My A1 workflow plan - please advise at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders
Register FAQ Today's Posts Buyer's Guides

Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders
Canon XH G1S / G1 (with SDI), Canon XH A1S / A1 (without SDI).

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old September 11th, 2007, 09:50 AM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 161
My A1 workflow plan - please advise

Hi gang. I'll be doing a wedding in two weeks. This is going to be my first time shooting in HDV. I had been planning on using a Sony V1, but I've been informed at the last minute that my only choice is now the A1. I'm very pleased because I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the A1, but I'm stressed because I have to re-think my entire plan now.

Can you guys tell me if this will work for shooting in HDV and delivering a SD DVD now, with the possibility of some HD delivery later on.

1. Shoot with the A1 in HDV 24f.

2. Capture the HDV 24f in Premiere CS3 (I don't have cineform or anything like that).

3. Edit in a true 24p HD timeline and export straight to a SD DVD compatible mp2 file (and maybe a HD-WMV file for xbox 360 owners).

Is Premiere CS3 going to work all by itself?
Bob Drummond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 11th, 2007, 09:55 AM   #2
Disjecta
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Seattle, Washington
Posts: 937
Depends on how fast your computer is and how much RAM you have, etc. Cineform will allow you to run HDV smoothly on even an average computer but if you are going to be using native mpeg files then you will need some significant horsepower.
__________________
Try my Digital Therapy: http://www.pinelakefilms.com/digital_therapy.html
Films on ExposureRoom: http://exposureroom.com/members/disjecta.aspx/videos/
Steven Dempsey is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 11th, 2007, 10:01 AM   #3
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jupiter, FL
Posts: 241
Bob,
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the A1 prior to the wedding. You'll want to get your settings nailed down before hand. Check the preset library on this site for a great place to get starter settings. The A1 stock settings look flat. Many people on here seem to like the vividrgb. The lowlt12 works well for lower light situations. You'll have to decide what you like. Also, you'll want to understand how the autofocus thinks if you're going to use it.

Can't help you with the Premiere stuff, I'm an FCP guy. Good luck.
--Josh
Josh Laronge is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 11th, 2007, 10:24 AM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Posts: 161
Thanks for the quick replies, guys.

If I decide to shoot HDV but edit in SD-DV for now, when the A1 downconverts on the fly via firewire, will it output a anamorphic 16x9 picture (or will it crop or letterbox instead?)

Also, will Premiere CS3 recognize and deal with the 24f pulldown cadence in an SD timeline, or should I just shoot in 30f if I want to avoid pulldown headaches?
Bob Drummond is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 11th, 2007, 10:40 PM   #5
Major Player
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Estes Park, CO USA
Posts: 426
Bob, if you edit on an SD timeline in CS3, you'll get lots of options on re-framing shots and even doing some pan and zoom in post IF you capture the HDV files (and not down-convert). I do this all the time in PPro2. I shoot a lot of interview stuff and like to "creep in" in post when the talent says something meaningful. Having those extra pixels is handy.

FWIW, with my A1 I shoot in 30f instead of 24f, since I don't have to be as careful with pans and motion. With 24f, you'll get a bit more light to work with without gaining up by shooting at 1/48 vs. the 1/60 shutter with 30f. But I do shoot a lot of stuff at 1/30 and 30f, as long as there's not a lot of motion.

BTW, you can indeed output a 24p DVD that can be read by 99% of modern DVD players and not have to worry about pulldown on your end. Many Hollywood DVDs are 24p. It saves a lot of space vs. 60i.

I capture with HDVSplit, that way I can throw out the bad takes/ shots. I'm not certain whether CS3 has scene-detection for HDV or not.

HTH,
Brian Brown
BrownCow Productions
http://www.browncowvideo.com/
Brian Brown is offline   Reply With Quote
Old September 12th, 2007, 07:08 AM   #6
Major Player
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Toronto
Posts: 917
Also, If editing HD, I wouldn't make an SD dvd disc right in premiere...

The downrezzing of premiere kinda blows... get procoder... great app.
Matthew Nayman is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Canon EOS / MXF / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Canon HDV and DV Camera Systems > Canon XH Series HDV Camcorders


 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:49 AM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network