It depends on the quality of the SD camera and the HD camera, and if you need the film-look that 24P/25P/30P provides (progressive-scan) versus standard 50i/60i (interlaced-scan).

 

For example, you'd probably get a better SD picture using a Panasonic SDX900, since that can do 24P, and has 2/3" CCD's and takes pro lenses -- versus downconverting a 60i HD picture from a 1/3" CCD HD camera with a fixed zoom. Plus the SDX900 can shoot DVCPRO50, which is digital betacam quality.

 

So it's not just an SD versus HD issue -- you also have to factor in size of the CCD's (which controls depth of field), whether it does progressive-scan (which helps create more of a film look to the motion), and whether it can take good lenses.

 

But a pro SD camera will be more expensive to buy than a consumer HD camera.

 

In the consumer HD realm, I'd look into the Canon XLH1, or a JVC ProHD, or Panasonic HVX200 (the three that can create a good 24P look). Otherwise I'd spend more and get the SD Panasonic SDX900. If you can wait, there is also a Sony HD XDCAM camera coming out with 1/2" CCD's that will be near the price of the SDX900.

[Laurent Andrieux]

For sure, if it's comparing prosumer HD cams to pro sd ones, considering you can't release in High Def, Pro SD is a better choice. But do you plan to buy or rent ? a prosumer HD cam is much cheaper than a pro SD one, but if you consider renting, it's about the same...

[Mungai Kiroga]

For sure, if it's comparing prosumer HD cams to pro sd ones, considering you can't release in High Def, Pro SD is a better choice. But do you plan to buy or rent ? a prosumer HD cam is much cheaper than a pro SD one, but if you consider renting, it's about the same...

 

Thanks for the replys. To answer your question, I plan to rent equipment. It makes more economic sense.

I think I have to check rental rates first before I can make a choice between the two. Thanks again.