sony ex1 720p/1080p pros and cons?

[poplarparkfilms]

Hey my name is James de Boer and I am currently working on a documentary film about former NHL enforcer Link Gaetz. I am in the middle of my proposal and just had a few questions about how to shoot it. Originally I was thinking full 1080p HD with a Letus 35mm adapter but I was wondering what the users of this forum would recomend. Is the main difference between 720 and 1080 just the ability for it to hold up on bigger screens? Also (besides the hassle of losing a lot of light) what are some main problems that I might encounter using a 35mm adapter on th shoot?

Any information regarding this topic would be greatly appreciated.

James de Boer

if you want to check out more about the film check out http://themissinglink.tumblr.com/
for all the latest news and information.

[Bassman2003]

I would let your framerate make the choice. If you are shooting 24p then I would say 1080p because it will future proof your project.

If you are going to interlaced DVD then 720p60 might be a good option.

I have never shot with an adaptor but you might be limted by prime lenses if used or the lack of a zoom servo motor if you are shooting and live stuff.

Also, sometimes shallow DOF can be a hinderance if you need more of the world in focus.

[poplarparkfilms]

yeah for sure... I totally didn't think about frame rate at all... why go to 720p at 60 fps though? Wouldn't it have a very digital look to it?

[MitchLewis]

This isn't a very good answer, but I've been shooting 1080 30p with a Letus Ultimate since January. There have been many times where I have to shoot wide open, even with our portlable light kit. That makes it very tricky to focus as your DOF is so shallow. The Letus definitely kills your light. I just finished a two-camera shoot where we interviewed 4 groups of people. I borrowed my buddies EX1 with the Sony wide-angle adapter and I used our EX3/Letus Ultimate with a Nikon 80-200mm zoom. He just parked his camera on a wide-shot of the group, while I shot all the tight shots. I was amazed at how much brighter his camera was then mine. Letus claims a 1/2 stop, I think it was more like 2 stops. I can't wait for them to come out with the relay for the EX3. Phillip Bloom says that it will give you back almost 2 stops. (crossing my fingers)

[Iudex]

720p also allows overcranking.

I hate this, I love overcranking, but I hate having to reduce resolution for doing it.

[cheezweezl]

if you want to shoot with an adapter but not lose 2 stops, try the redrock m2 encore. where letus claims only 1/2 stop, redrock delivers on that claim. i own one and i can tell you it is very light efficient. i have only had it for about a week but i've been shooting tests in available light only situations with great results. i'm talking about dimly lit indoor parking decks, subway stations, inside my house at night with only normal lighting, etc.

as far as recording format goes, i can see a difference in sharpness between 720 and 1080. i will always shoot 1080 and if i need to overcrank then i will shoot 720 for those shots only. it's easy enough to uprez 720 to match the rest of your footage, although it won't be quite as sharp.

[Bassman2003]

why go to 720p at 60 fps though? Wouldn't it have a very digital look to it?

I don't know your project needs or look you are after, just throwing out information.

If you are going to a 60i DVD format, 720p60 imho is a good choice as it gives better slo-motion that 60i and gives you the benefit of progressive frames for still grabs, but it has the video look.

Is it still called a film if the images are captured on video?

I think the digital world needs to come up with a new term as shooting with video cameras and labeling the effort film cheapens the endeavor like the project is trying to be something it is not imho.

[Mike70]

There was a highly technical discussion on the other forum re: the two diff resolutions and their advantages, but if I'm reading it correctly, bottom line is that for fast action--which you're probably going to have in a hockey film-- you might want to consider 720/60 for its malleability in post.
http://www.dvinfo.net//conf/showthread.php?t=202631