SD or HD?

That is the question, sometimes. Should we shoot HD video even if the end product will be broadcast or distributed ONLY in SD? I do have a television project coming up for a cable TV channel that requires only a SD finish, as cable TV in Australia is only broadcast (for the time being) in standard definition. I feel that if HD is an available choice, particulary if it's a drama series or similar with a lengthy shelf life then it's mad to shoot on SD and limit future opportunities. Nor would you want to present a producer with too many added complexities or costs related to HD when they don't need it to complete the show and deliverables.

So long as the downconversion is done properly and depending on the camera the HD source will usually provide a nicer image in SD, with better dynamic range and detail rendition. On the other hand if the downconversion is average, such as the downconverter function typically built-in to prosumer HDV cameras then you can end up with an image worse than shooting with a decent SD camera.

Still, there are plenty saying that SD is truly dead for aquisition, with at least one Australian rental house getting rid of most of their SD video cameras recently.

first cab off the rank

One wonders why we need yet another blog out there among the millions.. but i need a little outlet for many of the thoughts and ruminations that come up regarding the 'digital revolution' in filmmaking as it were, because of course not all revolutions are necessarily better.

Generally it seems there is much more emphasis on the technology we use to make movies, or tv shows, or videos, or take pictures, than there ever was in the analogue days when things were simpler. Does it mean we are spending way too much time talking about, learning about, anticipating and troubleshooting all this new technology that keeps coming over us like an endless tsunami? Is this blog to be yet another tiny nail supporting this techno-marketing juggernaut? To some degree it probably is, but i want to include a balanced view that reminds us that filmmaking should be a creative excercise as well as a technical one. So i'll be keen to cut through the marketing hype with real-world experiences and my own take on the brave new world of HD.