Shooting 16x9: the pros and cons at DVinfo.net

Alex Dunn · September 18th, 2002, 12:50 PM

This is a four part question for you pros out there. I keep reading that if you shoot with the 16x9 mode on (say on the Sony with it's black bars) that you lose resolution.

1. Does that mean actual resolution loss, or are you just refering to the fact that the image is 75% as tall?
2. Does it make a difference in the NLE system as far as compression and rendering (takes longer, etc.)?
3. Isn't the black bar still considered part of the image?
4. How are the black bars obtained in the Sony, and is the process any different than using a matte on the GL2 by way of the memory card?

September 20th, 2002, 04:31 PM

Something I would be interested in knowing is what the demand for 16:9 aspection is from broadcasters and what would be acceptable for "broadcast quality" especially in regards to 16:9.

I want to make some travel documentaries and the PD10P with sony's "real 16:9" mega pixel claim has caught my eye.

Alex Dunn · September 23rd, 2002, 01:22 PM

Chris . . . Barry . . . Anyone? In reference to resolution and later rendering complications, using a GL2, I just need to know if I'm better off recording a full 4:3 image and just crop it in the NLE (soft matte) or record to tape with a hard matte (by way of the memory card)? Thanks.

Aaron Koolen · September 23rd, 2002, 04:40 PM

Alex, I'm a newbie with no experience but I would think that if you use the 16:9 guides and recorded in full 4:3 then you would have the option of a form of "Pan and scan" because if you had shot that wasn't framed vertically correctly you could adjust it up or down. Dunno if that's much of a benefit..

Alex Dunn · September 24th, 2002, 07:51 AM

Yeah, that technique is called "soft-matte" and lots of big producers do it. But I'd still like to know what the so-called effects are of using a hard matte versus Sony's digital black bars. My soul needs to know.

It makes sense that if Sony is just turning off the top and bottom 12.5% of the pixels, then yes it would cause problems rendering the image in an NLE because it thinks it's a 16x9 image with only 320 or so lines of res. But, is taking a picture of the black bars in the Canon any different?????? In my mind it is, but I want to hear it from someone who knows.

September 18th, 2002, 12:50 PM	#1
Alex Dunn Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 202	Shooting 16x9: the pros and cons This is a four part question for you pros out there. I keep reading that if you shoot with the 16x9 mode on (say on the Sony with it's black bars) that you lose resolution. 1. Does that mean actual resolution loss, or are you just refering to the fact that the image is 75% as tall? 2. Does it make a difference in the NLE system as far as compression and rendering (takes longer, etc.)? 3. Isn't the black bar still considered part of the image? 4. How are the black bars obtained in the Sony, and is the process any different than using a matte on the GL2 by way of the memory card?

September 20th, 2002, 04:31 PM	#2
ThreeSixtyProductions Posts: n/a	Something I would be interested in knowing is what the demand for 16:9 aspection is from broadcasters and what would be acceptable for "broadcast quality" especially in regards to 16:9. I want to make some travel documentaries and the PD10P with sony's "real 16:9" mega pixel claim has caught my eye.

September 23rd, 2002, 01:22 PM	#3
Alex Dunn Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 202	Chris . . . Barry . . . Anyone? In reference to resolution and later rendering complications, using a GL2, I just need to know if I'm better off recording a full 4:3 image and just crop it in the NLE (soft matte) or record to tape with a hard matte (by way of the memory card)? Thanks.

September 23rd, 2002, 04:40 PM	#4
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Alex, I'm a newbie with no experience but I would think that if you use the 16:9 guides and recorded in full 4:3 then you would have the option of a form of "Pan and scan" because if you had shot that wasn't framed vertically correctly you could adjust it up or down. Dunno if that's much of a benefit..

September 24th, 2002, 07:51 AM	#5
Alex Dunn Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 202	Yeah, that technique is called "soft-matte" and lots of big producers do it. But I'd still like to know what the so-called effects are of using a hard matte versus Sony's digital black bars. My soul needs to know. It makes sense that if Sony is just turning off the top and bottom 12.5% of the pixels, then yes it would cause problems rendering the image in an NLE because it thinks it's a 16x9 image with only 320 or so lines of res. But, is taking a picture of the black bars in the Canon any different?????? In my mind it is, but I want to hear it from someone who knows.