NTSC vs PAL

freeLANCEr wrote on 2/11/2009, 12:49 PM

I live in South Africa where PAL format is used. I have a Sony HVR FX 1 PAL (Discontinued model). I have a friend who came from the States and want to sell me his Canon XHA1. However, this camera is a NTSC format. Can these two camera's be used together to produce quality HDV footage? Will any conversion software deminish the quality of the picture? Please help, still learning.

Comments

farss wrote on 2/11/2009, 2:18 PM

I think you might be able to get Canon to mod the camera to shoot 50Hz. I'd certainly factor in the cost of that and then some in what you offer for the camera as mixing the two cameras could be problematic even if they were both 50Hz cameras.

Keep in mind you're also stuck with different batteries, chargers and accessories.

Bob.

i c e wrote on 2/11/2009, 9:13 PM

Hey freeLANCEr,
If I can ask, what part of SA are you in. I am making a High Quality (i hope) Film to give out to people on the street (sounds like fun, huh?). We are missionaries and I want to make sure everywhere I give it out people can watch it..... I was like Totally doing NTSC. But know I'm thinking to do like have of them PAL before I go so In Some (which?) place i will use those instead...

Any advise or counsel from your point of view?

Sure would appreciate it,

Josh

JackW wrote on 2/11/2009, 10:10 PM

There's an excellent list of NTSC/PAL countries here .

Doesn't sound like mixing NTSC and PAL cameras is such a good idea.

Jack

Serena wrote on 2/11/2009, 10:10 PM

ICE, you should check out which countries use what --- NTSC is quite restricted (mostly by countries heavily influenced by USA in former times) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PALPAL using countries[/link] and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTSCNTSC users[/link]. At the bottom each you'll find users by country.

EDIT: I see I was beaten to it!

freeLANCEr wrote on 2/12/2009, 2:30 PM

Hi ICE
Sorry for the late reply. I live in Cape Town South Africa. In South Africa we use the PAL format. It would be advisable to use the PAL format for viewing in South Africa. If you need me to help you distribute, I will gladly do so. You just need to let me know your target market. Please supply me with more information about your project and how you think I can be of assistance.

i c e wrote on 2/13/2009, 12:03 AM

Well first let me say that I feel like a complete idiot (quite a familiar feeling). I thought the orginal post said South America (which I abreviate SA) the contenit that I am leaving to travel in three or so weeks. I guess that would probably be blamed and the 3am blur.

Having said that, I greatly appreciate your offer freeLANCEr. Very helpful and considerate. I will be traveling to South Africa (I can't wait) in 2010 During the World Cup for the same reason and would greatly appreciate any help then. I have never been to Africa (only Moroco) and have no idea what to expect. if there is any way you could drop me an email at thenightrunner@rocketmail.com so I could save it in my contacts and contact you when I am finishing my film for South Africa that woud be supa cool,

Thank you and Best regards,

Josh

Rory Cooper wrote on 2/13/2009, 3:36 AM

Hi FreeLANCEr

I am in 4 ways in Joey’s

I wouldn’t recommend buying a NTSC cam too many issues for PAL and power supply as Bob said

freeLANCEr wrote on 2/13/2009, 6:00 PM

Hi Josh

It will be great to have you in South Africa for the WC. We must really stay in touch.

I mailed you in order to stay in touch outside the forum.

Lance

freeLANCEr wrote on 2/13/2009, 6:04 PM

Hey xfx

Thats close. Always wanted to find out about Vegas users in South Africa.

Thanks for the advice.

Lance