1 million verses 2 million pixels

[Leo Ticheli]

You can find quite a bit of information on the technical aspects of both VariCam and CineAlta.

The important thing to remember is that the picture quality of cameras is dependent on a lot more than simple numbers such as pixel count and lines of resolution.

Many agree that both VariCam and CineAlta make pictures of similar quality; some favor one over the other. The CineAlta is more expensive and has been favored for film out; only the VariCam can shoot at frame rates of 1 to 60 fps in one-frame increments and is favored for television commercials.

The variable frame-rate capability and picture quality of the VariCam make it a direct replacement of film, and, thus, my choice.

Good shooting!

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[Gary Adcock]

[Leo Ticheli] “The CineAlta is more expensive and has been favored for film out; only the VariCam can shoot at frame rates of 1 to 60 fps in one-frame increments and is favored for television commercials. “

Leo is correct, the Varicam is preferred for sports and anything that utilizes motion as part of the project. According to an
industry newsletter put out by Fletcher/ Chicago –one of the largest HD rental houses in the country — that the Varicam’s are out selling CineAlta’s about 10-1 in everywhere in the us but hollywood.

One thing to add to leo’s comments –Apple is recommending the Varicam – 720p24 workflow for Film Out with FCP5
( note too— the FCP5 Manuals do not even mention 108024psf as a HD format — a tech editor’s oversight)

gary adcock

Studio37
HD and Film Consultation

[Accountclosedduetopolicyviolations]

The simple truth is,Panasonic have not got decent megapixel block like Thomson or even Sony.
There is a “bit” of difference between 2,2 & 27 mil..pixel.
1 mil.. in 2005 is a bit low.
By the way,is Varicam 10 bit or 12 bit head??
Regards Jiri Vrozina

[Steve Mahrer]

Jiri;

Actually Panasonic makes some of the best 2.2M pixel FIT CCDs, these are used in our 1080 cameras, and those of numerous other Hi-Def camera manufacturers. We make 1080 and 720 CCDs and cameras, we leave it to the customers to choose the best one for their applications.

Cheers!

Steve Mahrer ( Panasonic Broadcast US )

[Accountclosedduetopolicyviolations]

Steve,
I own Panasonic and Thomson cameras.
I am aware of Pnasonic HD cameras….as good as they are,there are others,mainly Ikegami and Thomson and perhaps Sony who are the even better.
To sell camera like Varicam with 10 bit processing and 1mil block in 2005 is a bit of dissapoitment.
I am very impressed with Panasonic HD format…it looks good and it is affordable.
By the way,what kind of block will your new small HD 200 camcorder have??
Will it be CMOS??
regards-jiri

[Leo Ticheli]

The Panasonic VariCam is anything but a disappointment. It makes spectacular filmic pictures and is the only variable frame-rate camcorder on the market; the only direct replacement for film camera for commercials.

Good shooting,
Leo

Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[John Sharaf]

James,

It’s my understanding that the XDCAM which has a 1 million pixel imager only uses half that amount in interlace mode, perhaps this is also true with the HDCAM!

JS