720 vs. 1080, whats your pref?

KyleProhaska

KyleProhaska

Veteran
So what do most of you HVX users shoot in? 720 to save P2 space? 1080 because the client wants it, etc. I know 1080 doesn't have much of a resolution increase than the 720 so that might be a factor. Variable frame rates in 720? Whats your reason for the format you shoot?

- Kyle
 
I shoot almost exclusively in 720p.

Why:

1) Most usable space on P2 cards (via 720pn) and still maintain high-def

2) Can monitor focus using a standard 18" consumer LCD with DVI Transcoder

3) Easier for my editing system to handle using Raylight Blue

4) Takes up less space for achiving footage

5) Variable Frame rates
 
720p is the best "bang for the buck" mode on the HVX, for all the reasons listed above.

I prefer 1080p because it's more detailed and less compressed. It's not a LOT more detailed, only about 20% more, but hey, I want that 20% if I can get it. And it's more mildly compressed because there's 100% more bandwidth encoding 20% more detail, so it's a tad more spread out, and fewer compression artifacts.

So if you've got the storage space available, 1080p delivers better imagery. But 720pn gives you almost all the same quality, more than double the recording time, and all the other benefits. They're both high-def. I'd pick 720/60p over 1080/60i every time too. As cards get bigger, I think we'll see more people shifting to 1080p, but in these early days of small card capacities 720 has an awful lot going for it.
 
I shoot 1080P, too, because I wanted the higher quality. I use an FS-100, so storage size wasn't so much an issue. Also, with an FS-100, you didn't get additional recording time with 720P, because they only recorded at the 720/60p rate. The new 3.0 firmware now allows space savings with the lower frame rates. But I think I'll still stick with 1080P.
 
smelni said:
barry - keep your eyes on your own paper - you stole my answer :)
Click to expand...

Haha

I go with 720p for the framerates and for the space (unless its a effect shot), but when i get my drive this summer i will defenetly shoot 1080p!
 
Dunno if this is off the discussion, but what if heading for a shoot where HVX is a B camera, with Sony HDW-750 shooting 1080x1920 progressive? Some variable frame rates intended with the HVX. 1080p or 720p? Card space might pose an issue. What are the options of variable frame rates on 1080p - heard they are limited but do exist. Any thoughts about mixing the formats (HDCAM and DVCPro).
 
Thanks Barry, and the equivalent for the PAL region? Any ideas about mixing HDCAM and DVCPro HD on Final Cut Pro 5.1.2 - maybe wrong thread to ask but comments welcome.
 
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I agree with everyone's assessments.

I personally prefer shooting in 720PN because of:

1. Less storage space required with Native frame recording.

2. Fun camera modes (VFR, etc.)

3. I happen to like the somewhat softer look of the HVX200's 720P mode. A little less sharp and arguably a little more cinematic.


I'm hoping the next incarnation of this camera can get the goodies of 720P in a 1080P mode. Last time I spoke with Jan, she said it was technically impossible due to bandwidth. But hey, technology is always improving and I wouldn't doubt it if Panasonic finds a way to break the barrier.
 
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You can't edit HDCAM on FCP because there's no codec for it. You'd have to bring in your HDCAM material through another means, probably through HD-SDI on a Kona card. And if you do that, obviously the easiest way to work with the footage would be to bring it in as DVCPRO-HD.
 
Barry_Green said:
You can't edit HDCAM on FCP because there's no codec for it. You'd have to bring in your HDCAM material through another means, probably through HD-SDI on a Kona card. And if you do that, obviously the easiest way to work with the footage would be to bring it in as DVCPRO-HD.
Click to expand...

Then suppose i edit on a 1080 timeline (which in PAL region would be which sequence preset?), having *imported* the HDCAM 1080x1920p footage as DVCPRO-HD? Then, would shooting and uprezzing say 720p from the HVX to that same timeline show noticeable noise when edited side by side? (apart from chromatic differences). Thanks.
 
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Well, I'm sure there will be differences. You can't shoot HDCAM unless you're using a $50,000+ camera (unless there are cheaper ones now?) So no $6,000 camera is going to match what a $50,000 camera is giving you. And to then up-rez the $6,000 camera's output? I would think it'd stick out. Maybe not like a sore thumb, but I doubt it'd be completely seamless.

Depends on what you're mastering out to though. If you're rendering to a standard-def DVD, it should intercut seamlessly.
 
Well thing is the director has two crews assigned for this project. One with the Sony HDW-750 and i'll be handling the HVX. Understands that there will be differences and even promotes that to a certain degree aesthetically speaking. Will render an HD docu for UK TV. Just trying to achieve the optimum out of the HVX under the circumstances.
 
I'd say shoot 1080 then. We had a report from someone here not too long ago who did a filmout of HDCAM and HVX intercut and said that they did intercut fine, obviously a tad different but worked fine together. Doing 720 and up-rezzing might be asking a bit much.

If you have access to an HVX now, try your proposed workflow and see what you think of up-rezzed 720 vs. native 1080 (both from the HVX). If they look about the same to you, then you can go forward with no worries.
 
Expecting the camera to arrive in a week and got some time before the shoot to do some tests. Great forum, thanks for all the info.
 
1080p because I like the kind of handheld close up work that directors such as Inarritu are using. It gets all the wrinkles and flaws in an actor's face and brings out that much more expression.

You can still use 720 and variable frame rates. Just up rez the footage to the projects resolution when you import the footage in your NLE.
 
Go 1080 all the way.
To me the difference seems significant.
Maybe the difference seems bigger in PAL land because of the 1440 vs 1280 scaling of the 1920 pixels in 1080p. I know it shouldn't matter, but to me it seems like it does.

720 only for funny framerates.

That is NOT to say that you can't make nice images in 720p

Gunleik
 
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