HD or SD in terms of focus on the F350? at DVinfo.net

Peter Newsom · March 17th, 2007, 05:48 AM

Hi, I have decided to buy an F350, and I have a demo unit to use while I wait for mine. I will be shooting hockey news, viz and clips, which will get fed in SD from the camera.

When shooting the practice visuals, it is necessary to follow focus as players move up and down the ice(more than a little callenging). From that point of view, is focus more critical when recording in HD than DVcam mode, or does it make any difference after downconverting?

From another discussion, I understand that the color quality of my feed material should be better if I shoot in HD.

Any thoughts on the best way to work are appreciated. Thanks

Peter Newsom · March 17th, 2007, 03:01 PM

Well I'll answer my own question.

Just came back from the morning skate, I shot 1080i. Fed the footage to Toronto in 16/9 SD. They said the footage looked good. I came back home and took a look on my old Sony PVM8020 monitor, and the footage looked nice and sharp. No focus problems, I was shooting at f5.6 for the most part. Interviews looked fantastic, just used the preset 3200k and an Anton Baurer Ultra light.

BTW, I tried using my Dionic 90, and had no problems with the sungun. Someone had said earlier about Anton Baurer not recommending the Dionic 90 for this camera, but so far it looks to be just fine. However, I kind of like the steadiness and balance with my AB Hytron 140 a bit better.
I have to say that I am starting to really enjoy this camera. My reporter is pretty stoked about it too!

Bob Willis · March 17th, 2007, 04:58 PM

You might notice any focus problems if you view the footage on a HD monitor. Since you have more resolution that is when the focus issues become more apparent.

Peter Newsom · March 17th, 2007, 10:24 PM

No doubt, but fortunately, this is sports news, and all they really care about is sound(clips). Definitly will have to get a HD monitor though!

Peter Newsom · March 17th, 2007, 10:32 PM

No doubt, but fortunately, this is sports news, and all they really care about is sound(clips). Definitly will have to get a HD monitor though!

I'm liking the Fuji HSs18x5.5 quite a bit. Nice reach, and pretty crisp.

Steve Connor · March 18th, 2007, 02:28 AM

Stay around 5.6 as you did an you should be OK any more and it starts to get a little more difficult.

March 17th, 2007, 05:48 AM	#1
Peter Newsom Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 182	HD or SD in terms of focus on the F350? Hi, I have decided to buy an F350, and I have a demo unit to use while I wait for mine. I will be shooting hockey news, viz and clips, which will get fed in SD from the camera. When shooting the practice visuals, it is necessary to follow focus as players move up and down the ice(more than a little callenging). From that point of view, is focus more critical when recording in HD than DVcam mode, or does it make any difference after downconverting? From another discussion, I understand that the color quality of my feed material should be better if I shoot in HD. Any thoughts on the best way to work are appreciated. Thanks

March 17th, 2007, 03:01 PM	#2
Peter Newsom Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 182	Well I'll answer my own question. Just came back from the morning skate, I shot 1080i. Fed the footage to Toronto in 16/9 SD. They said the footage looked good. I came back home and took a look on my old Sony PVM8020 monitor, and the footage looked nice and sharp. No focus problems, I was shooting at f5.6 for the most part. Interviews looked fantastic, just used the preset 3200k and an Anton Baurer Ultra light. BTW, I tried using my Dionic 90, and had no problems with the sungun. Someone had said earlier about Anton Baurer not recommending the Dionic 90 for this camera, but so far it looks to be just fine. However, I kind of like the steadiness and balance with my AB Hytron 140 a bit better. I have to say that I am starting to really enjoy this camera. My reporter is pretty stoked about it too!

March 17th, 2007, 04:58 PM	#3
Bob Willis Major Player Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 292	You might notice any focus problems if you view the footage on a HD monitor. Since you have more resolution that is when the focus issues become more apparent.

March 17th, 2007, 10:24 PM	#4
Peter Newsom Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 182	No doubt, but fortunately, this is sports news, and all they really care about is sound(clips). Definitly will have to get a HD monitor though!

March 17th, 2007, 10:32 PM	#5
Peter Newsom Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 182	No doubt, but fortunately, this is sports news, and all they really care about is sound(clips). Definitly will have to get a HD monitor though! I'm liking the Fuji HSs18x5.5 quite a bit. Nice reach, and pretty crisp.

March 18th, 2007, 02:28 AM	#6
Steve Connor Major Player Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: UK Posts: 383	Stay around 5.6 as you did an you should be OK any more and it starts to get a little more difficult.