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HDX900 SD and HD issues for reality shows
we shot 2 shows on the sdx900 and loved the camera. We are about to shoot 2 new shows in the next month – one is delivered in SD and one is in HD. I like the cost of the hdx900’s but am a little confused about a fews things. these shoots are 10 weeks and 8 weeks so we’re better off buying one and renting two but I want to make sure we’re makeing the right move…
1. the HD show – using an avid adrenaline to offline and a nitris to online is it possible to shoot with the hdx900 in 1080i 30i (or 29 whatever…) and then go in low rez into the avid adrenaline, edit and then uprez on the nitris and output to HDCAM 1080I master for delivery to Discovery channel? Is this camera high enough to deliver to them? what’s the deal with the hdx not having true 1080I capability or does it? Is this format accepted at HD channels such as discovery? Sorry if this sounds a bit confusing…
2. What would be the best way (settings) to shoot a reality show (all outdoors) with the hdx that would allow us to go in low rez into an editshare system then uprez on the nitris and output via digibeta for SD delivery. We do not need to shoot HD do we?
3. any suggestions on another format that may offer me the same as the hdx?
4. What lens would u suggest for the hdx -best bang for he buck.
5. What deck would I need in order to digitize and uprez at 1 to 1 HD and SD footage (will be mastering out on an HDCAM deck).
thank you very much for your time and answers!!!!!!!!
Scott
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2 Replies
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Scott,
Aquisition format has very little to do with an “off-line” format. Therefore, to answer your questions:
#1. Yes. This camera can create a master of high enough quality to be accepted by Discovery or any other HD channel. HD aquisition formats can be VERY confusing and your selection of which one to use is often driven by considerations that have nothting to do with the camera. What are your delivery requirements? International requirements? Whoever owns the copyright dictates the terms.
#2. At first glance, it would seem like overkill to use an HD camera for an SD show, but if you set up an HD workflow for one show, you COULD relatively easily use that workflow to create an SD version of another. There’s nothing wrong with this approach… it’s just gonna cost you more time and money.
#3. Do your homework. There’s more HD/SD formats out there than there are candidates tossing their hat in the ring to run for president!
#4. Don’t know. I’m a “post” guy.
#5. Panasonic AJ-HD1400 Compact DVCPRO HD VTR will play the tapes coming out of this camera.
It sounds like you’re stuck in that netherworld between SD and HD with one foot in both. That’s a very confusing place to be, when new formats and cameras seem to be introduced almost daily. The pansonic camera you’re considering will pretty much “do it all” for your situation. Be aware that in the HD world, aquisition is only the tip of the iceberg. Your decision on aquisition format can have a HUGE impact on the cost and complexity of the post process. Find someone you trust who’s been through this to help guide you. Pay them. It will be the best investment you make.
mark
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thanks Mark! You are very right – one foot in each door -HD and SD…
I need to check Discovery’s HD specs (only delivered sd to them in the past) My issue is that one of the my new BIG clients thought the pd170 did not look “good” enough so we are buying 2 new cameras ( we deliver them dvds).
Other issue is we have one show (1-hr special) in HD this yr. So the debate is do we go with a hdx200 and rent the hd cameras for the shoot or use the hdx900 with 2/3 inch chips and true hd capability from the start… Not to mention the price difference. I’m trying to test the hdx200 this week.
thx again for the info – great forum this is.
Scott
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