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Film transfer onto Betacam – which codec?
I’ve got some 13-year old archive raw footage (film transfers from 35mm and 16mm stock) on five Betacam tapes and six BetacamSP tapes. Which codec should I use to capture them? I’m thinking NTSC 8-bit is the way to go. ProRes are smaller files, but isn’t ProRes a less quality codec? Or is it really noticeable? If it’s barely noticeable, then I’ll go for ProRes because it will save in storage space and bandwidth.
This is a documentary with a mixture of formats: HD, miniDV, miniDV film transfers, BetacamSP, 3/4″, and even some VHS. The final deliverable is a 720p30 program.
-Trevor Ward
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3 Replies
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I’d go prores for sure. HQ for the least amount of compression loss if the source has a lot of detail or fast movement, HQ introduces less compression artifact. More than 4:2:2 from analog beta is a waste of space in most workflows.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski.
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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ProRes is a 10bit codec and should yield better results, especially when processing, than an 8bit codec. The Uncompressed 10bit yields the highest quality, but takes a lot of headroom and storage space.
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One things for sure, any other images you mix with this SD 10 bit material, will look better. Titles, graphics, you name it… gradients really show improvement.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski.
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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