Soft focus 16x9 mode XL1s at DVinfo.net

Waldemar Winkler · January 24th, 2008, 07:26 PM

Foa a long time I have avoided using the 16x9 mode on the XL1s. When I have used the mode recently have noticed 16X9 mode softens the clarity of the recorded images. Enough so I am hesitant to use the feature again. It appears the electronic stretching of the image to 16X9 degrades image quality. For those who have used the 16x9 feature, is this normal?

Nathan Gifford · May 2nd, 2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldemar Winkler

Foa a long time I have avoided using the 16x9 mode on the XL1s. When I have used the mode recently have noticed 16X9 mode softens the clarity of the recorded images. Enough so I am hesitant to use the feature again. It appears the electronic stretching of the image to 16X9 degrades image quality. For those who have used the 16x9 feature, is this normal?

I haven't used this mode much but it does reduce resolution. These cameras we not designed with 16x9 CCDs as they were extremely expensive then.

Cole McDonald · May 4th, 2008, 01:00 PM

I shoot 3x4 and letterbox in post. I'm happy with my results.

Chris Hurd · May 4th, 2008, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waldemar Winkler

It appears the electronic stretching of the image to 16X9 degrades image quality... is this normal?

Yes, it's normal. You should expect a significant loss of resolution when using this mode.

Les Wilson · May 12th, 2008, 09:11 PM

Technically, vertical resolution is lower in 16x9. Practically, does it matter? These are handheld shots in frame mode using 16x9 aspect ratio on the XL1s. I think they are pretty good for SD.

Jack Smith · May 13th, 2008, 07:27 PM

I must wonder why it is being said resolution loss is signifcant in 16 x 9 mode.
If you shoot in normal 4 x 3 and turn on the 16 x 9 guides then crop in post you will lose resolution.However shooting in 16:9 effect mode will still use all the pixels both vertical and horizontal and then restretch in post.
On some other cameras the image is simply cropped in camera and all pixels are not used.
A slight lose may occur in the xl1S during the compression and bearing in mind it is still 720 x 480 I find the image very close in resolution to the 4 x 3 image at the same picture width.

January 24th, 2008, 07:26 PM	#1
Waldemar Winkler Major Player Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Durango, Colorado, USA Posts: 711	Soft focus 16x9 mode XL1s Foa a long time I have avoided using the 16x9 mode on the XL1s. When I have used the mode recently have noticed 16X9 mode softens the clarity of the recorded images. Enough so I am hesitant to use the feature again. It appears the electronic stretching of the image to 16X9 degrades image quality. For those who have used the 16x9 feature, is this normal? __________________ Waldemar

May 4th, 2008, 01:00 PM	#3
Cole McDonald Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sauk Rapids, MN, USA Posts: 1,675	I shoot 3x4 and letterbox in post. I'm happy with my results. __________________ Web Youtube Facebook

May 12th, 2008, 09:11 PM	#5
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Technically, vertical resolution is lower in 16x9. Practically, does it matter? These are handheld shots in frame mode using 16x9 aspect ratio on the XL1s. I think they are pretty good for SD. Attached Thumbnails

May 13th, 2008, 07:27 PM	#6
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	I must wonder why it is being said resolution loss is signifcant in 16 x 9 mode. If you shoot in normal 4 x 3 and turn on the 16 x 9 guides then crop in post you will lose resolution.However shooting in 16:9 effect mode will still use all the pixels both vertical and horizontal and then restretch in post. On some other cameras the image is simply cropped in camera and all pixels are not used. A slight lose may occur in the xl1S during the compression and bearing in mind it is still 720 x 480 I find the image very close in resolution to the 4 x 3 image at the same picture width.