4:3 or 16:9 for documentary?

D_Odell

D_Odell

Active member
Hey,

first post here and I'm going to ask one personal question about format.
In this week 41, I will start shooting a documentary in Sweden.
And since I'm filming with a DVX-100 with only 4:3 and Letter box available,
the 16:9 format is not so attractive, with all the post-work.

Should I stay with 4:3 and go for "normal" settings, because in the end it's
just my doubtful mind. Or try the Letter box and converting to 16:9 in post?


Any thoughts appreciated!
 
I would always shoot 4:3 and then add bars in post if you want them, no reason to abandon data that you might need for reframing. If you do want your documentary to be in 16:9 buy or make a frame guide for the LCD.
 
the only reason i would say shoot 4x3, letterbox and uprez, is because you can get better quality with instandHD's uprez and sharpening, enlarging 4x3 footage to 16x9, than you can shooting panasonics squeeze mode.

This is have tested.

and of course, you get the option of reframing if necessary.

shoot 4x3, not letterboxed, but use rubber bands as guidelines ( i have ilttle sharpie marks on the side of my lcd screen to help place the bands )
 
Depending on the content of the documentary there may be no reason for 16:9 in the first place. Whats your content?
 
content? This is only my opinion, but in terms of content, that would be comparing the use of 16x9 versus 2.35:1, not 4x3 or 16x9, to me thats more of a personal choice.
 
I say 4:3 for all and crop what you think you should like establishing shots and thigns of the sort. But if your going to crop to 16:9 obviously keep it at 1.85 and not an anamorphic ratio. Keep it simple, documentaries are cinematic but not so much so that you gotta crop to 2.35 thats a little overdoing it.

-Kyle
 
Oh, I certainly think content plays into a decision like that ...for docs and many feature films as well. Yes, it's a personal choice, but a personal "artistic" choice based on the look & feel the filmmaker is trying to achieve.

Bill
 
Portraying the decease Diabetes, and there will be a sort of earthly feeling, there will also be four chapters filmed with a 35mm adapter, so it's a bit experimental.

But many thanks for the recommendations, I will stay with 4:3.

Thanks!
 
Good choice and then if the CONTENT!!!!! does not gain anything by a 16:9 perspective then your right with full resolution from the cam, but if you feel it does you can easily crop it on post.
 
im.thatoneguy had a great suggestion, shoot 4:3 and use an LCD framing guide for 16:9. Be mindful of the guide when shooting so that if necessary you can crop for 16:9 in post if you decide to. This keeps you safe for your options.

You can only easily crop it in post if you shot 4:3 with consideration for 16:9. Otherwise you'll end up cutting peoples heads or feet off. It can look bad if you're not prepared.
 
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