to HD or to not HD

seansshack

seansshack

Well-known member
Would it be insane to consider shooting a short film in low definition?

I have a story and "potential" props/costumes, but no access to high def equipment - just a bog standard hard disk video camera.

Would I be wiser to wait and invest in a HD camera config before shooting this short?
 
Not insane at all. Check out "Iraq In Fragments" and the short "Similo", both shot on the DVX. I will now open the floor to everyone and their brother who thinks we're both insane...:beer:

Peace,
S-
 
If the fact that it's not HD will break your movie, then you really shouldn't be making it to start with.
 
If the fact that it's not HD will break your movie
Click to expand...

Well didn't mean to imply it would break it. But I don't want it to get dismissed because of medium rather than content. (if that makes sense).

More is it worth investing in a standard definition short movie in this high definition age sort of question...

Check out "Iraq In Fragments"
Click to expand...

Checked out the website and trailer and WOW.
 
a good movie in sd, people will stick around for the content
a terrible movie in hd, no ones gonna watch it because of the quality

if you dont want to break the bank on an hd cam but still want hd
many people use the hv20 to film their shorts here, there about 600 bucks
 
Hi,

My guess is that Huy Vu means there's so much costs (up front, on going, and hidden) that some of this cost might be trivial in the long run.

A fellow countryman of yours shot a top notch movie in Dublin called Once with a Sony Z1. The specs on that camera aren't far from a Canon HV20.

You likely can borrow an HDV camera to make your movie (which isn't any harder to edit than DV and uses the same tapes) and at least have a larger palette for distribution if it goes that far. And I would suggest that you borrow or rent instead of buy. You can engage a friend with an HDV camera to work with you to save money and have extra help.

That said, I think what Tashbee was getting at was distribution is the literally last thing that should be on your mind, the first is getting a good story.

Good luck!
 
But a pretty picture is important, and I think these days you can't deny the fact that comsumers and movie goers alike prefer the look of HD. They've been conditioned to like it. and if you take a step backwards and make an SD feature, they might be first taken aback by the quality. There's a reason Panasonic replaced the DXV with the HMC150
 
Technology is always improved upon and eventually gets replaced. Good writing, direction, performance and editing are just that and aren't dependent on the latest camera et al.

Watch Steve Buscemi's Lonesome Jim. Shot on DVX and an excellent film. The story carries it.
 
I would say the only relevant factor in question is how you intend to release the short? On what platform?
 
instead of buying an HD camera, Hire a DP, and rent an HD camera. it will still be cheaper than purchasing, and now it comes with someone who know what they are doing with it.....
 
Cheers.

Will think over suggestions.

Already have a script and (too) many ideas. But will need to work out cost/time etc.

Thanks again.
 
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