This page outlines the basic video recording standards that we recommend for recording video for Cinema Studies production classes.
In general, the following variables can be adjusted when recording video files. Some of the below settings will not be able to be adjusted on every camera, but make sure to check in the menus to see if you can adjust them.
Recording Settings:
- Video Resolution: This setting affects how many lines of resolution make up your vide file. Standard HD is 720 x 1280, but all of our cameras are capable of recording at 1080 x 1920.
- Frame Type: There are two types of frames: Interlaced frames (composed of two fields of alternating odd and even lines) and Progressive frames, which are composed of one solid image. This is indicated by an “i” or a “p” after either the resolution or frame rate, i.e. 24p or 1080i etc.
- Progressive frames create a larger file size, but are better for text or fast action. Interlaced frames are a more traditional type of frame and produce smaller file sizes, but can sometimes show banding around fast action. Additionally, on most cameras interlace frame types allow you to record at a higher frame rate (i.e. 60i fps)
- Frame Rate: Frame rates can be adjusted on all video cameras. Always pay attention to the assignment and class requirements and check to make sure your camera is set correctly.
- 24 fps (film focused classes)
- 30 fps (television or documentary classes)
- File Bitrate (MBPS)/Quality: The File Bitrate can be adjusted on both the C100 or Vixias. You should always ensure that you are recoridng at the highest possible bitrate. This will be 24 Mbps or MXP on the Vixia. Note that some SD cards cannot record at the highest bitrate and you may need to adjust the bitrate to the next lower setting to record to your SD card.
- Codecs and file types are also important settings for video files, but are typically not adjustable on video cameras. These settings are adjustable when exporting file types. So this page for more info.
This page was written by Kevin May for the University of Oregon Cinema Studies Program and is published under Creative Commons license (CC BY NC SA 3.0)