The Producers Guide To High Definition Production
With latest advances by Sony and Panasonic it is a real possibility now to shoot your new production using the latest Hi Definition cameras. The main difference between shooting in Standard definition and Hi definition is the resolution of the picture. Standard definition television is shot using 720 x 576 lines of resolution compared with Hi definition using 1920 x 1080 lines. This basically means that the resolution and detail of the picture is greatly enhanced in fact the resolution is 5 times better than shooting on Digital Betacam.
What is the difference between shooting in Progressive scan and Interlace?
In it's simplest terms shooting in progressive scan gives more of a "film" look and shooting in interlace will give more of a "video" look. Progressive Scan is where a whole frame of information is captured and then recorded working similar to a film camera, depending on the camera you can record anything from 4 frames a second to 60 frames although for most applications 25 frames per second is best for UK transmission.
When should I consider shooting in progressive scan or interlace?
If you're working on dramas, documentaries, features etc then you might want to consider shooting your programme in progressive scan. The images are better in progressive and does give a good filmic look. However if you're shooting at 25fps this doesn't give a smooth motion on fast moving objects so, if you're shooting a sport event or a live concert then Interlace might be better. Some cameras like the Panasonic Varicam can shoot anything from 4 fps to 60 fps so smooth motion can be achieved with the higher frame rates.
The Cameras and how do they differ
Sony F900
Top of the range HD Camcorder using the HD Cam format and recording 1080 lines or information. You can shoot all main frame rates but doesn't shoot over 30 fps. The camera is ideal if your shooting drama, motion pictures, commercials and higher end work. Also good if your working for the US market as you can shoot at US frame rates (23.98fps or 24fps).
Sony HDW750
The direct HD replacement for the Digi Beta. The camera shoots on the HD cam format and records 1080 lines of information. You can shoot at 25 fps or 50i (interlace) the camera is Ideal for general everyday HD filming for the UK and European market. I wouldn't recommend using this camera if your final product is for the US market, as it doesn't shoot at US frame rates.
Panasonic Varicam
Panasonics top of the range camcorder shooting on the DVC Pro HD format and recording 720 lines of information. What sets this camera off from all the others is it's ability to shoot any frame rate from 4fps to 60fps. If your shooting wildlife or anything that requires slow motion then this camera is ideal, most of BBC' s "Planet Earth" series was shot using this camera.
Panasonic 900
The camera shoots on the DVC Pro HD format and records 720 lines of information. You can shoot all the main frame rates including frame rates for the US market.
Arri D20
Geared towards a direct replacement to a 35mm motion picture camera. The camera uses PL lens mounts, the same lens mounts as 35mm film cameras therefore you can use existing 35mm films lenses on this camera. You do require a separate recorder and ideally the HD Cam SR recorder is the way forward. Only for big budget projects but if you've got deep pockets and want the best then the quality is superb.
Can you tell the difference between the Panasonic formats and the Sony HD cam format?
HD cam records 1080 lines of information where the Panasonic records 720 lines of information. You would think therefore that the HD cam format produces the best pictures, in practise this is not true. Both camera formats produce great pictures and due to the different compression rates the picture quality appears the same. If the final product is to be shown on a big screen or to be transferred to film then perhaps Sony's 1080 line HD cam format will be better.
Frame Rates
25fps or 50i UK and Europe Transmission
23.98fps, 24fps, 59.94i USA
59.94i Japan
24fps Frame rate used for Motion picture films and drama
Why do you have to use HD lenses when shooting in HD?
Standard definition lenses can be used on HD cameras but not recommended. The HD lenses are specifically designed to get you the best images from the cameras, focusing is a lot more critical on HD therefore you do need the quality of the HD lens to get the sharpest images. Another possibility is to use prime lenses or even 35mm film lenses using a pro 35 adapter. This will also improve the image further and give a very realistic film look. These lenses are used when shooting motion picture films.
My programme is to be shown in the UK and also sold to the US what frame rate should I shoot on?
If you're shooting for UK television then it's best to shoot at 25fps. Do all the postproduction in 25fps and then slow it down to 24fps for the international market. You will need to take into account the pitch change in sound, which will happen when it's slowed down, viewers don't notice slower pictures but they do notice the pitch change in sound. If you shot at 720 lines you might need to up convert your material to 1080 lines for delivery.
The resolution and picture quality of the Hi Definition cameras can be compared to shooting on 35mm film without the huge production costs. High Definition is a great format there are many advantages in using it and if you're thinking of selling the programme on to international clients then you can "future proof " your project by having the master on HD.
I'm very proficient in HD and have shot several projects on this wonderful new medium, if you're interested in shooting your next production in Hi definition then please contact me.