I'm just learning the settings on the PAL version, the hvx202EN.

At this stage I'm shooting SD, 25p, to tape, using the F6 factory setting and first tests revealed some issues with stairstepping.

I then found in the manual that when shooting 25p you need set Vert Det Freq to Thick. I've done more shots based on the F6 setting, but changed Vert Det Freq to Thick - it does seem better.

Then I noticed that Thick is the default in the F5 factory setting.

Both F5 and F6 are Cine-like matrix.

F5 Gamma is Cineline V

F6 gamma is Cinelike D.

I'm interested in which of these is a good place to start for shooting SD, and learn the finer points from there.

As the F5's Vert Det Freq setting is Thick - does this suggest the F5 setting is designed for shooting 25p to tape? Or just a co-incidence?

Is there any rationale behind the factory settings?

With the NTSC version do you also need use Thick when shooting 30p or 24p in SD? Does it make a difference to stair stepping?

Is this issue addressed in Barry Green's book? - or is that book more about HD shooting, and is it relevant to the PAL cameras in any case?

(the book is available here for $150, ouch!, so the piggy bank is working hard, and i want to be sure it will be relevant to the PAL camera)