Video formats and Devices recording capabilities.

Nowadays, most camera devices record  video in HD format.  High definition (HD), is a high quality video format that is standard definition, according to Wiki. HD video comprises of vertical lines that determine the aspect ratio of an image such as 1280 x 720 (often called 720p), 1460 x 1080 (often called 1080i) and 1920 x 1080 (also called 1080p). HD format has several recording frame rates that are: 24fps, 25fps, 30fps, 50fps and 60fps.

On the other hand, the Standard definition (SD) is in PAL and NTSC formats. PAL format has 25fps and commonly used in Europe, Africa and some parts of Asia. However, NTSC format has 30fps and is used in North & South America and some parts of Asia.

In order to understand cameras and other recording device capabilities, I have broken-down this section into the following three categories:

• The first category is Phones such as I-phones and LG Android phones. The I-phone 4 and earlier models captures video in 720p HD format at 30fps while I-phone 4s and 5 record 1080p HD format. The video footage is stored internally on all versions of the I-phones. However, Android LG phone capture 720p HD format at 30fps. The phone stores footage internally as well as using an external storage card––e.g., mini SD card.

• The second category is tablet PCs like an I-pad. I-pad 2 and prior models captures in 720p HD format. The 3rd generation I-pad and I-pad mini records in1080p HD format. In addition, all I-pads have 30fps and stores footage via its internal storage.

• The third and last category is consumer camcorders such as the Cannon T2i and the 7d. Cannon T2i and 7D or DSLRs are capable of capture images and video footage in a wide range of formats. The high quality footages from these cameras range from SD to HD –e.g., 480p, 720p and 1080p at variable frame rates from 24 to 60fps. The cameras use a removable SD and or Compact flash cards to store the video footage. These cards are usually inserted in the camera slot section. Furthermore, the camera ability for Interchangeable lenses is what makes it more popular. In addition, various shooting modes and other settings including both automatic and manual adjustments of ISO and Aperture are quite useful when adjusting image quality from these cameras. So far these camera produce best quality video compared to other devices.

Summing up, we have gone through an understanding of the formats that are used in the video production. Thus formats are High definition (HD) and standard definition (SD). We have also gained some knowledge for some devices recording capabilities. This knowledge will be an essential tool as we proceed with more lessons throughout this blog.