Should I film in 50i or PF25 format

Question

Level 4

1,215 points

Should I film in 50i or PF25 format

Hello,

Apologies if this has done the rounds before, but despite searching both here and via Google, I cannot get a clear answer. As my Sony HDR-HC3 is broken (screen no longer works and therefore no menu), which recorded 1080/50i into HDV tape, I am in the process of looking for a new camcorder. I am tempted with the Canon XA10, but am not clear of the real world difference between shooting in 50i or PF25 (progressive 25fps shot in 50i wrapper). I would have expected PF25 to be the best option, but a friend who makes film says 50i is the best but she cannot remeber the reasons why.

The footage will in the longer term go onto an Apple TV once/if they bring out a 1080P version, for use at home, and burning to DVD to send copies to family, and perhaps Blu Ray if I get a burner in the future. My TV is an LCD panel, and expect progressive is the way to go expect for the DVDs. I have also heard of atrifacting with interlaced, as 50i is shooting 25 sets of paired frames (half the data on each). I believe PF25 shotos a frame and duplicates it as the second frame of an interlaced sequence, therefore giving 25 duplicated frames in a 50i timeline.

If I get the Canon, should I shoot 50i or PF25 to get the best quality. My footage is mainly of my 4 year old daughter, some material at church services, and plan to video some local bands in my village. My daugher is quite active, and wondering if PF25 would be quick enough for her fast running around etc.

Finally, would a camcorder with a 1080/50p mode be better, but from what I understand, there is not format for this combination, not even on Blu Ray.

Any advice most welcome. Seems moving from HDV tape into AVCHD is a minefield.

best wishes,

Simon

Posted on Sep 3, 2011 1:56 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Sep 4, 2011 7:42 AM in response to Simon Clayton

These are not really the parameters on which to base your camera purchase decision.

Frame rate is not the same as shutter speed.

You want a camera that shoots video files that will not need to be transcoded to a useful editing format.

You want a camera that suits your needs for budget, lighting conditions, zoom capacity, recording format, recording media, accessories, ease of use, built-in software, and your ability to use it.

You will not notice any difference between shooting interlaced and progressive unless you know what you're looking for. It's just not a factor in the larger decision.

The differences between PAL interlaced and progressive orgination and editing and distribution are discussed widely on wikis and video format reference sites.

Just buy a simple camera that will work with iMovie and start enjoying the task of recording your family's lives. Learn to use the camera, learn to use the editor, learn to store and catalog (and cull ruthlessly) your endless horus of footage and THEN think about buying a more advanced camera system.

Reply