Sharpness: CP or Post?
 

Hey Guys

I have a question to ask, regarding sharpness and the VX2000. Although this is my first post, I've been watching the boards (in particular the VX2000/PD150 board) for some time, and it seems that quite a few people prefer sharpening their video in post production rather than using the CP.

My question is; why? What is the advantage in doing it yourself in post rather than letting the camera take care of it? Is it just it gives you more control? I am using Premiere 6.

Any help would be much appreciated

Regards

Mark Kingham

Anytime you can make choices in the comfort and convenience of your editing desk, you are ahead. Any choice you make in the camera, you HAVE to live with.

I have a lot of filters for my 150 and I only use the UV (always) and the rotating polarizer (sparingly).

I think you should use presets to create the picture you like best in most situations and almost always use that setup. Deviate only when shooting conditions force a change. Make all artistic decisions other than those strictly associated with making a good shot at the editing desk.

It is only my opinion, mind you.

I agree with Mike, once it's on tape, you live with it like it or not. I would rather not do a certain effect than have the chance of one of my clients coming to me and hating the effect and there's nothing I can do short of redit and delting the scene.

Hello Mark,

A safe rule I always abide by is as follows

sharpen in camera CP, soften in post

there are some technical reasons...

1 sharpen in camera CP happens prior to storing on DV tape, whereas any sharpening in post will also sharpen any recorded DV artifacts like mosquito noise and CCD noise etc

2 soften in post is preferred since any CCD noise will also be softened along with DV artifacts

The rare occasion I sharpen in camera CP is when I have an adapter on the lens to offset any slight softness brought on by the adapter

hope this is of use

Hey Guys

Thanks for your quick replies. I can see both points of view now, and so I guess Ill try a few tests and see just what results I can get.

It's amazing how much of an improvement can be made in post to DV footage. Although I have After Effects I very rarely use it and tend to stick to premiere to alter things like the gamma level, contrast and the brightness. I do tend to make all of my video very slightly more contrasty in post to make it a little more 'punchy' without making it unnatural.

Thanks again