Itching to switch to high-definition video? You may not be ready yet. Here are issues to consider before taking the plunge.
You may have heard that high-definition video promises superior video quality and contrast. What does switching to high-definition video mean for a videographer who shoots standard definition (SD) video? What are the pros and cons?
If you’re an independent filmmaker, HDV is certainly a boon. Some HDV cameras allow you to shoot in 24p which paves an easy way for transfer to film should you get the opportunity to showcase your masterpiece over the silver screen. Some SD cameras can also shoot in the `film mode’ but then the quality is far more superior in HDV. It helps bring your viewer much closer to a cinematic experience.
The other advantage is some HDV cameras allow you to shoot in NTSC or PAL. This would particularly be useful if you have to submit your work to television stations employing different broadcast formats. If you’re shooting documentaries or wedding or corporate videos, you may want to shoot in high-definition if your market has already adopted the standard and you want to create a good impression. Also, if you are in the business of supplying stock footage, you would want to shoot in HDV so as to give your clients the best video resolution possible. The bottom line is if the market you’re in requires HDV, then it would be wise to switch to HDV so as not to lag behind your competitors.
Now that we’ve looked at the advantages of HDV, let’s look at issues that may work to your disadvantage.
Budget
HDV cameras cost much more than their standard definition counterparts. Would you have the budget to buy one?
Unless you want to get hold of an entry-level HDV camera to shoot home videos, be prepared to pay above $4000 for a camera that would deliver the goods. This would include the purchase of longer-lasting batteries as HDV cameras suck up much battery power.
Computer Software and Hardware
You may need to upgrade your video editing software to support high-definition video if it only supports standard definition video. In some cases you may have to buy a new video editing program to support HD editing.
If you’re computer is more than 5 years old, chances are it would not be able to support high-definition video editing. You may need a faster processor (minimum 3 GHz) and more RAM and this way warrant purchasing a new system.
You’ll also need to purchase a HD DVD/Blu-ray player to view your edited high-definition video before passing it to your clients.
HDV with Standard Definition Output Option
The cost involved in switching to high-definition video may put off you off. This doesn’t mean you can’t get to enjoy the benefits of high-definition video.
If you don’t have the budget to upgrade your computer to support high-definition video, you could shoot in HDV and edit in Standard Definition. Some HDV cameras allow you to `downconvert’ high-definition video to standard definition before importing footage to your video editing application. You would see a significant increase in video quality despite the `downconversion’.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s the market requirements and your budget that would help you determine whether you should switch to HDV.
There are additional points to consider though. Would your investment in HDV pay for itself in the short-term? Would your clients be willing to pay extra to enjoy better quality video? It would be wise to get your clients’ feedback before taking the plunge into high-definition video.