Is HDV downsample to SD better than DV

Ros wrote on 2/24/2005, 4:51 PM
If I shoot with a SONY HVRZ1U in HDV format, and downsample the video in-camera to SD, will the SD video be better than DV footage from a Sony PD150? If better, how much better?

Also will the SD footage be mpeg2 or will it be DV.

I am about to purchase a second camera but I hesitate between a HVTZ1U and a PD170.
Don't really need the HDV, besides the 24p, but if I was to use it, could I zoom in the HDV footage and then transfer it to SD?

Thanks,
Robert

Comments

B_JM wrote on 2/24/2005, 5:07 PM
it woudl look better IMO , maybe others couldl show you real world examples shooting the same scene w/ both cameras..

the SD footage would be in whatever format you down size it to .. mpeg2 woudl not be a good choice , DV could be alright - huffyuv or low compression mjpeg would be better
epirb wrote on 2/24/2005, 5:26 PM
I dont have comparison photos, you might find some on the VASST site.
But I can tell you with certianty, downconvert the footage in Vegas, it does a better job . You can visualy see the difference for sure.
Spot|DSE wrote on 2/24/2005, 8:22 PM
Indeed. You can look at the job the cam does, and it's quite nice, but let Vegas do it and you get quite great. I've done downsamples in Vegas, MSP, Premiere, and Final Cut Express. Only Vegas does a better job than the camera, with the other apps, you want to let the camera do the work.
jaegersing wrote on 2/25/2005, 6:34 AM
Hi Spot. Vegas can't actually capture it though, is that right?

Richard Hunter
Spot|DSE wrote on 2/25/2005, 7:13 AM
No. For the moment, you have to use one of two third-party tools to capture the HDV.
Cineform-best method
CapDVHS-lesser, but free method.

Cineform sets up the Digital Intermediary, and uses a proprietary codec, CapDVHS only captures, and you'd be editing raw transport streams. Not a good thing/experience.
smurphco wrote on 2/25/2005, 9:22 AM
I can confirm Spot's comments. I have recently compared down conversion methods from an FX1 to SD, and the Vegas/CF combo provides the best working method and best final results. In camera came second, Premiere third.

Additionally, I have found shooting HDV on the FX1 and rendering in SD produced a better image than simply shooting in SD with the FX1 or the other SD cameras I had available for comparison (XL2 and an AG-DVX100).

Steve