Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop,rec.video.production (
More info?)
I think that Steve has pretty much hit the nail on the head. Here are a few
further thoughts:
You will find some places which won't consider DV, but others will. There is
no getting around the fact that DV is inferior in picture quality to SP or
other pro formats (SX, DVCPro, DigiBeta, etc.), even using the best
"prosumer" cams. This is based not on the encoding, but mostly on the fact
that pro cameras use bigger CCD chips, have better signal processing, etc. I
have done a number of split-screen tests and the evidence is there,
especially when shooting under optimum conditions such as bright sunlight.
DV can't keep up.
The problem is exacerbated if you need to post the video. Start copying that
4:1:1 or 4:2:0 stuff a few generations and things fall apart quickly. That
being said, in the absence of better video (i.e., intercut scenes shot on
pro formats), the eye can get used to DV quite easily. You may not even
realize that you are watching DV unless you have the comparison.
The bigger problem has to do with *what* you use to capture that bitstream
with. Even the best prosumer cams don't cut it, really. Smooth zooms are a
joke, as is positive manual focus: autofocus only gets you so far, and that
is actually not very far at all. Handheld shots and walking shots are a
joke--the small size and weight eliminates the inertial effects that make
those kinds of shots acceptable when shot with full sized on-the-shoulder
cams--kind of like the difference between an ocean liner and a sloop in
choppy seas. Lens focal length and zoom options are also *much* more
limited. Smooth iris controls do not exist--it is electronically stepped.
So even if you can get acceptable video under certain conditions, those
conditions are extremely limited. You would be handicapping youself in a
major way--even with the best camera skills in the world--by trying to get
in the market using only DV.
Toby
"Steve Guidry" <steveguidrynospam@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:BF4qc.4457$SZ4.1853@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> For documentary work, the content is king. The trick is in finding
someone
> who buys shows who is also interested in what you are producing. Format
is
> a second-tier issue. Especially if you are weak in that area, don't lead
> with it. When they ask, turn it around and ask them what they prefer.
Then
> do your negotiating. Gauge their interest and see if it would be worth
> buying any gear you don't have. Don't buy anything you don't already have
> until you see if you can sell the work produced with that gear for more
than
> with your current setup. Anyone who advises otherwise is trying to sell
you
> something.
>
> As to specific gear, here's my experience : (Granted, it's not long-form
> documentary work, but it IS broadcast.)
>
> We routinely work for most of the various crewing agencies that supply
crews
> for national broadcasters like ESPN, CNN, Outdoor Channel, Harpo, and all
> the rest of the tabloids.
>
> NEVER have they called to ask if we can shoot on DV or DVCam. (Or HDV,
or
> Digibeta, or D-9, for that matter). On the occasions I've pitched it - -
> most recently a couple of weeks ago to Inside Edition - - they demurred a
> bit and then said no, they'd drop the story if they couldn't get it shot
on
> Beta SP.
>
> Beta SP still is the de-facto standard. here's a reasonable kit for
> freelance broadcast work :
>
> - Some flavor of Beta SP. (Could be a UVW-100 or a BVW-600, it doesn't
> seem to matter to the booker)
> - An audio package with at least the following : mixer (preferably some
> model of Shure mixer that starts with FP), 2 wireless lavs, a stick mic of
> some kind, and a shotgun with a boom
> - Some kind of light kit (Lowell or better) Flags and reflectors
> recommended.
> - Some kind of pretty good tripod
>
>
> Steve
>
>
>
> "Allpurpose" <johnshea99@yahoo.comm> wrote in message
> news:3PINGK5E38123.4137847222@anonymous.poster...
> > You shoot a 45 min documentary on DV, and everything
> > is as good as it's posible to do in that format. Pictures, sound,
> > are excellent. You do a very nice edit on Avid Xpress DV or something,
> > and then you get a pro sound guy to do a very professional mix &
> > mastering session. You now have a winner.
> >
> > Question: Is this something a media company, major network - whatever,
> > would be interested in buying? I mean, is DV a viable format if
> > you've got your eye on broadcast material?
> >
> > John.
> >
> >
>
>
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram