The NTSC version captures video at 60i, 30F or 24F frame rates while the PAL has 25f and 50i. What about the 24F? Why isn't this available on the PAL version and how can one achieve this apart from in post-production?

Hi Adrian, why would you want 24f? Visually it's the same as 25f. The only reason you would want it is you produce for the NTSC-market or if you transfer your project to film. Otherwise, you're much better of with 25f; no pulldown, no frame-drop...

The human eye can't detect the difference between 24fps and 25fps. However, 24F is indeed available for the European / Australian 50i system cameras as an optional upgrade. Any Canon service center can perform the upgrade, and you get a 50i / 60i switchable camera that can shoot in the 30F, 25F and 24F frame rates. So yes if you want 24F you can certainly have it. You need only to purchase the upgrade.

Adrian, in the cinema films play at 25fps, but in PAL countries films are telecined at 25fps - so when you watch a film on TV you're watching 25fps.

Most people working in lower budget "digital" films in PAL countries work at 25fps. If you need a film-out at the end of it, the lab will print your video frame to frame, and at the end you have a print that will be slowed down by 4% to 24fps when projected.

No-one will ever notice.