SDxHD footage?

Question

Can you explain me the difference between standard def and HD footage..And how much more disk space does HD video take up than SD?

Also... how do you use a P2 card??Do you import the footage straight to your hard drive??

Answer 1

High definition has a higher resolution than standard def. SD has a resolution of 720x480, while true HD is 1920x1080--that's quite a bit. However, you most likely wont get true HD, it's more probable that you get something like 1440x1080. You may also decide to shoot in HD720p mode, which is even lower res at 1280x720. So more pixels= clearer picture quality. There are a few downsides with HD, the most noticeable is the reduced sensivity to light; SD cameras usually are better in low light than HD cameas. You can think of it like high speed film; more pixels=sensitive to light.

       HD also takes up quite a bit more hard drive space than SD. SD footage from a DV camera takes up about 217MB per minute, about 12.7GB per hour. HD, on the other hand takes up a lot more.

___________________per min._________per hour______

Uncompressed

1920x1080..................7GB........... 417GB.......

Uncompressed

1280x720........................... 4.2GB....................251GB......

Compressed from

a P2 camcorder.................835MB .......................49GB......

in 1080HD

Regarding the P2 camera, it is a newer solid state format camcorder that is tapeless. In other words, no moving parts (like tape-based ones)= less wear and tear and, and less compression than DV. The footage does not go straight to hard drive, it goes to the P2 card, which you can do your capture to the computer. However, not all programs work with the P2 codec. The professional ones do like Final Cut Studio and Avid Media Composer, but I guarantee Windows Movie Maker does not. In order to get your P2 footage into the computer, you capture via firewire (recommended) or usb. Also, some laptops have slots where you can insert your P2 footage for instant viewing.

Well, I hope that helps.