Is it worth it to shoot 24p for the Internet?

T

ttracy007

New member
Hi,
I'm looking to parody a network show and release it on the internet. The show we're parodying has a flim look to it, and ideally I'd shoot it in 24p to capture that look. However, given that I'm going to launch it over the internet and most likely compress it down to 15fps, would I stand to gain anything by shooting in 24p or would that be a wasted advantage? The camera's I'm deciding between are the Sony HDV FX1 and the Panasonic P2 cameras. I know the Panasonic kicks ass, but we are working off of a tight budget and I'd want to know that I'd be gaining some unique value in paying for it. If anyone could give me some perspective on the advantages/disadvantages for each given the internet medium, I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks,

Tim
 
Why would you likely compress it down to 15 fps. This would make your footage really fast... I think you are confusing some terms. Shooting 24p means 24fps so what does web video have to do with FPS?
 
I believe ttracy's talking about displaying it in 15fps, not shooting it in 15. Playing something back at 15 fps does not make it fast, just reduces the number of frames used each second and therefore makes files smaller - it is quite common with internet video, I believe my company goes by 12 fps (but this is for mostly talking head videos, very little motion). If anything, lowering the fps might start make the video look choppy the lower the fps used, but 12-15 is safe for internet depending on what is being showed. Footage that is captured 15 fps only looks fast or sped up because it is played back at a normal rate (24 fps when using film). I dont have the solution to the original question as I haven't used the HVX, but hope that helps.
 
I don't think you necessarily need to compress it down to 15fps. Internet pipes are big enough now that you can get away with the full 24 if your bitrate isn't too high.
 
Thanks for the response. What I should have communicated better is: I'm tyring to replicate a film look and thought that shooting in 24p would satisfy that need; however, I'm then going to upload the series to the internet and I was led to believe that most videos are compressed down to 15fps in order to be managable for online viewing. My original question was: will I see a noticable difference between something shot in 24p v 30p after each has been compressed down to 15fps for internet viewing? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Tim
 
And while we're at it: assuming would look better going with the 24p look on the internet, would there be any advantage going with the Panasonic P2 over the DVX just in terms of how it would ultimately look on the internet? IOW Without High-Def, does the P2 still have major advantages over the DVX-100?
 
Yes, you will see a difference between 24p and 30p source even when compressed down to 15fps, but as said above there's actually no need these days to compress something so much. The difference in shutter speed and resulting wider blur signatures may not be something your audience consciously notices, but it will contribute to the "film look" I assume you're going for.

Likewise, shooting with an HVX will make a difference even when you're only shooting standard def. You're working with a camera that has an HD lens and, while slight, that gives the image a slightly wider field of view without being too distorted.
 
shoot 24pA output a true 24p file (not 29.97 with 24p teleine)
you've made a smaller file than 30p or 60i.
that's one of the great things bout 24pA for the web - slightly smaller file already.

You can get a decent size file and keep your frame rate.

Having said that
1) even if you do go to 15 it will still look more like 24p than if you shot 60i and went to 15.
2) 24p is only 1 part of the film look equation that the HVX gives you over the sony
FILM LOOK COMPONENTS
  1. 24 fps
  2. more cinematic gamma (light and color curves) simmilar to the HVX
  3. more lattitude (less blow out and a smoother transition when there is)
  4. the ability to undercrank and overcrank for glass smooth slowmo or sped up footage just like film
Also you will be shooting in a better color space and all of that will make a huge difference even when you output it to a web compress QT movie or flash or whatever.
The Sony will give you a great "through a window" "sharp as life"
looking image. But it will look like high quality video vs. film.

If you are only going to the web, and want a film look I would shoot Standard Definition DVX over the Sony ANY DAY. You will get 24p, more cinematic gamma. Lots of people buy and use the DVX over the sony even for blow up to Movie Screens because it is so much more filmmic than the Sony - even though the sony has it trumped for a crucial area in blow up - resolution.
 
24p is probably the BEST way to shoot web video and don't compress down. 15fps looks terrible. I shoot in 30i now but will be converting to 24p soon for my vlog.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top