I need to do some object removal from a lot of short clips (it's unwanted text on a whiteboard and annoyingly the presenter keeps walking in front of it, so I guess my only option is to use Photoshop).

Could someone let me know if there is a recommended image format to work with? My source material is simple SD avi (PAL) and it hasn't been shot very well so I am keen to preserve as much quality as possible.

Thanks for any guidance.

PNG is my preferred format as it's lossless (or as close to lossless as possible).

Thanks Mike. I normally use png for image work in Vegas (or native photoshop). That confirms what I was thinking.

i'll second png.

Proof once again that great minds think alike :)

PNG absolutely! It is lossless, compresses well, and even supports the alpha channel if needed.

By the way, the same (or similar) question was asked at the Sony Vegas webinar (which dealt with static images) three days ago and Gary Rebholz also said PNG, without hesitation, too.

Thanks all.

I've been away for the last couple of weeks and I must have missed the Sony webinar notice. Was the entire seminar on using stills? I'd like to see that.

Was the entire seminar on using stills? I'd like to see that.

Yes, and it was IMHO a very good webinar. Gary Rebholz (the host) said that right after the webinar he was leaving for Amsterdam, so it would take longer than usual to post the webinar online for downloads. But it will be available eventually.