What should I shoot 4:3 or 16:9?
 

I have a video for TV and for hd projection - what is the best way to shoot it? Since I have already shoot some stuff in 16:9 (native) can I still convert for TV?

you can just just zoom and crop 16:9 HD footage in a 4:3 SD timline.

I am still going to run into trouble is the action is outside the frame. Will the TV expand my footage, or should I put black bars to be safe?

just mark off your lcd with 4:3 safe lines so you know you can crop it in post.

I can't see why anyone would shoot native 4:3 anymore these days unless they're delivering their footage in 4:3 only. Also, shooting 4:3 on a camera with native 16:9 sensors loses more resolution than if you were to crop the footage to 4:3 in post.

Shoot 16:9 -- you gain lots of added flexibility.

Hi there

HD and HDV is native 16:9 ... so I can't imagine an HD projection going out in 4:3.
On the Z1 you can only shoot HDV in 16:9. It will output SD 4:3 if you wish. So if you are delivering 4:3 SD you can shoot in HDV and downconvert in camera...

I however would check out with the people using your stuff as I would be very surprised if they want HD in 4:3.

Regards
Gareth

David if you edit with Vegas or Premiere Pro you can crop a 4x3 with keyframes and follow the action that way. I have used this even make it look like a two camera shoot in 4x3 SD if you like, though don't zoom in too much and your focus must be spot on in HDV.

Ron Evans

It's like shooting HDV, capturing and cutting in HDV and down-converting. Better quality for a DV version, plus an HDV ready to rock and roll once the hi def DVD players drop.

heath