KEYING: DVC PRO codec or uncompressed?

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peter orland

Well-known member
I'm in the early stages of pre-production on a short film that is being shot on a set with the intent to shoot (greenscreen) the same actor (a clone) interrogating himself. I have a question for the forum members that have experience using the HVX for greenscreen work.

Is it worth going to the trouble of setting up a G5 with blackmagic card and attached raid and capturing to 4:2:2 10bit uncompressed (which we would have to hire)? Or is the 1080 25p DVC Pro codec able to handle keying with good/professional results?
The factors that go to make a great key possible (lighting etc...etc...) I am aware of. I'm wondering whether it's overkill or a necessity to go uncompressed?

Thanks.
 
Personally, my limited keying stuff is always done completely uncompressed. I'm sure DVCProHD will hold up fine but, when you're trying to sell an affect (and assuming you have the space), I think it's worth getting the most out of your footage.
 
peter orland said:
Is it worth going to the trouble of setting up a G5 with blackmagic card and attached raid and capturing to 4:2:2 10bit uncompressed (which we would have to hire)? Or is the 1080 25p DVC Pro codec able to handle keying with good/professional results?
The factors that go to make a great key possible (lighting etc...etc...) I am aware of. I'm wondering whether it's overkill or a necessity to go uncompressed?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Having tried both uncompressed and standard recording in DVCPRO 100 codec, I think you'll see minimal benefits from uncompressed. Only in marginal key conditions will that improvement be evident. Just light the screen correctly and enjoy...

Here's some tests I did of both...

http://www.imageshoppe.com/HVX_bluescreen2.html

Regards,

Jim Arthurs
 
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