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4k 8 bit 4:2:0 (100mbps) vs HD 10 bit 4:2:2 (50mbps)
We are looking at a low profile Sony XDCAM (PXW-Z90V) and considering shooting in one of these two formats: 4k 8 bit 4:2:0 (100mbps) OR HD 10 bit 4:2:2 (50mbps) I’ve been searching to get more info on this here and elsewhere on the web. All I can find so far is just general thoughts.
So if I’m not distributing in 4k, not too concerned about reframing a shot or zooming in the edit suite would it be better to shoot HD 10bit 4:2:2 (50mbps)?
OR would 4k 8bit 4:2:0 (100mbps) be better scaled down to HD. Both would be transcoded to ProRes 422?If it matters, we are editing on the latest CC Premiere on a Mac, transcoding to ProRes for all editing. Currently shooting on a Canon C100 MrkII, HD 8bit, 4:2:0, 25mbps. We produce short documentaries from stories we gather in developing countries. Needing to go with a lighter weight and slightly lower profile camera.
Appreciate your help!
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6 Replies
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I’ve recently purchased the Z90. I’m reframing so I’m shooting in 4K. In some cases I distribute online in 4K. If you’re not doing either there are actually many advantages to shooting in HD. If you’re shooting in SLog, color grading should hold up a bit better. Slow motion is good at 120fps and maybe 240fps.
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Hello. Based on what you stated, I would agree that HD 10 bit 4:2:2 50mbps would be fine. That is what many broadcast outlets request. Being 4:2:2 will give you advantages as far as compositing goes. Plus it might be a little bit easier on your computer.
Bob
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Thanks Craig! Have you done any tests to compare the difference in these two formats?
I’m guessing that not many people have done this kind of test since at least 4k acquisition of material seems to be the norm.
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Some people will tell you about how 4K 8-bit 4:2:0 downscaled to HD has the same amount of color information as 10-bit 4:2:2 HD. While this is true, there are multiple transcoding steps that have to be undertaken exactly the right way, and it’s a pain to get it right.
With that said: I have a Sony FS7, and I generally deliver HD for web. I almost always shoot HD 10-bit 4:2:2 for the extra color; the amount of detail in 100 mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 HD is so much greater than the 24 mbps h.264 that DSLRs shoot, that you can get away with quite a bit of upscaling without a noticeable loss in quality.
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another thing, 4k 4:2:0 will key better than 1080 10bit 4:2:2.
resolution does win out with chromakey even if the colour information is a bit lacking as with 4:2:0.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=361&v=-bUUNL6Zhvg -
Thanks to you all for taking the time to post. This is super helpful. Far more than anything I could google. Hopefully it will help others too.
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