Is there a difference?
by Chuck Obernesser
on
Feb 20, 2008 at 11:52:22 am
I have a Sony HDR-FX1. I haven't used the HD side of the camera much because a friend of mine told me that it is not true HD when you are using tape to record your subject. He said it would be if I bought a Firestore or some sort of HD storage. Yet I have heard either way you are compressing the image when recording. So is there a difference if I tape either way? Don't want to waste money on a Firestore if I don't have to.
Your friend is filled with misinformation.
Stored to tape or Firestore, or direct to computer via firewire, the information is HD.
It's a pity you've had an HD camcorder all along and haven' been using even half of it.
HDV is true HD. In the market, one particular manufacturer has been incredibly successful at spreading FUD on this particular subject. The same sort of stupidity and FUD was spread 12 years ago when DV first came out, too. For those of us that have been around for a while, this is a very bad re-run of DV vs Beta. There are differing grades of quality of HD, and if you don't manage HDV correctly, it won't be great content, but the same holds true for any format. You can make HDV shine, and you can screw up terribly with an HDCAM or Genesis, too.
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor
Re: Is there a difference? by Michael Palmer on Feb 20, 2008 at 3:06:01 pm
Well you've come to the right place for help with your HDV (HD) CAMERA, however you should study up on what you have before posting here. I have learned plenty from reading other posts and found it is better to study on my own rather than ask a friend who doesn't know what he is talking about.
You will be amazed of the information you will find by searching here.
Search is your friend.....
Re: Is there a difference? by Chuck Obernesser on Feb 20, 2008 at 7:37:04 pm
Thanks to both of you. I do read up quite a bit here on the cow since the information here is from people with more experience and are willing to help. I want to gain as much knowledge as possible so I too can help people here on the cow. Now one last other question. If I use an HD tape will that make a huge difference?
Im' not sure what you mean by "HD tape" unless you're referring to AME II particle tape, which is certified by Sony, JVC, and Canon for HDV use. Using this grade of tape won't improve image quality, other than being a stronger buffer against tape dropout. The image is the image, however you've set it up with your exposure.
Douglas Spotted Eagle
VASST
Certified Sony Vegas Trainer
Aerial Camera/Instructor
Re: Is there a difference- In Editing? by Tim Taylor on Feb 22, 2008 at 4:22:15 pm
Terrific thread! I know this is a forum of professionals, but I for one appreciate a back to basics discussion on occasion!
Regarding tape choice - misinformation and "dropout scares" aside, if you're getting paid for the project, I'd spend the little extra coin for a better quality tape, period.
Speaking of misinformation - please correct me if my post in this forum is ill-informed, but I'm having trouble finding reliable information about Editing native HDV. Is it a reliable and efficient codec enough to edit a feature film?
Tim Taylor, Producer/Editor
RESolution Media Services, LLC
Re: Is there a difference? by charlie steiner on Feb 21, 2008 at 3:30:11 pm
HDV is HD stored in a compressed format on tape or on something else. when you import that information (as mpeg) into a computer it can then be transcoded to uncompressed HD. like douglas said, it doesn't matter what tape you use or whether you store it on tape or a hard drive. in fact the new Sony Z7 records HDV on a Compact Flash card. those m2t (HDV mpeg) files can then be copied onto a computer and edited as HD.
you need to research how your particular editing program deals with HDV so you can import, edit and export in a form useful for you. these days all NLE's can deal with it, from imovie and fcp on mac to vegas, premiere and avid on PC's.
- charlie
Located in the heart of Fabulous Downtown Jersey City
Re: Is there a difference? by Ryan Atkins on Jun 24, 2008 at 3:31:59 pm
I own this camera, and have used HDV a fair amount.
HDV will record in 1080i, that is 1,080 lines of resolution, as opposed to 720 lines. There are no cameras (yet) that record in 1080p. This is most definately true HD, and what you see on Blu-Ray and other sources...these are filmed on Panavision and Arriflex camera at a much high resolution and such, almost not even comparable if you plan to not shoot on that equipment.
As for the tapes, the HDV tapes have fewer drops and have a little higher quality, as opposed to regular DV tapes.
