Will video shot in HD but converted to SD be better than video shot in SD?

Question

I have a Canon HV10 HD camcorder but my PC can only support Pinnacle Studio's video editing software in SD. So I record in HD but output in SD from the camcorder to the PC. Am I getting any benefit from having an HD camcorder?

Answer 1

Depends of the codec used for the conversion, some codecs are more aggressive and applie more compression - thus degrade video quality.

Answer 2

To answer your question, no, right now, there really is no real benefit of having an HD camcorder, if you're a consumer that is. For pros and the like, this is truly the year of HD, but then again, the keywords are "pros and the like." The reason there is really no benefit right now of having an HD camcorder is for several reasons. One, you need the appropriate computer hardware and software to edit HDV (which is the only HD format available for consumers). Assuming you have the hardware and software, you need to find a way to output the finished video so you can watch it. As for now, the only cheap option is to print to tape. Yes, there are blu-ray drives and HD-DVD drives (I prefer blu-ray), but they cost hundreds, and then you also need a compatible player to watch the expensive discs on. Oh, and you need an HD set as well. Kinda makes you want to tear your hair out doesnt it?

So right now, I'm assuming you have the appropriate hardware to edit HD, but not the appropriate software. Yes, HD will give a better image when downconverted to SD, but you will probably get slightly better quality if you import as HD, then export as SD. So are you really getting any benefit? Yes. But could you have gotten similar quality by spending several hundred dollars less on an SD cam? Probably. If its possible, return the camera, and get a cheaper SD camera for now. That way, when the REAL year of the HD comes, you'll have extra money for a better camera. But that's just my opinion, so feel free to ignore it. Hope this helps!

Answer 3

no actually not.
if you convert a HD signal to SD it will loose its quality substantially. so better use a SD camcorder or get an HD platform to work on. I think you should have the software for editing provided with your camcorder?

Answer 4

No. Not really.

Your system isn't fast enough for Studio Deluxe 10

How about PRemier.

Now, what are you doing with them.

There is NO HD DVD burner yet, priced under $3,000

So after yo ufinish editing what you are doiong, going back to tape.

If so your tape is SD quality from the final edit.

Windows Movie MAker won't handle HD input?

You can't run Avid Express?

Answer 5

They should be the same. You are always using the same sensor. If you record in SD the sensor output is converted to SD before it is transferred to tape. If you record in HD the HD tape output is converted to SD before it is transferred to your computer. The advantage to recording in HD is that you always have the HD tape.

Answer 6

each Canon camcorder lens is built to the main exacting standards and subsidized via greater beneficial than 70 years’ journey in crafting lenses for broadcast. as much as 13 person lenses could nicely be secure in one Canon camcorder lens, each featuring aspheric lens components to get rid of any image distortion for the utmost high quality video clips. Canon make their own lenses and their mind-blowing image high quality is underscored via their use in maximum broadcast purposes. as an occasion, programmes like Coronation street, Casualty and X ingredient, nature documentaries like the Blue Planet and life, besides using fact the final public of exterior announces in the united kingdom, are all recorded employing Canon's state-of-the-artwork broadcast lenses.