Yuval's HVX 35mm film-out report

[Emanuel]

For those who need for a 35mm film-out and don't want spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt but at same time wish a brand agnostic POV, Yuval's report represent it - this balance.

It's really neutral, an independent point from an indie like us that is looking for the best solution without other connections unless his projects. Take a look in his own website and any one can say what I'm saying. It's also an example to take.

As well, this position paper speaks about all the concerns that we have without to hide any sensitive aspect like pixelization, compression artifacts, noise...well, that's "all" there. And it presents clear results from who saw it @big screen.

LINK(S):
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=41095&page=2
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?t=41095&page=3
http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showthread.php?p=377305#post377305 [the last one, today]

Any thoughts?

 

[holyzoo]

Ah, cool. I would have missed that. That ties into what I was discussing with my tests on Michael Pappas's raw footage here:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V3/showpost.php?p=377153&postcount=65

I think, based on what I've seen from his footage, and also footage shot with the Varicam, that getting proper exposure is a must, or either suffer the wrath of compression artifacts from having to brighten underexposed footage, or scrap the footage. With DV and HDV (from XL-H1) you can get away with much more, but it will result in a bunch of grain (not exactly great either, but better than the compression artifacts). So that begs the question - why not go HDV? So far here are the main reasons to choose the HVX200 over the XL-H1 or other HDV cams.

- I'm done with tape, and I want instant file transfer via P2.
- If I was recording to tape with HDV, it has compatibility issues with other decks, and Canon doesn't even have a deck out yet. So it would be all about capturing everything with the camcorder itself. Ughh.
- I don't want to deal with HDV conversion to an intermediate codec.
- No long-gop Mpeg2, but rather independant frame compression in DVCPRO HD.
- HDV back out to Mpeg2 is a recipe for blocky artifacts. I'm sure there's much to it, but I think that just equates to double compression. At least DVCPRO HD to Mpeg2 is a conversion to a different compression format which won't *amplify* compression artifacts.
- I want the option of all the formats available in the HVX200, including DV50.
- Variable frame rates in 720p.
- More responsive recording, Pre-record, and efficient time-lapse without tape head wear.
- Better 4:2:2 color space, although I'm no longer seeing this as being as important for green/blue screen keying since seeing it's probably a toss up now between HDV and DVCPRO HD because of comparitive level of noise.

So that leaves me really with only 2 benefits of HDV (XL-H1) over DVCPRO HD (HVX200).

- Recording HD to tape (cheap and easy)
- An arguably cleaner image from the start.

I think I'll keep my pre-order and put the camera through it's paces. If it fails me, I'm selling it and getting the XL-H1. I hope this isn't the case.