Filming In High Definition
A Shooting Guide
What Is High Definition?
High Definition (HD) is the next step in television technology. It reflects the huge advances in digital processing and storage in that it offers, in the simplest terms, a 200% improvement in the resolution of television pictures.
Although specialist HD recording and broadcasting systems have been in operation for many years, the technology has now become widely established in the market. Over the past two years there have been a significant number of new HD cameras introduced from a variety of established manufacturers, and some exciting developments from less well-known players too.
What's Available?
Sony has the HDCAM and the XDCAM systems working at 1080 line resolution. Panasonic offer DVCPRO HD working at 720 or 1080 line resolution. Both manufacturers offer tape-based and file-based recording options. RED have become well-known for the RED One, a 4K camera which records to hard-drives.
Panasonic
• The Panasonic tape system is based around the AJ-HD camcorder range and AJ-HD player/recorders. The flagship camera, the Varicam, is unusual in that it can record at variable frame rates from 4 to 60 frames per second. Panasonic also produce the HDX 900 which is capable of recording 1080 line resolution.
Panasonic have concentrated their tapeless efforts into the P2 system, which uses proprietary memory cards to record DVCPRO HD video as files. A wide range of cameras from the full-sized AJ-HPX3700 to the diminutive AG-HPX171E allow users to use P2 in any shooting scenario.
Sony
• The Sony HDCAM system includes the HDW-900R CineAlta, HDW¬-790P and HDW-650P camcorders with a range of full specification mainframe player/recorders and budget desktop players.
The XDCAM system allows users to choose from either SxS cards or Professional Blu-Ray DVDs as a recording media. Currently available cameras range from the PDW-F800 and 700, the smaller PMW-EX3 and the PMW-EX1.
Tapeless HD
• New developments in data storage technology have made tapeless formats a realistic, versatile and reliable option. The Sony XDCAM is based on Blu-ray DVD technology, whilst XDCAM EX has been developed to record onto SXS memory cards. Panasonic have developed P2, a solid state, Flash card storage system. There are also systems that use hard disc data storage intended for high-end productions, such as the Thomson Viper, the Arri D20, Panavision's Genesis and the Red One camera. Also under this category are High speed systems, such as the Tornado which can record at anything up to 1000 frames per second.
Handycams
• There are several versions of the “handycam” on the market, recording to a variety of formats including solid state.. Cameras such as the Sony Z1E, EX1, the Panasonic HVX-200 and the JVC GY-110E camcorder are being used extensively in television production.
How To Choose?
All of the above cameras can produce excellent results. Your decision as to which system suits your needs will come down to:
• Broadcaster guidelines.
• Budget.
• Location practicalities.
• Production workflow.
Progressive Scan / Interlaced Recording
High Definition pictures can be recorded progressive or interlaced.
Progressive scan records one full frame at a time, similar to a film camera.
Different frame rates are available, most commonly 24P, 25P & 30P.
The interlaced options are 50i and 60i. An interlaced signal is recorded
as two fields making up each frame.
It is important to remember that not all camcorders offer all frame rate
options.
When To Use HD
It is worth considering using High Definition for a wide range of shoots:
• Projects where the highest quality is paramount.
• Projects where the programme will be distributed worldwide.
• The recordings can be edited, manipulated or displayed easily on standard
• High Definition equipment.
• Acquisition of material for future use.
• As the highest quality video format available High Definition offers the most future-proof recording possible.
• Projects involving computer-generated material and interfacing with computer graphics.
• Using progressive scan images can simplify any animation process.
• Slo-mo and effects. These can either be generated in camera with the Varicam, or in Post on HDCAM by exploiting the higher resolution produced.
• Time-lapse shoots. Several HD camcorders can record frame by frame time-lapse footage, the best results coming from cameras with a memory cache.
Filming With…
Any shoot where the final product is to be projected.
Either from tape or from a tape-film transfer. The 24P or 25P recording options are particularly suited to transfer 'frame for frame' to 35mm film.
Shooting HD
Points to remember…
Lenses
These should be specific High Definition lenses in order to make the most of the camera's capabilities. There are three options:
1. There are a range of ENG/EFP style lenses and cine style, all with high quality optics, which are specifically produced for High Definition work. These lenses are significantly more expensive than traditional video lenses to hire, so making sure that you book exactly what you need is an important part of controlling the cost of your shoot.
2. High Definition Prime lenses are also available which have a higher specification; this is reflected in the cost. Zeiss, Canon and Fujinon all have HD Prime lens ranges.
3. PL Mount 35mm lenses can be used in conjunction with a lens adapter, such as the P+S Technik Pro35, resulting in a narrow depth of field for a more filmic look.
Monitoring
It is advisable to use HD monitors on location, to get an accurate idea of what you're recording. Some cameras do have provision for standard def monitoring such as LCDs with video senders, but the old HDW-F900 and Varicam camcorders will need a down converter to allow standard def monitoring.
Support Equipment
For Dramas & Commercials…
The camcorder will usually require 35mm specification tripods, heads, lens control and mattebox systems.
For Documentary Or Standard Shooting…
You can use all the accessories that you would take out on a Digital Betacam shoot. The camcorders are very similar in size, weight and appearance to any Broadcast standard unit, and can be handheld and used on Steadicams and cranes with no problem. They use standard battery kits and the 4 channel recording system interfaces with standard audio equipment. Stock should be budgeted at around 1.5 times the cost of the Digital Betacam equivalent.
Workflow
An important consideration when shooting on High Definition is what's known as Workflow. This incorporates the full production process from acquisition to finished article. You will need to think about:
. • which frame rate or mode (25P, 50i etc) to shoot
. • agreeing shutter speeds and exposure levels
. • being in full communication with your Post Production facility to make sure everything comes together as expected.
There is an increasing amount of equipment available, despite its high capital cost, with the newer generation of equipment bringing High Definition shooting within the range of many more projects and productions. Talk to your suppliers and crew and take advantage of their expertise and experience in the field. The elements that your crew will bring to the shoot are still critical – lighting, set-up, and an understanding of the way the technology works remain at the forefront of a successful shoot. Don't forget to look in The Knowledge for those specialising in High Definition equipment, you'll find we've introduced a code (HD) against the relevant headings, e.g. Camera Equipment to indicate the companies who can help you. High Definition is the future of television and is already the format of choice for a wide range of productions. The expanding number of dedicated HD channels confirms that the market for HD is out there, and will continue to grow.
Many thanks to:
THE CRUET COMPANY
for their assistance in compiling this section
