paulpost:
Hi to everybody, I've been watching all the hype regarding the new Sony HD camcorders and all pro and cons around this new format (MPG 2).
In the beginning everybody was against this format because not much editing was possible, now looks that all the problems are gone (are they?).
On the othher hand I'd like to ask all the HDcamcorder owners that have HDvideo footage to find a way to share it .
Thank you:lol: :lol:
This is more along the lines of some perspective on video and technological break throughs.
First of all, HD is here to stay obviously. No real question about that. Sony has done a nice job with theirs, as has Canon and a few other companies. If you shoot video, at least if you shoot more than just the occasional birthday party, chances are you will eventually own a HD camera. The output is stunning and it can clearly take you to places you have never gone before.
Having made that prediction, the chances are also pretty good that you won't really need to shoot HD for the vast majority of applications. I am a professional photographer and producer. The fact is, even for broadcast purposes HD is still in its infancy. No doubt, it is being used more and more. Standard digital video and mini-DV can still handle many if not most professional applications. And for the non-broadcast stuff, there are plenty of analog formats that will fit the bill.
Some of the downside of HD video is, it takes a lot of power to edit. Along with that HD camera, you really need a dual processor computer with a ton of RAM. IT also takes a lot of storage capacity to hand onto the video, unless you are just going to store it on tape, something I don't advise. These aren't really problems, per se, but they are considerations and worth noting.
When I am producing for broadcast, I still use motion picture film for the warmest, highest quality output. My second choice is HD and then down to BETA, all depending on variables such as time, budget and desired effect.
This is sort of different than still photography. I can't figure out why anyone would still shoot film. Even cost is not a factor, the costs of film and processing pretty quickly even out the cost of a new digital camera.
For motion picture, no question, HD is here and it's great, but for most shooters, the time still has not arrived where they need HD, nor the benefits fit the cost.
Just an opinion.
Jeff
