Hi,
I did "search" and found out some answers. However, maybe you have some experience with this.

I am about to do my first two projects using 2 GL2 cameras and my question has to do with using "Frames" or "Normal" in the movie mode.

1. I'll be taping an interior musical show that will be presented on stage.

2. I'll be taping some 8 mm and Super 8 film footage from a screen. I do have complete control over the projection. I am aware of the film vs tape speed elements to consider.

Do any of you have an opinion as to whether "Frames" or "Normal" would give the better results??

Regards, Tom

Normal will give you more options in post. If you shoot in frame mode you are stuck with that. Normal will give you more options as far as conversion in post. I.E. Conversion from 60i to 24p and also 60i to 30p if you chose.

Thanks Todd,
That's just the sort of thing that I need to know. They don't even mention that in the users guide.

No problem! Just keep in mind that a lot of people still like the Frame Mode. Best thing to do is test a few different options and find what works best for you. For me, I like to capture as much information that I can and then adjust in post.

Tod,

tod is right about options, good recomends!!

I shoot almost everything in Frame. I prefer to not have to do extra work in post if possible.

Definitely do some test shooting both ways, and then mess with the normal stuff on the computer and see how you like that or doing it.

Shooting in frame mode, you lose about 30% resolution. In normal mode, deinterlaced, about 50%. I always shoot frame mode, I just hate the look on interlaced footage and the motion characteristic it captures.

If you're capturing a live event with tons of motion, interlaced will give you the "sports/news" look. Frame mode will give you real 1/60th of a second time slices Assuming that's what you have your shutter set to (30f with a 180 degree shutter).

I'll reiterate my points. I hate the interlaced look and feel. I lost 20% resolution trying to get discreet frames in post if I shoot 60i. If you intend to do any slowmo, 60i is the way to go as it will catch 60 discreet timeslices (every other field) every second as opposed to 30. You sacrifice spatial resolution here for temporal resolution.

So your question is "What look do I want for the final footage?"

Dale, Cole , and Todd,
Those are great explanations, thanks.
I was going to ask "and WHY?" in my original question, but decided that might be a bit too much. I just love to know why something works the way it does ... or doesn't.
You have all answered that "why" question very well.