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Capture formats
I’m doing some research on Varicam. We are considering this camera for a new feature film we’re shooting later this year.
One of the guys we interviewed for the DP role did not like the DVCProHD codec, saying it was too noisy, and we should only consider using DVCProHD for offline, but use a better format for the final piece.
Can you tell–me does the Varicam give you another capture format rather than DVCProHD? Is there an SDI interface for capturing uncompressed HD?
What are the options?
Thanks,
Russ Pond
Director, Fissure
fissurethemovie.com -
3 Replies
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The camera records in DVCPROHD. So if you cut in that format- technically you are getting what you shot. If you wanted a higher quality you’d need to hook the camera up to either a deck or to a capture system. Most projects look great in DVCPROHD. You can add some quality in post by outputting your final project in 8 or 10 bit uncompressed via a BMD or Kona card. But only added stuff like transitions, titles, color correction will improve. Original footage will be the same as when you shot it.
Noah
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So, what is the format that comes out of the camera that you can record onto a deck (if you’re going to bypass teh DVCProHD format)? Is that just raw 4:4:4 uncompressed HD? Is it an SDI interface? Does anyone know the deck that can capture that?
Thanks,
Russ -
HDSDI- 10 bit 4:2:2. You could then record straight to D-5 or HDCAM SR 4:2:2 for max quality via a deck. But this is overkill for anything that is not wall to wall greenscreen. The deck rental will also be a substanstial cost at that level. I’d suggest a test- many many producers are quite happy with tapes shot with the Varicam’s built-in deck.
-Noah
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