Letterboxing Mode DVX 100b
 

Is there a resolution loss/picture quality loss using the letterbox feature with the 100b? I ask because I need to decide whether to shoot letterbox or shoot 4 X 3 and letterbox in post and I know that there is some picture quality loss when letterboxing in post.

Thanks for your replies.

Letterboxing in camera causes no resolution loss; if anything it results in a very slight improvement in picture quality, since the compression on the frame is more efficient (the black bars don't tax the compression system at all, so it leaves more bandwidth for the image in the middle).

Whereas letterboxing in post guarantees a trip through recompression.

But if you're doing any color correction you'll be going through that recompression stage anyway.

Also, letterboxing in-camera can make for some complications in post like if you do a picture-in-picture or a page peel transition, or if you do heavy color correction because if you adjust brightness/contrast it'll affect the letterbox bars too.

Very much a double edged sword. Makes me think, hmmm... maybe get the best images possible in-camera and not monkey around with post.

You know, I would have had this answer and more if I had your book by now. Panasonic is telling me it's gonna take 6 to 8 weeks! Rats! I wish they packed it with the camera like they did in the beginning!

Patiently awaiting your printed tutelage! Thanks Barry!

Hugh