HD vs SD for wildlife/short films

jbetz
Member

I am looking to purchase a camcorder, and I am wondering what others think about the HD vs SD dilemma, especially with regards to wildlife subjects. I am an aspiring wildlife filmmaker and so far have shot all of my footage in HD (on a Sony FX1 and Canon XHA1). I am happy with the quality of the footage I shot on these cameras, but for wildlife filming longer lenses would obviously be a benefit. Here is a link to my showreel if you would like to see some of my footage:

Get the Flash Videos

. Since I just graduated from college and those cameras belonged to my school, I now find myself without a camera.

I have done a lot of reading on choosing cameras in books and on forums, and I believe I have a pretty good handle on the costs and benefits of both HD and SD for wildlife, and in general. I know that interchangeable lenses are often considered a necessity for wildlife work, and as I have a knowledge of lenses and multi-lens setups I feel that I am ready to handle this type of setup. I know it adds a lot of cost, weight, etc, but again, for wildlife it seems like more of a necessity than perhaps in other film genres. Because of this I have been considering the Canon XL2.

On the other hand, I know that the wildlife film industry, and all video in general, is quickly transitioning to HD. I love the quality and resolution I was able to obtain using the FX1 and XHA1, but I just didn't get the magnification I need to film many subjects. While I could get close enough to woodchucks (within 10ft) to get decent close-ups, I can't get this close to a fox, deer, bear, etc. I am working on a budget, and so I can't afford something like the Canon XLH1 at this point, and so any HD camera I purchase would not offer interchangeable lenses.

At this point my main goal is NOT to produce lots of footage to sell to anyone, but to improve my reel with effective sequences of behavior so that I can show that I am able to shoot for sequence-editing and will subsequently be noticed by producers.

Is a camera like the XL2 good enough for this purpose? Or do I absolutely NEED HD footage in order to compete in today's HD world, even in terms of my showreel? Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
grinner
Member

Sure it is. You'll upgrade to HD when paid to do it. Till then, I see no need for the expense.

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
composite1
Moderator

jbetz,

It all boils down to what can you afford? Despite HD taking over for SD, cameras like the XL series particularly the XL2 are still great for direct to DVD and internet streaming. You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days. Also, what are your customers/clients asking for? Shooting wildlife footage is hard work and you should have a plan to sell stock footage in mind. If you shoot in HD, then you can downres clips to SD and offer the footage in two formats.

Granted the XL rig will be a bit cheaper in the short run. You'll need less harddrive space to store SD footage. Shooting tape is cheaper than solid-state and SD footage is less hassle to edit than HD. In the long run, you will have invested time, cash and other resources in a format that is near the end of its run.

Paying as you go for gear is the best way to build your kits. But you also want to pick out gear that has as long a shelf life as you can afford. If you stay with indy video production, you'll eventually have to go HD anyway. It's a tough decision, but take a hard look at your budget and what you plan to accomplish with said camera. Once you've done that, I have no doubt you will be able to make the best choice for you.

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
jbetz
Member

Thanks for the info composite1. I just want to respond to one of your comments.

You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit as you would to get an HDV kit these days.

I am only considering cameras with interchangeable lenses, and so that basically means I'm considering cameras like the XL2 and XLH1. Both can use 35mm lenses with adapters, and so even if I purchased a XL2, I wouldn't be wasting money on the lenses because I could always use these on a future camera. So it's the difference between a $2500-$2800 SD camera and a $5000 HD camera, which for me is a big difference.

I just want to throw out a couple more options to consider:

1. HD camera like the XHA1 with teleconverters. Anyone have experience or advice?

2. DSLR like the 5d Mk II or 7D. Seems like it could be a good option as it provides interchangeable lenses and full HD video, as well as being two things at one: a temporary inexpensive (at least for the 7D) HD camcorder and a great quality still camera that will be useful even after I buy a more expensive HD camcorder later.

Any thoughts?

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
TheWildlifeStudio
Member

The quality of the output from the DSLR's is excellent, while the longer lenses you require do not HAVE to be the 'L' class optics that the still guys need, as there is not the resolution required.

The lenses can still be used at a later date with adaptors! :)

Ian
http://www.thewildlifestudio.com

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
composite1
Moderator

Jbetz,

Glad to be of assistance. As for my comment 'You'll probably pay as much to outfit an XL2 kit...' goes, I base that on my own purchase and rigging of our XL1s kit. I got the cam for the same reasons you're eyeballing the XL2. I ended up doing a full pro-rig for it including; MA200 4-audio input and shoulder mount, FU-1000 monochrome viewfinder, 16xs, 16xm and 3x lenses, Nightvision lens and adapter, portable dual battery charger, 8 batteries, lens filters, Kata camerabag not including accessories like tripod, etc. 75% of that list was bought at the same time and it came out to just under $11k.

Now, you're probably not going to 'pro rig' your initial choice as cam's are so much further along, but if you get an XL2 some of that stuff will be essential if you're serious. So my point is; if you're going to have to hork up the money anyway, why not take the next step up front?

You mentioned the DSLR cameras and that is a really good idea. Though I'm using JVC's GY200UB and am quite pleased with it, the MkII and the 7D are definitely in my co's acquisition future. The only drawback for a wildlife shooter is the 12-minute rule with the Canon's. I haven't heard whether the 7D is also limited by that, but you'll save a heap o' cash not having to pay for 35mm adapters. The cheapest one you can get for the XL2 is the one Canon makes for use with their 35mm lenses. You could use that money to buy a mattebox kit from Redrock Micro or Zacuto. Plus the fact is, the MkII is a 5k camera! I don't know what the 7D is rated at since the CMOS is smaller, but I'm sure it's still 2k or better.

The money you'd spend on an XL2, you could get a DSLR kit and be at the cutting edge for a while. Something to think about.

Posted 2 months ago # Login to Send PM
jbetz
Member

Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely considering a DSLR but since I need to save up a bit more money before I buy anything, I'll wait to see what happens in the coming months. I read a rumor that Canon may be releasing a new camera at the end of the month, perhaps something like the 7D but in camcorder form. We'll see. Until then, I have a lot to think over.

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