• Panasonic Cameras

  VariCam 720p 59.94 fps

  Posted by Czechdp on August 21, 2006 at 9:35 pm

  Hello,

  I am about to start shooting a HD documentary for Discovery Channel.
  Their aquesition tech specs give me the following choice:

  “Acceptable formats: 720p 59.94 fps, 1080i or p 29.97 or 59.94”

  This seems a bit confusing — and although the VariCam can shoot in 60fps, I doubt thats what they want since the deliverable master is speified at D5/60i.

  Now isn’t it a misnomer to say 720p 59.94?
  Though the VariCam can actually shoot at 60 frames, I am assuming they meant to say 720/30p or 60i (being 59.94). I also dont think you can do anything but 720p on VariCam — am I right? So 59.94 could most def not refer to interlaced?!?!

  Can you make sense of that?

  Many thanks for your kind support

  Steve Mahrer replied 19 years, 9 months ago 2 Members · 1 Reply
• 1 Reply

• 

  Steve Mahrer

  August 22, 2006 at 4:08 pm

  Hi:

  The Discovery Channel uses a considerable amount of VariCam footage shot at 720p 59.94 in their programming. The 720p 59.94 (frame) VariCam footage is easily converted to 1080i 59.94 (field) in the various Panasonic VTRs, or by external conversion units e.g the Teranex etc. In this proces one complete frame of the 720p video is converted to one field of 1080i, this 59.94 to 59.94 conversion provides a clean “TV” look with full motion rendition.

  If you shoot the VariCam at 29.97 frames it will generate a 30p “film look” and the motion will appear choppy. I believe that Discovery prefer the 59.94 look, I would strongly recommend you speak with their production staff to ensure your shooting will match their requirements.

  Hope it helps,

  Steve Mahrer (Panasonic)

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