recording 1080i vs 720P

[Michael Sacci]

Well I see what could be my first problem, I just went to Panasonics website and the Varicam doesn’t seem to do 1080i, guess I have been reading too much about on the new and cheaper P2 cameras that do 720 and 1080.

So let me change the question. How what does 720P cross-convert to 1080i using the Kona3 compared to HDCAM shot in 1080i.

[Ray Palmer]

[msacci] ” just went to Panasonics website and the Varicam doesn’t seem to do 1080i, guess I have been reading too much about on the new and cheaper P2 cameras that do 720 and 1080.”

If a tape based camera is what you are looking for, check out the HDX900 from Panasonic.
Very similar to the Varicam but does 720 and 1980.

Ray Palmer, Engineer
Salt River Project
Phoenix, AZ
602-236-8224 office
There are three types of people in this world, those that can count and those that can’t.

[John Sharaf]

Please be advised that there is a distinction between what format you shoot in and what format you deliver in! 720 can be transcoded to 1080 either in the camera (as it’s done in the HDX900), in the NLE, in the capture card , by a standards converter or by a VTR. This is how many shows are produced for Discovery and other cable channels that require delivery in 1080, yet shot on a Varicam.

From my point of view, unless the project is principally destined for “film out” and exhibition on a large cinema screen, 720p is very competative with 1080p (as it is as 24fps) and a transcode will not be objectionable when viewed on an HD display with the signal derived from from a highly compressed broadcast, cable or satalite delivery.

Up to now, the Varicam has offered producers a much more elegant post production workflow by means of the firewire/DVCPRO100/FCP combination, whereby with no additional equipment (capture card) and simple, cheap storage one could edit in native HD. With FCP6’s new ProRes 422, a similar workflow is now available for HDCAM, and certainly there have been those who have been importing HDCAM through Kona in the DVCPRO100 codec to FCP to take advantage of the “Varicam” workflow as well.

For that matter, it’s well documented that 720p/60fps compared to 1080/60i are very similar because now you’re comparing 720 line fields with 525 line fields.

Ultimately an accurate test will determine the true answer for your purposes, making sure to carry out the intended workflow from beginning to end.

Hope this helps!

JS

[Michael Sacci]

HDX900 are not as easy to rent 4 of them as the varicam. Unfortunately multicam concert shoots and budgets do not lend themselves to much testing, it is get in and get out. They is why we stay with what we know, for me it is production trucks with Sony HDCAM 1080. But I may need to get with the rental company and see if they will help me with some tests at no charge.

[Edward Chick]

Try VER (Video Equipment Rentals) I did a shoot where the production company rented 5 hvx 900s from them.They are coast to coast and points between.
ed

edward chick

[Michael Sacci]

I appreciate all the help I can get but I’m really looking for feedback on conversion practices more than where to get equipment.

[Nick Gardner]

Yes, 720p cross converted to 1080i is easy, and looks great. You can convert in a computer, thru the 1400 deck, or at a post house. If you shoot 24p, it’s like doing a telecine to video tape from film – it’s the same look.

Cheers,

Nick

[Gary Adcock]

[msacci] “So let me change the question. How what does 720P cross-convert to 1080i using the Kona3 compared to HDCAM shot in 1080i.”

for properly exposed footage you should not see any difference, and if you shoot 24p the Kona 3 can correctly output 1080 23.98sf to tape without issue.

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows

[Jim Watt]

Kona 3 is definitely a great conversion. If you happen to have FC studio 2 and an Intel machine the ProRes 422 HQ is awesome!

If you’re editing on Kona two or LH, then do the conversion in the deck as you digitize and edit in 1080i. I believe it’s menu item 632, 720P in/1080i out.

jw