 High Definition Explained
The term High Definition has been mentioned quite a bit recently in the production environment. However there is still some confusion on the new 24p technology, which Sony has built into its new CineAlta camcorder.
For years now professionals and audiences alike have come to associate the look of 24-frame motion capture with dramatic presentations such as movies and episodic television. Other programming on television such as news broadcasts, sports and certain sitcoms are captured with video at 30 frames per second offering a more realistic or "live" motion effect. Since video cameras have always captured at 30 fps and have been bound by NTSC resolution, video has never been considered as a serious alternative to dramatic story telling…until now.
The new Sony HDW-F900 CineAlta camera now offers picture quality associated with 24-frame 35mm film. And with the 24p technology ("p" meaning Progressive Scan) there is now a one-to-one correspondence of a film frame to that of a progressive HD frame. And since all this is captured in the digital environment, the DP now has a myriad of options both in the field and in post. The HDW-F900 has a host of adjustments, which can be manipulated, to offer various colorimetry and contrast ratios emulating certain film stocks. The DP can make adjustments on set for the director's approval or have the same freedom in post. Either way, the days of waiting for dailies is over. What you see is what you get, confirmed on set with simple playback right out of the camera.
 Also, since the F-900 was created in part for motion picture production, a host of film-style accessories has been created by lens and camera support manufactures. Our camera package shown here is outfitted with the Chroziel matt box along with dual focus controls and extended viewfinder. Companies such as Zeiss, Fuginon and Canon now offer prime lenses specifically designed for this camera. An underwater housing is now available along with a number of other accessories including Hi-Def flat screen monitors, which mount right onto the camera.
Why HD Now?
HD24p is the clear alternative to shooting 35mm or 16mm film.
Achieve the look of film without the high cost of film stock, lab fees, color correction and transfers.
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Shoot in HDCAM and play it back right in the field, right out of the camera. That's it. Next, transfer your HDCAM cassette to Digital Betacam, DVCAM or Beta SP. Then edit on your non-linear system or any other conventional edit platform.
Just because it's HD doesn't mean you need HD as a delivery medium. The image is captured at 24 frames per second matching the frame rate and look of film. And since the image is captured progressively (non-interlaced), a stunningly sharp image is the result. Many commercials (Apple spots) are shooting in this format as well as many TV shows. Most people are not even aware they are viewing a program that originated on 24p HD. This is why so many compare 24p to 35mm.
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Also, as many of you know, this is the format and camera George Lucas chose to shoot the last Star Wars movie. Other Hollywood films include "Spy Kids 2" , "Spy Kids 3" and James Cameron's "Ghosts of the Abyss". More are in production. Independent features are flocking to this format. See the screening room for clips of the latest feature shot in HD.
So, if you have always wanted the look of film but cost has been a factor, wait no longer. HD 24p is here and its cheaper than you think.
Compare:
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| 16mm Film Production |
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| 16mm film stock (Four 400' rolls) |
$500.00 |
| Processing: |
$320.00 |
| Telecine: |
$400.00 |
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$1220.00 |
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| HDCAM Production |
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| HDCAM Stock 50 min. |
$65.00 |
| Downconvert to D-beta, etc. |
$150.00 |
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$215.00 |
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| Savings: |
$1005.00 |
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And this is compared to 16mm. Most consider HD 24p superior to 16mm. HD is usually compared to 35mm. Either way, HD 24p offers a less expensive alternative with equal and in some cases, superior results.
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