What is the resolution of HDcam?
1080 lines of vertical resolution per 1920 lines of horizontal resolution, obtaining a total of more than 2’200,000 pixels. It can be scanned either Progressive or interlaced.

What are the frame rates at which the F900 can work?
You can record at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 progressive frames or 50, 59.94 & 60 interlaced frames.

What is the maximum recording time of and HD tape for camcorder?
Recording at 23.98P the maximum time is 50 minutes with a BCT-40HD Tape, even if the tape says 40 Minutes.

Can you save the settings in the CineAlta camcorder?
The HDW-F900 can save up to five different look settings and additionally has a memory stick to save information. In it you can save different color configurations and personal settings of each user or director of photography.

Can you adapt film accessories to HD?
All the Matte Boxes, follow focus accessories, tripods, dollies, cranes and steadycams are adaptable.

At what speed rate shall I record?
This depends on what you need for your specific production but a common rule is that “closed” speeds such as 24P are for ending in film and the “open”
Speeds as 23.98P are for post producing in standard video and TV.

If I shoot in HD must I post produce in HD?
Not really. You can shoot in HD and transfer to digital betacam or SP or even to a hard drive disk and then edit. Of course quality will be higher than if you had taped originally on Digitbeta or SP.

At the same time you can do an EDL and do a final On line edition on HD.

Why is it more expensive to rent an HD package than a Film one?
An HD camera is an equipment with a more complex technology than the mechanics of a standard film camera. A new HD camera is more expensive than its equivalent Film Camera. Additionally the High definition package usually comes with HD monitors and HD video assists and also High def technicians, so its seems more expensive.

The savings in HD relay on the cost of the tapes vs. the film stock, its development and transfer to digital .

1 HD tape = 5000 feet of film.

Do you need a smaller crew to work on HD?
In general, any production on HD or film requires the same amount of persons in each department to achieve a good result. The camera department dosen’t need any more second assistant to load film but on the other hand you now need an HD technician to operate the electronics of the camera and all the menus.

You still need an assistant that can attach film accessories and pull focus. The HD camera department is composed now with a First assistant, an HD technician and a general assistant who is in charge of monitors and cables..

Do I need less lights to shoot in HD?
One of the main characteristics in HD is that cameras are more sensible and “see” with less light meaning that you can maybe save on lights and lightning crew. Anyway this is something that depends on the style of the DP and how he wants to light each scene.

Is impossible to do Slow motion on HD?
Although only Digital HD cameras such as the NAC can shoot at 1000 frames per second, in general the HD cameras are not designed for shooting High speed. However there are various ways of shooting and post tricks to achieve and excellent slowmo similar to 60 frames in film. (Contact ALTA SUR for further information).

Can I use film lenses on an HD camera?
Yes, there are several adapters such as the Cine Lens Adapter “CLA-35HD”
By Angeniux and Zeiss and the P+S Technick Pro 35. Normally the recommendation will be to use lenses designed specifically for HD such as the the Canon or Fujinon lenses that the cameras have but its possible to use any film optic. ( For advantages and disadvantages contact ALTA SUR)

When to shoot Progressive or Interlaced?
One of the biggest advantages of shooting in HD is the possibility of doing it progressive in a similar way as film is captured. Progressive achieves a film look and interlaced looks more like video. Your choice depends on the type of production and what you want to achieve because not everything needs a film look.

How do I now which lens is equivalent in HD to a 16 or 35mm one?
To find the equivalent measures in 35mm, multiply its millimeters by 2.48.
In 16mm, multiply by 1.32.

For example and 20mm HD lens is the equivalent of a 50mm lens in 35mm film.

15. Can the camera record in various aspect ratios?
Its important to understand that the CineAlta always records in a16:9 format and it can be finished in 16:9, 4:3 or letterbox. You must have clear in what aspect ratio will your final image be used to ask for it in post and specially to frame your compositions when shooting.