Stupid question...

Rylan Zolinski

Rylan Zolinski

Well-known member
I've already been working with cameras (XL2 and XHA1) for the past few years and never really understood this:

With my XHA1, why would I shoot SD over HD? I know that question itself sound silly since many televisions don't support HD and whatnot, but what difference does it make if I shoot in HD with hardware (T.V's, or whatever) that don't support HD?
 
Editing and compatibility. If you're handing off the tape to another client, SD material can be digitized by any decks or camera whereas Canon HD F mode can only be read by Canon cameras. If the final result is to be delivered in DVD for example then shooting SD makes it easier to edit which saves you time. I regularly shoot SD for long form event coverage that will be delivered in DVD anyway and it's much easier to handle several hours of DV materials in post than HDV.
 
Your question is valid. Many people scratched their heads when the HVX200 had a tape deck, SD only.

The truth is, why not? 95% of the time, if you own an HD camera you are shooting HD.

But I've found myself shooting MiniDV SD tapes in the HVX for many occasions in which I never thought I'd have to.

1) If you are doing someone a favor who does not own HD editing quality programs... such as actor friends who want a quick audition tape to send away... they will edit on imovie or even just use iDvD. So they don't have the money, equipment, or knowhow to take a proprietary HD packaging. This has many other examples.

2) Dubbing. I love the fact my HVX can take composite inputs and record to tape. I've used this doing docs and what-not, when I come across media I can't take with me, such as someones rare home footage or personal video.

3) Long duration recording. People can shoot lower resolutions or to tape to conserve what could require costly card rentals or purchases. This is becoming obsolete the longer cards continue to grow in size and shrink in cost.

4) Many other reasons, such as wanting that look for some reason or another.


I think you are seeing the tail end of this trend. Think of the HVX and AI the transition cameras. For now on, I doubt you will ever see a 'tape' based line of product, no less the dual tape/card setup the HVX has, as seen in the tapeless HVX200a and HPX170.

SD may still be offered in the flavors of shooting because it's not hard to do, and why not have the choice.?
 
it's an option for people working in sd land that only want sd footage, don't like to down-convert from hd, or are working with old software that is only stable or can only do sd.

it's an option, you don't have to use it.
 
Thanks for the replies. That was lots of help. I have one last question: So shooting in SD and HD but playing it on a non-compatible HD television will look the very same?
 
if you can connect through an sd connection, it will be sd and look better than the sd(quality wise).(footage is converted before it reaches the tv).
 
I have a friend who shoots weddings with an XHA1 and he uses DV mode for two major reasons. The final product will be output to DVD so shooting/editing/finishing in DV is way easier and faster. Also with HDV, like the XHA1 uses, there is a real possibility of drop-outs which are 15 frames with HDV. He'd hate to lose the "I DO" because of a drop-out. And the XHA1 shoots fantastic images in DV too.

I also use an XHA1 but just as a hobbyist. I always shoot in HD because I can usually cut around the drop-outs, and I output to Bluray.
 
mobhb said:
I have a friend who shoots weddings with an XHA1 and he uses DV mode for two major reasons. The final product will be output to DVD so shooting/editing/finishing in DV is way easier and faster. Also with HDV, like the XHA1 uses, there is a real possibility of drop-outs which are 15 frames with HDV. He'd hate to lose the "I DO" because of a drop-out. And the XHA1 shoots fantastic images in DV too.

I also use an XHA1 but just as a hobbyist. I always shoot in HD because I can usually cut around the drop-outs, and I output to Bluray.
Click to expand...


i've never had a dropout with my A1. You make it sound like dropouts are a normal occurrence. Doubt it's the camera.
 
skinny! said:
i've never had a dropout with my A1. You make it sound like dropouts are a normal occurrence. Doubt it's the camera.
Click to expand...

Yep, usually the tape I'm sure, in my case anyways. I don't use the $20 "HDV" tapes, just the standard DV ones. I usually get one or two drops per 1hour tape.
 
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