Isco 42 1.5x: What's the best aspect ratio to squeeze to?

FoodDude

Well-known member
Just got my first anamorphic, an Isco 42 for use with my 5d2 with Zeiss C/Y 50/1.4 & 100/2, thanks to AlphaLX!

I did some testing on it already and trying to figure out what aspect ratio to stick with, as I convert all my h.264's to prores and now, at the same time squeeze it to save time using mpegstreamclip.


So my Q is... what is the preferred aspect ratio for this Isco 1.5x?

I tested it based on faces (fat versus skinny vs normal) and my opinions so far:

2.35:1, too "skinny" and stretched vertically
2.4:1, still a little stretched vertically
2.44:1, looks pretty good, maybe perfect?
2.5:1, this looks almost perfect too?
2.67:1 (the correct 1.5x squeeze, numbers wise ..correct?), way too fat, noticeably fat.

...I'm looking for the perfect ratio with the most normal look.

I notice lots on vimeo are only squeezing to 2.35:1. Is it me, or am I the only one that sees this ratio too vertically-stretched and too skinny?




I also tried the circle test, But I think faces are more important and noticeable. A perfect circle, makes for a fat face.

I noticed one thing though. When ones "dutches" from level to an angle, the image skews heavily before the squeeze. Different squeeze aspect ratios have none to less to more "skew during dutch" than others. Maybe this is a good way to reference what is the perfect/normal ratio. I notice the less squeeze (say 2.35), skews slightly during a dutch, and more of a squeeze eliminates it (2.5 & 2.67 the "skew from a dutch roll" is basically gone). 2.44 there is very slightly skew, but a lot less skew than 2.35. Right now I am deciding on just sticking with 2.44 (aren't alot of dvd's 2.44 as well when not 2.35?) or 2.5:1.

btw...what are the most popular ratio's of DVDs/movies (says on the back of DVD covers) besides 2.35? I think I remember seeing 2.44:1 alot (can't really check, since all my dvd's are burnt, lol - yes, I am a cheap @rse, ha)
 
post frame grab non squeezed ,then we could figure it out exzactly for you together,you can post 2 frames ,one with infinity in focus and one with something close,like someones face or something, because with some anamorphics aspect ratio isnt exactly the same on infinity and close focus.
So people are taller when on infinity and fat when close ,on "fixed" anamorphics this problem was thrown by panavision to out of focus area.
 
2.35:1 1920x816 is a bit compressed but can look good for effect, I deliberately went for that look in my film. 2.66:1 1920x720 is about right/normal.
 
As i wrote it depends if youre far or close to the camera.Squeeze ratio is not even in old anamorphics.
 
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