HD film question

S

s37d

New member
Hey guys, amateur here. I have a couple questions. I'm thinking of making a short film and have been told that HD is the way to go these days since that's the direction everything is heading in, and also HD transfers better to the big screen. I have done some research and the XH A! looks like a good bang for the buck HD camera.

I am curious though, after you've imported film from the camera onto your computer and then edited the film, how do you go about getting it onto a projector/ the big screen while still retaining the HD quality? Do you need to have a Blu-Ray burner? Thanks
 
most festivals limit it to an HDCAM tape, if you want to project HD. for standard def they take a handful of formats (DVD, DVCAM, BETA, DIGIBETA). but right now most festivals only accept HDCAM for high-def projection. tey don't even take HDCAM SR because the deck is too expensive, even to rent. Blu-ray is just barely starting to show up, but it's far from being widely accepted.
 
Ah thanks for that resposne Zak. So if you edit the film on your computer, how do you get the finished product out onto an HDCAM tape?
 
A little tip.

Make your product first, then look at what delivery options you will need.

The road to a finished film is alot harder, then the road from the master to the big screen.
 
Thanks, I understand. I'm just trying to decide whether I should purhase an HD am or an SD cam. If it's going to be too difficult to output HD video, then I'll go with SD. Just need to know how most people who film and edit their own HD content get it onto the big screen.
 
s37d said:
Hey guys, amateur here. I have a couple questions. I'm thinking of making a short film and have been told that HD is the way to go these days since that's the direction everything is heading in, and also HD transfers better to the big screen. I have done some research and the XH A! looks like a good bang for the buck HD camera.

I am curious though, after you've imported film from the camera onto your computer and then edited the film, how do you go about getting it onto a projector/ the big screen while still retaining the HD quality? Do you need to have a Blu-Ray burner? Thanks
Click to expand...

Welcome aboard we have all been where you are at and it is going to be a fun ride. Without question the best bang for the buck is a USED XHA1. If you can afford new then go for it. For the cost, nothing even comes close.

Blu-Ray burner. (If you want HD) But you could film in HD and then downconvert. Most fesitvals still blow up your film in SD (Take your tape or CD and project it in SD). This will be changing slowly over the next few years though. (XHA1 future proofs you a bit in that regard)

Viewing your work on the big screen in a giant movie theatre full of people is one of the most amazing feelings in the world.

---------------------------------------------

Advice for you....

It is not the camera that makes a good film.

Read Learn and Study.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

A good book to read....
THE GUERRILLA'S FILMAKER Handbook
 
s37d said:
Thanks, I understand. I'm just trying to decide whether I should purhase an HD am or an SD cam. If it's going to be too difficult to output HD video, then I'll go with SD. Just need to know how most people who film and edit their own HD content get it onto the big screen.
Click to expand...

Thats OK

I think the real question would be more like.

"What camera, settings etc, should I use for a movie project"


Basicly, the bigger the screen, the more important resolution will be.

HD biggest disadvantage, is its low light capacity, so if you shooting weddings thats going to DVD, it can sometimes make sense to use SD cams.

But for film projects that uses controlled lighting, HD is the way to go.

And the XHA1 is an excellent camera for low budget film production. 24F with custom made presets, are a good deal. Also add smal stuff like 2,35:1 framing etc makes the cam even more attractive.
 
Thanks that's the advice I was looking for. I think I'll go with the XH-A1, then.

As far as a microphone, because I assume the default microphone isn't that great, what are soem good brands/models/types you guys would recommend?
 
What type of movie are you planning to film?

Are there alot of location filming or is it in studio?
Indoors outdoors?

Aways easier to help when we have some background info.
 
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