Len Capristo
November 1st, 2009, 08:26 PM
I'm an amateur videographer, with limited experience mostly related to one man documentary shooting and multiple camera shoots of panel/individual speakers. I have modest experience with editing using FCP, and limited experience with audio, relying upon Rode and Shure equipment. I use my equipment for various non-profit organizations that I am a member of, and to date much of this has been in SD 4x3 format. Recently several of these groups have decided to migrate to 16x9 format, although SD is still the primary acquisition tool.
My dilemma is that I'd like to acquire higher quality equipment, but I'm unsure of formats. I've had experience with Canon XL2 and XH-A1 camcorders, but no experience with non tape cameras or formats. My final delivery will likely be DVD format, although a HD solution may be used at some point.
My knowledge of Codecs is limited, primarily learned from forums like this and internet
sites specializing in video (many are known to this group). What I have read/heard is that long GOP formats have many compromises, both in color and potential drop out loss. More sophisticated formats (P2, SxS, and non-tape solutions in general) are still evolving with new formats coming out frequently. The cost of solid state acquisition is an issue, but my bigger issue is the limited storage time on P2 and SxS media, especially compared to inexpensive MiniDV tape, and the problems imposed when shooting documentary footage with unknown shooting schedules.
I am torn between a XH-A1, HVX200/HPX170, Sony EX1/3, and others, but I'm concerned about acquisition and storage. I prefer the HVX/HPX solution, but the issue of P2 cards using is concerning.
I've tried to search this forum for posts addressing this topic, but there seems to be no single area where they are listed, leaving me searching many posts without success.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance for pointing me to threads where this has been covered, or providing direct responses to this topic.
My dilemma is that I'd like to acquire higher quality equipment, but I'm unsure of formats. I've had experience with Canon XL2 and XH-A1 camcorders, but no experience with non tape cameras or formats. My final delivery will likely be DVD format, although a HD solution may be used at some point.
My knowledge of Codecs is limited, primarily learned from forums like this and internet
sites specializing in video (many are known to this group). What I have read/heard is that long GOP formats have many compromises, both in color and potential drop out loss. More sophisticated formats (P2, SxS, and non-tape solutions in general) are still evolving with new formats coming out frequently. The cost of solid state acquisition is an issue, but my bigger issue is the limited storage time on P2 and SxS media, especially compared to inexpensive MiniDV tape, and the problems imposed when shooting documentary footage with unknown shooting schedules.
I am torn between a XH-A1, HVX200/HPX170, Sony EX1/3, and others, but I'm concerned about acquisition and storage. I prefer the HVX/HPX solution, but the issue of P2 cards using is concerning.
I've tried to search this forum for posts addressing this topic, but there seems to be no single area where they are listed, leaving me searching many posts without success.
Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance for pointing me to threads where this has been covered, or providing direct responses to this topic.