Re: does 1080/60i match 29.97 footage?

Michael,

You have it backwards. In 1080, 59.94 always refers to interlace, which is made up of 29.97 frames, but you can also select 29.97P (progressive) that gives you duplicate fields in each frame, and there is a difference in the look. The progressive frame rate compared toi the interlace is more "filmic" and less like "live" video.

Alternately in 720, there is a 59.94P (progressive) format where each field is a unique, sequential and complete picture compared to the "half" frames created in each field of an interlaced format. This 720/59.94 format gives a super "live" video look or can be used to create the best slo motion possible when converted to a 30p or 24p timeline.

Going back to the original question; yes there is a difference and if the client specifies 29.97P (progressive) they are doing so because they like that motion (like CBS News' 60 Minutes) or else because they are favoring an internet distribution where the repeated frames make it easy on the compression.

JS