SDI > CFHD direct convert vs from ExpressCard at DVinfo.net

Stephen Armour · July 12th, 2008, 11:22 AM

David or anyone familiar with the SDI workflow, we have a question as to actual benefits. Besides the CF intermediate 1920p workflow (which we already use with up-res V1 footage and with hi res stills), we are thinking seriously of going to a SDI workflow. A major question we have is as to realworld benefits.

Let me describe quickly our productions: We do everything at 1920x1080p, using CFHD (actually Prospect 4K and NEO 4K). We use AE extensively, for both final color and VFX. We do quite a bit of chroma work as well. All sound is done separately, except for rough editing/comp syncs.

A major question is: with a camera like the new Sony EX3, what are the real advantages of capturing SDI directly from the cam and converting on the fly to CF (before any compression is done, as opposed to converting from the SxS ExpressCard files?

Are the issues the same as with compressed V1 HDV, with MPEG compression artifacts limiting the quality of chromakeyed material? I know there is a slight resolution gain, but how does real material actually compare?

David Newman · July 12th, 2008, 03:36 PM

For keying work the benefits are large. Also there advance that once capture you can edit immediately, vs ingesting the MPEG compressed ExpressCard.

Stephen Armour · July 12th, 2008, 04:50 PM

Thanks David. Figured chroma was the real bottom line. I guess the rest is a matter of getting a decent lense with that cam. Maybe the EX1 would be a good deal right now...

July 12th, 2008, 11:22 AM	#1
Stephen Armour Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Natal, RN, Brasil Posts: 900	SDI > CFHD direct convert vs from ExpressCard David or anyone familiar with the SDI workflow, we have a question as to actual benefits. Besides the CF intermediate 1920p workflow (which we already use with up-res V1 footage and with hi res stills), we are thinking seriously of going to a SDI workflow. A major question we have is as to realworld benefits. Let me describe quickly our productions: We do everything at 1920x1080p, using CFHD (actually Prospect 4K and NEO 4K). We use AE extensively, for both final color and VFX. We do quite a bit of chroma work as well. All sound is done separately, except for rough editing/comp syncs. A major question is: with a camera like the new Sony EX3, what are the real advantages of capturing SDI directly from the cam and converting on the fly to CF (before any compression is done, as opposed to converting from the SxS ExpressCard files? Are the issues the same as with compressed V1 HDV, with MPEG compression artifacts limiting the quality of chromakeyed material? I know there is a slight resolution gain, but how does real material actually compare? __________________ http://lightinaction.org "All in the view of the LION"

July 12th, 2008, 03:36 PM	#2
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	For keying work the benefits are large. Also there advance that once capture you can edit immediately, vs ingesting the MPEG compressed ExpressCard. __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

July 12th, 2008, 04:50 PM	#3
Stephen Armour Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Natal, RN, Brasil Posts: 900	Thanks David. Figured chroma was the real bottom line. I guess the rest is a matter of getting a decent lense with that cam. Maybe the EX1 would be a good deal right now... __________________ http://lightinaction.org "All in the view of the LION"