Letterboxing Mode DVX 100b at DVinfo.net

Hugh DiMauro · February 15th, 2006, 07:05 AM

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.

Barry Green · February 15th, 2006, 02:03 PM

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.

Hugh DiMauro · February 16th, 2006, 01:16 PM

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

February 15th, 2006, 07:05 AM	#1
Hugh DiMauro Trustee Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,207	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. __________________ Interesting, if true. And interesting anyway.

February 16th, 2006, 01:16 PM	#3
Hugh DiMauro Trustee Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,207	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 __________________ Interesting, if true. And interesting anyway.

February 15th, 2006, 02:03 PM	#2
Barry Green Barry Wan Kenobi Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 3,863	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.