Can I mix AVCHD with DVCPro HD?

[Indyreel]

Here's my problem,

I've filmed a great deal of establishing shots for my crime drama, using an HVX200 (not A). The footage came out excellent, and now the old mill that I filmed in is torn down.

This footage cannot be redone, and I'm going to use the GH1 in 1080 24p mode for the rest of the film.

My question is; Will HVX200 footage (shot in 720 mode) be usable next to GH1 1080 24P? and here's the catch, Especially when projected onto a large theater screen?

[Barry_Green]

Depends on how well the GH1 footage is shot. Well-shot, mud-free GH1 footage will be strikingly sharper than the best HVX footage.

Poorly-shot GH1 footage, or "muddy" GH1 footage, won't hold a candle to the best HVX footage.

[Indyreel]

Depends on how well the GH1 footage is shot. Well-shot, mud-free GH1 footage will be strikingly sharper than the best HVX footage.


So since I am planning on well-shot, mud free GH1 footage, should I consider finding another mill and reshooting with the GH1 rather than mixing footage with my well shot HVX200 720 footage? (Remember, expecially considering projection onto a big screen)

[Ben_B]

I'd say it would probably look fine mixed, the question is with the GH1 are you going to be getting drastically different DOF and different types of shots, etc.

Also, and some might disagree, but if I were you I would consider shooting 720p/60 on your GH1 and converting it to 24 in post (there a number of methods some better than others, I usually just drop in timeline unless a shot needs the longer and better looking solution involving compressor, then I do that for it.) You're less likely to get muddy footage shooting 720p, and it will probably match better with the HVX 720p footage.

If a whole scene is on the HVX and you're not like mixing around mid-scene I'd say you should be totally fine.

If you need stuff to match up a bit better you can probably do it in post.