Given the large selection of recording formats possible with the HPX500:

1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p; in 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, and 24p; and in DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV

Beyond NTSC and PAL differences, can anyone enlighten me as to some of the basic usage for each? I'm especially curious as to when you would choose 720p over 1080p, what happens if you have several end usages in mind (broadcast television and DVD), what is best for DVD only, what are standard delivery formats for programming meant for Discovery Channel and National Geographic, for variable frame-rates, not to mention what would be the best options (or pros and cons) for an indie feature film (digital projection)?

Does the HPX actually shoot in some native format from which the otehrs are derived?

thanks
kalunga

The HPX500 processes everything internally at 1920x1080, at the frame rate you've selected (up to 60p). Then all recording formats get created from that 1920x1080 master.

You'll probably get many suggestions, but here's a few things to consider:
a) most networks in the US are broadcasting 1080i, some broadcast 720p (such as Fox, ABC, and ESPN). If you're doing a show for one of those networks you'd probably choose 720. Some networks don't want anything to do with 720 (HDNet, for example; they believe the "one true form of HD" is 1080/60i). They don't want filmlook or anything, they want raw 1080/60i.

b) For an indie film, 1080/24pA is preferable over all other modes. 720/24pN is a good choice if you have limited recording time on small cards, but with an HPX500 you're likely going to get one of the packages with the four 16GB cards, so use 1080/24pA.

c) 24P for filmlike look, 60i or 60p for the "reality" look: news, live events, soap operas, etc.

d) 720pN for any variable frame rate stuff: slow-mo or fast-mo, etc.

e) if you're shooting standard-def, shoot DVCPRO50. Only use DV if you need to exchange DV footage with someone else, or you simply *must* have the additional recording time (twice as much recording time). Otherwise, always use DVCPRO50 for standard def.

Chris,

You should make Barry's above post a sticky: it's timeless info for format choice relative to both the 200 and 500 cameras.