This information is aimed at the individual who is not familiar with the distinctive characteristics between motion picture film and high definition video.

As the General Manager and cinematographer for several film and video production facilities in Kansas City I had the opportunity to work with high definition since the early 1990's before it became commercially viable.   As a cinematographer I am hard pressed to say that anything can or will ever come close to the natural transparency and beauty of film.   However, having watched the progression of and worked with the equipment from manufactures such as Sony and Panasonic I am constantly impressed with the continued improvements in the camera's picture clarity, contrast range, depth of color and saturation values. The last few years have seen an explosion of professional, broadcast and consumer high definition cameras come to market.   Many of these cameras are pressing the boundaries of what digital tape, memory chips and DVD's can hold.   However, there is a continuing increase in the quality of compressed video and it's playback.   I would speculate that in the very near future the quality difference between what is considered professional grade and consumer quality will continue to diminish.

However, there are distinct areas that remain when choosing between high definition video and motion picture film.   I will not take the space here to delineate all of the them but here are a few that are most important to me. Film speeds in cameras are incredibly diverse.   Whether you need 1 frame per second or 300 film cameras can do that and actually a whole lot more.   Video cameras are limited to several speeds.   These speeds are very important when creating certain visual effects.   Some can be emulated in video special effects many cannot.   Film stocks come in many different exposure speeds and color saturations.   You can even choose the type of grain you want in your film whereas HD is determined by a fixed number of pixels that is always consistent.  Video cameras can be programmed to emulate these to some degree but again it's an emulation.   However, using a telecine process with video can help to solve many of these   differences.   Film is expensive.   Video is cheap in comparison.   When you add the cost of film stock, film processing and transfer, the necessary equipment and crew the end costs can skyrocket.   High definition video requires a cameraperson, tape and editing capabilities; That's it.   The cost between the two formats is extremely significant.

Film vs HD; if the need is quality of image both will do the job.   If the concern is in camera effects you will have to decide where you're financial limitations are.   As a cinematographer I am always using various filter combinations with HD cameras to create a look that rivals that of film.   Not exactly the same but very close.   If you have questions about your next project please feel free to call or write us.

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