Canon XH-A1 Resolution Question.
 

I have read in various posts that shooting in 1080i60 will produce a higher resolution image than shooting in 1080 30f. Can someone clarify for me if this is true, and if so, can you explain why?

Is it best to shoot in 1080i60 and then converting the footage to progressive (30p) in post or is it better to simply shoot in 1080 30f if I want the final footage to be progressive?

Thanks,
Hugh

If you want progressive, shoot in 30F and save yourself the time and effort of an unnecessary workflow in post. Meanwhile you're in the best position to answer your own question -- shoot some tests in 60i and 30F and compare them for yourself. Yes there is a slight reduction in vertical res when using Frame mode, but for most people it's a complete non-issue. If you do your own comparison and can't detect any significant loss, then it's not worth worrying about.

Thanks a lot,
Hugh

I've been shooting all my documentary stuff in 24f, but a few weeks ago I did a week long shoot for somebody else and used 60i. I know it's supposed to be a little better, but I sure can't see any difference, resolutionwise. The resolution is so high that a little difference between the modes may be measureable by engineers, but most people will never notice it. To me the 24p with the setup I'm using looks just a little better than the somewhat higher resolution 60i with the same setup, but that has nothing to do with resolution.

If I may borrow Chris' great word again, measurebating really isn't all that relevant in real world shooting.

Also, when you shoot 24 or 30F in the camera, it looks different than when you convert it with software. There's no funky judder in the real 24p footage.

I would agree about using 30f or 60i. It really up to you , you can't see any difference.

But only when you want to slow mo the shot. 60i is better than 30f

It's not my great word -- it's Ken Rockwell's, as introduced to DV Info Net by Robert Lane.

See http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/7.htm