What's Coming out VG20 HDMI Port

[Chris Barcellos]

I check all of the outputs of the VG20 to see what might be usable for external recorders. I said check because I just hooked it up to my common 720p TV.

The output of the component looks good and clean, and there is no display overlay.

The output of composite is also clean and without display overly.

The output of the HDMI looks like full HD. And you can turn off everything on the screen except small lettering at the top that says stand by or rec, depending on status. If you are looking for an 2.35 aperature, that may work.

I wonder though on the HDMI output if you will actually be getting you image without processing. Does anybody have an idea on how I can test that ?

[Didier Perrichon]

I did some initials tests with my NanoFlash. (Yes, here in France we had a first shipment of VG20)
Signal is clean, and, in my opinion, without processing.

4.2.2 MXF at 80Mbits/s obviously gives more detail and precision compared to the internal AVCHD.
Here are some zoomed extract images from simultaneous AVCHD and MXF shootings
You can also notice suspicious outlines around letters on AVCHD picture.

Since these tests, I also used my Canon 35 L 1.4 + Kipon mount adapter: Here too, picture is better ... This is not a surprise.

Moire and aliasing are sometimes troublesome
(I compared with my 5DII: I would say a little less on the VG20, but still too much for use as "A" cam without any risk)

I hope my "google english" is quite understandable

[John Vincent]

If it's outputting true 4:2:2 via the HDMI port, that would certainly be bonus, particularly for sfx shooters.

It's difficult to tell much difference in quality just from those screen grabs though (which, by the way, thanks for posting). The only real way to tell might be to aim it at a chart....

[Chris Barcellos]

Originally Posted by Didier Perrichon

I did some initials tests with my NanoFlash. (Yes, here in France we had a first shipment of VG20)
Signal is clean, and, in my opinion, without processing.

4.2.2 MXF at 80Mbits/s obviously gives more detail and precision compared to the internal AVCHD.
Here are some zoomed extract images from simultaneous AVCHD and MXF shootings
You can also notice suspicious outlines around letters on AVCHD picture.

Since these tests, I also used my Canon 35 L 1.4 + Kipon mount adapter: Here too, picture is better ... This is not a surprise.

Moire and aliasing are sometimes troublesome
(I compared with my 5DII: I would say a little less on the VG20, but still too much for use as "A" cam without any risk)

I hope my "google english" is quite understandable

Didier:

Thanks for the quick response. I agree that moire and aliasing are still troublesome, but are reduced from the 5D.

On my rig, when I was going out to HDMI, I was showing a standby or record at up upper edge of screen, were you able to clear that ?

Here are two charts I did of the 5D and VG20

http://vimeo.com/groups/115787/videos/32231854


http://vimeo.com/groups/115787/videos/32232711

[Didier Perrichon]

Chris

" I was showing a standby or record at up upper edge of screen"

Strange!

I have no marks on my recordings via HDMI.
(Even no "standby" before recording: I checked on the SDI output in real time through the Nano)

My firmware version is "1.00" so I guess we have the same.

Have you noticed this info on a Sony Bravia TV? (There may be specific display between Bravia and VG20)

[Chris Barcellos]

No. I know I looked when I first got the camera, and didn't see that, so I am guessing I have something switched on somewhere. Damn,,,, I'll have to read the instruction book. Thanks for checking. First time I notice was when I hooked up to my cheap Philips TV.

[Chris Barcellos]

I can confirm clean output on HDMI, without any display overlay.