Taking a stab at the 48 Hour Film Project and they want submissions in 720x480 SD. So, what's the best route here; shoot 1080 and down convert or just shoot in the 640x480 available on 5dmkiii? It'll eventually end up on the web anyway so is HD overkill? I'm using FCPX and Compressor. Thanks.

Personally, I'd shoot it in HD and down-convert in Compressor. The assignment calls for 720x480, so I'd deliver what they're asking for so as not to be disqualified.

Don't forget you can adjust the frameing if you use 1080p.

IMO, it depends on the speed of your editing system. If you can edit 1080p smoothly, stick with that. Do a test render at 480p sooner, rather than later. Definitely deliver exactly what they request.

On the other hand, if your computer is slow, shooting and editing 640x480 is an option, just so you render the final at 720x480. Everything will go faster and take less space. Take this time to back stuff up.

The 48 isn't about film quality. It's about an entertaining result - by the deadline and within the rules.

Best of luck!