Beta SP vs. DV Cam?

[Walter Biscardi]

I’d go with BetaSP

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Creative Genius, Biscardi Creative Media
https://www.biscardicreative.com

Now in Production, “The Rough Cut,” https://www.theroughcutmovie.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Mark Raudonis]

Why not do one of each? You’ve got the decks and the tape is less than $20 bucks! From a quality standpoint, it’s a tough choice. DV is digital, so you won’t experience any conversion loss. But… those little tapes… kinda fragile for a master. I’ve seen too many of the DV tapes get mangled. A beta master will sustain alot more wear and tear before it craps out. But, that Beta is analogue and we’re now living in a digital world. That’s why I’m suggesting one of each. You’ll get proven archival stability (beta) and digital compatability moving forward (DV). And… your client will love you for “covering all bases” for them.

Mark

[Rich Rubasch]

Here’s a test, since you’ve got both decks. Keep the program online in DV50. Output to both tape formats. Now digitize from each master (preferably Beta via component and DVCAM via SDI) to DVCPro50 codec and see how each looks on the NTSC monitor.

My guess? The Beta will have more noise introduced in the image, but probably better chroma. The DVCAM will have less chroma overall, but better detail. Now crank up the audio…the DVCAM will be nearly silent where there is no audio on the tape, but the betacam will have noticeable hiss. Listen with headphones if you have to…the audio section on a UVW1800 is worse than the cassette deck in your 72 Gremlin.

Now, be a good sport and let us know what you actually observe.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Meesta Joe]

Thanks for the replies. My gut tells me to go with DV (It’s Digital!) and give the Client the DV50 Quicktime as well as a Master.

[Kevin Monahan]

Why did you bother mastering to DV 50 if your output DVCAM? Was the source DV 50? Have you considered using a DV 50 deck to output the master? That would be the best scenario.

Kevin Monahan
Author – Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro
fcpworld.com

[Meesta Joe]

The source was DV50 and that’s why I output a DV50 QT for the client. They wanted tape as well and without renting extra gear the best I can do is Beta SP or DV25.

[Walter Biscardi]

[AG] ”
Thanks for the replies. My gut tells me to go with DV (It’s Digital!) and give the Client the DV50 Quicktime as well as a Master.”

Yes DV is Digital but DVCAM is a lower quality digital than DV50. Thus BetaSP would actually be the better mastering source between the two.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Creative Genius, Biscardi Creative Media
https://www.biscardicreative.com

Now in Production, “The Rough Cut,” https://www.theroughcutmovie.com

“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters

[Meesta Joe]

Thanks Walter- Yes, Beta SP through my Aja IO Component Outs will probably look great but sound inferior to the DV Audio which should be extactly the 48K/16 Bit in FCP.

Since they’re getting the DV50 QT, they will have a true Master. Being they requested a physical tape as well, I guess I’ll point out the pros & cons of both formats and let my client decide tomorrow.

Thanks again for all the feedback!

-AG

[Rich Rubasch]

What is the price for an entry level DVPro50 deck? I think Panasonic is missing the boat on their excellent DVCPro50 codec. When Apple announced the partnersip to support DVCPro50 digitizing and output via firewire Panasonic should have announced a $3000 deck. Anyone know what the current lineup is? What are you using and how is it working?

I have two clients that shoot DVCPro50 but both output to BetaSP for Station dubs. I could have a leg up if I offered DVCPro50 Mastering.

This thread has prompted the question…

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Graeme Nattress]

BetaSP is about 3/4 the resolution of DV, and because it’s coming from a digital source, mixing analogue artifacts in with the digital ones is going to produce a worst of both worlds situation. DV will best preserve the DV50 quality compared to BetaSP.

Graeme

– http://www.nattress.com – Film Effects and Standards Conversion for FCP