I wrote up a blog about combining the nanoFlash with the HDX900 and the Varicam. With the nanoFlash you can get variable frame rates out of any 720 60p camera, the HDX900 and Varicam are great examples.

HDX900 & VariCam With The nanoFlash | CineTechnica (http://blog.abelcine.com/2010/05/19/hdx900-and-varicam-with-the-nanoflash/)

Andy

Thanks Andy.. very clear..

Dear Andy,

Thank you very much.

Nice thorough coverage of the subject - Nice Job!

Andy... thanks for doing that. I just installed the latest firmware, so I haven't messed with the over/undercrank yet.. Previously, I have tried to stay away from using 720 with my HDX because all frame rates were not supported until recently.

Since the HDX900 never really records an interlaced signal, I have started using 1080i. As I understand it, that is really more like 1080p (two frames of the exact same info, therefore no temporal error as in true interlace). I don't see any disadvantage to using the 1080i setting, because of this. The advantage for me is that I don't have to try to explain to customers why 1080i is not an advantage over 720p with this camera. I used to fight that battle, but not since I bought the nano.

Any input on this?

By the way... should I use the same methods for 24p or 30p over 1080i? 30p over 1080i is my preferred combination, as I don't like 24fps personally. I think it is the worst feature of film brought over to the video world (IMHO). I like the look of progressive and 30p gives me that advantage with the pulldown issues, etc.

Steve

The HDX900 only records 1080i, DVCPRO HD does not support 1080p recording. When you shoot 24P it records 3:2 pulldown, when you shoot 30P it records 2:2 pulldown. But I agree that it is generally easier to hand clients 1080i tapes because they can go right on the air.

If you want native 1080 24p or 30p material though you can use the same methods I described to record in 720. Use the 3:2 pull down removal for 24p, or the 60>30 setting for 30p. I think that in 1080 the nanoflash really shines over DVCPRO HD. The recording codec on the nanoflash is higher quality, and you can eliminate all those pulldown issues.

Andy

Thanks, Andy.

Yes, I'm aware the HDX900 doesn't actually record 1080p. It's just that the effect is the same since it isn't really an interlaced image. Well, that's the way it was described to me by one of the guys in the Panasonic booth at NAB a couple of years ago. I never really thought about it that way until he mentioned it.

I do appreciate the time you spent clarifying the settings for these extra frame rates!

Steve