upconverting SD footage

[Josh Martin]

I was wanting to ask and see what you all thought about this. I have been thinking about using Beta or any format that will have a much wider dynamic and color range than that of HDV. Once I have the SD footage, upconverting it to HD via redgiant software's instant HD. Would shooting in beta because of the increased dynamic range then upconverting it give me superior results? The reason for the question is that I can buy used high end SD equipment for about the same cost as a pro-sumer HD cam.

[Daniel Browning]

Originally Posted by Josh Martin

Would shooting in beta because of the increased dynamic range then upconverting it give me superior results?

What is your distribution method? If it's high definition, then trading a 600% resolution increase to get more dynamic range would not be superior. If it's standard definition, and you wont use the extra resoultion in editing (reframing, etc.), then yes, it would be superior.

[Josh Martin]

My distribution normally is SD. You say that there is a 600% difference in the SD and HD, but that's only if you don't upconvert right?
Josh

[Daniel Browning]

Originally Posted by Josh Martin

My distribution normally is SD. You say that there is a 600% difference in the SD and HD, but that's only if you don't upconvert right?
Josh

Upconversion wouldn't even add 6% to the resolution of the image. All the fractal, artificially intelligent, and snake oil software in the world cannot add detail to an image.

Since you're distributing SD, so you should *not* upconvert. It will add absolutely nothing.