Is DVCPRO50 16:9 cropped 4:3?

[daktulus]

Do I get more actual recorded pixels filming 16:9 or is it really a cropped 4:3?

Is DVCPRO50 filmed/recorded in 16:9 a better picture quality than filming 4:3 and cropping later?

Is DVCPRO50 16:9 accepted (in PAL countries) as HD format by tv stations?

[THoff]

The number of pixels is the same for 4:3 and 16:9 -- the latter simply uses anamorphic (non-square) pixels, just like DV.

On the HVX, the image is derived from a native 16:9 sensor. You'll get a better image recording 16:9 instead of 4:3 and cropping/resizing.

DVCPro50 is not an HD format.

[VenezuelanD]

Don't have all the specifics but generally with the HVX you get better quality in 16:9 since that is the native size of the chips.


DVCPRO50 is an SD format and is probably not accepted as an HD format by any TV station.

[daktulus]

As far as I know the difference between square and non-square pixels is not the same as 4:3 and 16:9.
square is 768 x 576, non square 720 x 576.
16:9 square is 1024 x 576

I know the sensor is 16:9, but is DVCPRO50 recorded 16:9 or always actually recorded as 4:3, then cropped. An official statement would be nice.

Is DVCPRO50 like DV, which is always only 720x576 - when recorded 16:9, most cameras squeeze the picture, to get the full resolution, but they still can only record on 720x576 DV standard, others just crop.
Or does DVCPRO50 have two different pixel amount definitions for 4:3 and 16:9?
If not, is the picture squeezed or cropped in the camera ?


I know SD is not HD, but if the DVCPRO50 16:9 is actually recorded with 1024 x 576, the picture quality should be pretty close to DVCPRO HD, which is accepted by most tv stations.

[TimurCivan]

DVCpro50 - 16:9 is recorded as true 16:9 off of the 16:9 sensor of the HVX200. its down rezzed from 1080P internally, then recorded as 4:2:2 colorspace DVCpro50 ANAMORPHIC Video.

[Barry_Green]

No form of DV uses square pixels. 16:9 = 720x480, and 4:3 = 720x480. The difference is not in the number of pixels, it's in the shape of the pixels.

The HVX uses an internal 1920x1080 matrix in 16:9. The SD 16:9 is a direct down-rez; the 4:3 is a center extraction downrezzed.

[TimurCivan]

ive never used the 4:3 of the HVX200, i gotta test it.

[daktulus]

If DV is always 720x576 (no matter if 16:9 or 4:3),
what is the definition for DVCPRO50? Is it also always 720 x 576?

Is it always the same pixel amount, just anamorphic (/squeezed) in 16:9?


So would it make sense to film 16:9 DVCPRO50 if you need to deliver 4:3.
Then blow 16:9 up to 4:3 in post?
Or is filming natively 4:3 the better choice (risking only to be able to sell the material to this one 4:3 tv station, not having 16:9 in archive) since by blowing up, pixels are lost?


(I´m asking, because in Europe we still have some 4:3.
Some station want 4:3 DVCPRO50, but I want 16:9 for my archive.
I want to work with DVCPRO50, because its easier to handle in Avid than HD)

[Barry_Green]

If DV is always 720x576 (no matter if 16:9 or 4:3),
what is the definition for DVCPRO50? Is it also always 720 x 576?
In PAL, yes. In NTSC it's always 720x480.


Is it always the same pixel amount, just anamorphic (/squeezed) in 16:9?
Both 4:3 and 16:9 are anamorphic squeezed. Look at the actual mathematical ratio of 720x576; it breaks down to 1.25:1, which is neither 1.33:1 (4:3) or 1.78:1 (16:9).



So would it make sense to film 16:9 DVCPRO50 if you need to deliver 4:3.
Then blow 16:9 up to 4:3 in post?
No. Why? If you're delivering 4:3, shoot 4:3, by all means. If you're delivering 16:9, film in 16:9. If you need both, then you have to choose which one is more important to you, because once it's filmed, you'll have to stretch/squeeze to get the other one.

Or just shoot in HD, and downconvert to whichever format you need.

[MDKfilms]

I was going to ask a question but I noticed that BarryG answered it. Thanks again Mister B.