should I get PAL or NTSC?

Hi to all,

This is my first posting in this forum. I’ve read the thread with a great interest. I am purchasing soon an HVX200 and am facing some problems. First, I have a problem finding the camera. The reason for this is my location. Here, in Bulgaria the camera can be found only at the official distributor (I’m not at all considering a grey-market purchase) and it has the shocking price of approximately $9600 (incl. VAT). I think it’s a PAL version but I didn’t even ask, because I am not going to pay this amount.

My options are – purchasing an NTSC version from B&H or flying to UK and purchasing a PAL version. It’s a difficult choice not only in terms of the differences between the two cameras, but the way in which it will be purchased.

I may need a little help first in choosing between the NTSC and PAL version. From what I know and understand till know the PAL version has a higher resolution (1440 x 1080) in HD mode, but the NTSC version has the capability of the higher frame rates. My greatest concerns are related to the slow-motion effect which I will be able to utilize. Reading the “Invaluable Guide” to the HVX200, I understand that both PAL and NTSC are capable to achieve a 50% slow down in 30p/60fps and 25p/50fps modes. So, my question is – are these results relatively comparable? If I shoot a very fast moving object, let’s say a very fast moving sports car, will I gain more usable frames with the 30p/60fps mode of NTSC? Also, will there be much difference in terms of resolution? I guess my question is – if the resolution of the NTSC version is less, is the number of additional frames hopefully achieved worth the loss of resolution (if any) when shooting fast moving objects?

I know that for many of you these are lame questions or may be even meaningless, but I hope that if someone has experience in shooting in these modes, will be able to shed some light on the subject.

Thanks,
Val
 
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Fil,

trust me you wont regret getting the PAL hvx.. 25p is amazingly filmlike, i had the same concern before i got the camera, also you will have great SD footage which has a higher res than ntcs, for example shooting dv50 at 720x576 rocks.
 
Welcome Hawk1

Its tricky. Though the higher frame rate is available in the 60Hz [NTSC] its directly comparible to the highest frame rate in the 50Hz [PAL] version.

In both cases you get half speed when you compare 50FPS played at 25FPS with 60FPS played at 30FPS. You'll get an even slower option when you play back 60FPS at 24FPS.

So you could buy the NTSC and shoot 60FPS and then frame print that into a 25p timeline to achieve slightly slower than half speed, but would you notice that much of a difference?

Maybe, maybe not. To be honest if you want higher frame rates than half speed slow motion then you should rent a higher speed film camera just for those shots. Many HD film productions that shot on Vipers, hired a high speed 35mm for the explosions only.

If you went 60Hz HVX. you'd still have the headache of shooting 60FPS, 30FPS or 24FPS footage that would need to be conformed to 25FPS in PAL countries.

It all boils down to what your final footage is ending up on. If its mainly film then NTSC could be the way to go. If its mainly TV and you are in PAL land then go PAL.

Whatever you go, the HVX is a great camera so go for it !

in terms of where to buy, have you tried places in Germany, Italy or France? They're closer to you and might have a lower VAT than the 17.5% in the UK. Might be worth looking into.

thanks and lets see some fantastic stuff whatever you get !!!!

Majormorgan
 
Thanks for all your help!

It turns out finally that I will by flying to UK to get the PAL version.
I'm sorry if it's offtopic, but I wanted to ask - will I be able to carry the HVX on board the plane provided that the bag fits the limitations?
Also, do you think I will have problems if a carry the money in cash? Is this allowed?

Thanks,
Val
 
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