Quote:
Originally Posted by Christian Magnussen
Theory and maths are one thing, the real world often is another. I'm not shure if this subsampling is hurting the image as much as it looks on paper.
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In this case, I think it is, and as evidence I'd give how current HVX200 users see a big resolution improvement between 720p mode and 1080p mode, and I'd suggest that's largely due to the horizontal recording resolution. But to get that 1280 horizontal with DVCProHD, they have to go to 1080p - and lose high progressive frame rates, varispeed, lower data rates of 720pn/24 etc.
AFAIK all other 720 recording systems are square pixel, full 1280x720 raster - JVC HDV, XDCAM 720p, and now AVC-HD from Panasonic. I'm not suggesting DVCProHD 720 will therefore look rubbish, but that if a better option now exists, why not use it? The origins of 960x720 are buried in history, original designs having to use 4 DV codec chips in parallel, and it's time to move on. (One pair gave 2x 720x480 (960x720), using two pairs together enabled progressive.)
Subsampling 1080 systems like HDCAM is one thing, subsampling 720 is quite another.
As far as the comments about the relative flimsiness of SDHC cards goes, well, it's a good point. With the HMC151 there's not a lot that can be done about it, but at least with the EX there's the option of either using proper SxS cards in extreme conditions, or having a Kensington adaptor for every SD card - still vastly cheaper than P2 or SxS. In another thread more than one user has cited SDHC as being a tipping point in favour of getting an EX, and my personal hope is that the SDHC solution will prompt Sony/Sandisk etc to bring out a certified, lower spec, lower cost card. They'll realise that what they lose in expensive card prices, they gain in far more cards sold and increased camera sales.
I see the move to solid state from tape as happening in three stages. First, able to do it at all, second, able to shoot for at least a day without on location downloading, and the final stage being able to not have to download at all. P2 pioneered the first stage, is now reaching the second stage (depending on user), but can never be suitable for stage 3. You'll get ever bigger P2 cards, but never get a smaller card for $20-30 in the way you can SD cards at the moment.