HD-SDI functionality on XH G1

R

rc444

Well-known member
Hi everyone,

I'm thinking of either getting the XH G1 or the XH A1. Obviously the G1 has the jackpack function. The main drawcard of this for me is the HD-SDI feature. As far as I'm aware, Apple computers don't have an HD-SDI port.

If I went with the XH G1, and wanted to use the import the footage as HD-SDI material onto FCP, would buying the extra equipment to ingest the footage as an HD-SDI signal into FCP involve yet another cost?

The XH G1 is significantly more expensive than the A1, of course. But, the HD-SDI function is very appealing for me. I am concerned that if I got the G1, it may involve more even more costs in terms of getting additional equipment to make HD-SDI work to it's full advantage.

The camera is a cost in itself, but if getting additional boxes for HD-SDI etc involves more money, perhaps then I am better off ith the A1.

So, A1 or G1??? Price of the cameras is not really an issue. It's just what I would have to spend afterwards if I got the G1 that bothers me.

What are your thoughts?

rc444
 
I think the choice rather depends upon what you want to do with your camera. Let me preface my comments by saying that I'm no expert on all the technologies you're talking about, but I have done some research on this before I bought my A1. I looked at both XH models and saw no benefit for me in going with the G1.

If you're going to capture to tape, it'll be HDV. The HD-SDI port won't buy you any quality. Capturing the tape to your computer will be the same quality using firewire as as you'll get via HD-SDI (if you can even capture the tape that way... I don't know about this). Nonetheless, what's on the tape is HDV and the best quality you're going to get using tape is HDV. Firewire will capture that just fine.

Now, if you're going to capture to an external device (disk, computer using the HD-SDI interface, etc.), or if you're going to use the camera in a studio, the G1 gives you some additional options over the A1 that provide higher quality video and additional capabilities. I haven't concerned myself much with the details because I capture exclusively to tape at the moment.

So, I go back to my original statement. The choice depends on how you're going to use your camera. If you're going to use it in more esoteric ways (compared to me) hopefully others with more knowledge on the subject will chime in with their valuable insight.
 
What would I need to capture my footage from my A1 directly into my laptop running the latest Final Cut Pro? This might be another option for rc44. Do we Firewire connect the camera to the laptop, boot up FCP and then go into a menu to select capture or something? Can we then offer the director playback on the laptop without rewinding the tape in the camera? Is this a decent workflow?
 
It can work but you'll have to take that laptop with you wherever you go with the camera. I don't think there are very long firewire cables, so if you were filming static scenes, yeah it could work, but if you are wanting to do Steadicam "run around" stuff then it just won't do.

Don't forget, there are a few companies developing Compact Flash recorders for cameras now, particularly Convergent Designs and Cineform. These recorders are taking advantage of the HD-SDI and HDMI ports on cameras these days to give flash recording to everyone. Maybe the G1 won't be much better than the A1 for now but once these recorders come out you may be glad you have an HD-SDI equipped camera to take advantage rather than having to spend extra on one or two converter boxes to get HD-SDI.
 
Whats the price of a G1 these days? From what I recall it was fairly expensive.

Theres always the EX1 which has SDI out (not sure if it has genlock - but doesnt sound like you need it).

To capture the SDI out of your cam your going to need a mac pro with a fast raid set up for starters and something like the Blackmagic Decklink HD exxtreme to run the SDI into the mac... thats at a minimum and all that isnt gong to be cheap.
 
The HD-SDI port won't buy you any quality
Click to expand...

The idea of capturing SDI out on the G1 would be to get 4:2:2 color space instead of 4:2:0 (HDV). You can't do this in playback but only in live recording.


Marco
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top