Is all 720 x 480 video 4:3?

720x480 is 3:2. It can display as 4:3 or as 16:9 widescreen if the image is anamorphically squeezed.

Hello stanwelks,

the short answer is: No. NTSC SD video is always 720 x 480 ... the difference between 4:3 and 16:9 video is the pixel aspect ratio: (almost) square vs. rectangular.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixelaspectratio

I don't have any practical experience with widescreen adapters, but my guess is that what you will get is letterboxed 4:3 footage, even though with better quality than when simply using the camcorders built in 16:9 conversion.

hope this helps

mish

This is not correct. The image will not be letterboxed. Using an anamorphic lens will have the same effect as using an anamorphic PAR. You simply have to tell FCP the material is anamorphic when you capture it.

Tom,

thanks for clearing this up ... wasn't sure of this one

mish

And while we're at it, not all NTSC SD video is 720x480. Broadcast standard is... er, WAS 720x486

Thanks Tom Wolsky for that info !