HIGH DEFINITION WEDDING VIDEOS
High definition filming and editing
There is a lot of confusion about the term 'High Definition', particularly in respect to filming weddings. As this is likely to be a consideration when choosing your wedding videographer it is important to have an understanding of the terminology. I apologise in advance if this is a bit 'techie' and perhaps confusing.
What is high definition?
It essentially refers to the number of pixels (the tiny individual dots that make up the picture) in each frame. Standard definition (SD) is made up of 720 pixels wide and 576 pixels high. A total of just under a half million pixels in every frame.
Compared to the half million or so pixels in standard definition footage, high definition offers a significant increase in resolution, varying between 1.5 - 2 million pixels. The resulting image is breathtaking.
Not all cameras are equal
Because the technology is new and not fully understood, there is a belief that all 'high-definition' cameras are the same. They are not. As with all cameras, the more you pay, the better the image quality and performance. Many of the smaller, cheaper HD cameras still struggle in low light and need full daylight to capture a half decent picture.
You need a high definition DVD player
While many videographers have high definition cameras, they have not been able to deliver high definition DVD's to the customer, because you need a high-definition DVD player to play them. High-definition DVD players, or Blu-Ray players have, up to now, been relatively expensive and few people have them. However, they are getting cheaper and the demand for Blu-Ray DVD's is increasing.
Do I need high-definition if I haven't got a Blu-Ray player
Until recently the answer to this would have been no, because even when filmed in high definition, the footage had to be 'downsized' to SD be burnt on a standard DVD. The initial 'first-generation' high definition cameras were not that wonderful, particularly in low light, and after downsizing to SD the image quality was no better than if it had simply been filmed in SD to start with.
However, this is not the case with the latest HD cameras such as the Sony EX1. This camera is capable of filming in true HD and has larger imaging chips and better lens than its predecessors. The image quality is breath-taking. If the editing is also carried out in HD, thus preserving the image quality, and then converted to a SD DVD you end up with far better image quality than footage filmed in SD.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that the future is 'high definition'. However, to fully appreciate your wedding video in high definition you will need a HD capable TV and a Blu-Ray high definition DVD player. With prices falling, it is an ideal time to take the plunge and watch your wedding in fantastic high definition.
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