C100: AVCHD vs H.264

[Paper_bag]

Completely clueless question. Wondering if anyone could help.

If I understand properly, the C100's codec is not only a lot more efficient than, say, a 5dMk3's, but also more grading-friendly.

But how is this possible? Are there no trade-offs to AVCHD over h.264? Alternatively, are there no advantages to h.264 over AVCHD?

 

[bengiles]

AVCHD uses an H264 codec - it is an H264/MPEG 4 format (as are the HD codecs in the 5DIII.)

"If I understand properly, the C100's codec is not only a lot more efficient than, say, a 5dMk3's, but also more grading-friendly."

It's more compressed at 24 Mbps than the options in the 5DIII, but easier to grade? I can't say my 90 Mbps Intra Frame 5DIII material is tangibly different to manipulate than my C100 material - but I haven't had to "rescue" anything yet - maybe that's where the extra data could be useful. But that additional capacity to eek out the available detail is probably inversely proportional to my ability as a colourist to take advantage of it.

Ben.