Using the Nanoflash on straight to DVD projects

[rc444]

Hi there,

I am directing a short film. We are looking at a range of accessories for our camera kit.

My focus puller has suggested we use the Nanoflash. In short, it is a device that lets you obtain 120 Mbps data from a camera, according to my focus puller.

I have a concern that if we use the Nanoflash, since we are going to DVD with this project -- and since DVDs are only 4.7 Gb in capacity -- I worry that using the Nanoflash won't make a difference. If anything, I fear that it will only mean we'll have to compress the film even more to fit the 4.7 Gb capacity of the DVD if we use this new toy.

If we were mastering to HDCAM SR I could see a purpose for the Nanoflash, but I perceive since we can only afford going to DVD that the difference in quality will be negligible.

Is my reasoning correct?

David

 

[RyanT]

What camera are you shooting on?

The nanoflash is a really cool little tool. I worked on a TV show a while ago with a bunch of F35's and we replaced a giant ghostbusters-esque backpack of recording decks with that tiny little nanoflash. After watching it work all of the AC's were just ecstatic.

I sort of liken it to shooting HD though. Would you still shoot HD knowing that a lot of times it will usually just end up in standard definition? It's always better to start with a better looking image and compress it.

Really though you should just talk to your DP and worry about the actors.

 

[Duke M.]

Is my reasoning correct?

No.

The Nanoflash files have more resoluton and more color data. Grading will be easier, keying will be easier, final resolution will be better, motion artifacts will be reduced.

 

[Barry_Green]

Using a nanoflash for a direct-to-DVD project is a massive amount of overkill. You certainly don't need it.

 

[El Director]

It really depends on what your shooting style is. I'm starting to move into a Bourne-esque direction, so there's a lot of shaky cam that GOP just can't handle right. Way too much compression. So we're adopting a nanoflash to help us avoid the artifacts from a fast moving image.

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

All nice and pretty but it would be nice of the company didn't engage in false advertising. Sure they pulled the worst looking frame from the bunch and compared it against their pristine image of the fireworks but just let this video clip play and i'm sure many won't see that much difference.

Nothing against the product, but something against a company engaging in twisting the facts to their own benefit.