NTSC setting on Sony Z1E

[Dave R Smith]

I had a request at 5pm to record an event next day in NTSC.

I covered the event - advising the client it was the first time I had actually used NTSC mode.

All went well and tapes handed over for state-side editing.

I used the 50i/60i SEL (page 83 of manual) to change the setting to 60i - which 'rebooted' the camera (that's what the menu message said - first time I've seen a camera use this term).

I also made a note to set it back after the event - wouldn't want to forget!

I'd like it to go smooth for our friends over the pond, so are there any technical issues or oddities they should be aware of, and is 60i precisely the same as their cameras - as NTSC is really 29.97 (* 2 for interlaced).

Anyone done a similar job - with confirmation from states that there are no problems?

[Gavin Gration]

Dave,

Yes that's the correct setting.

The Z1 is a world camera - i.e. The same physical device is sold in all territories.

The model number varies - or at least the letter at the end does - but the actual unit is exactly the same no matter where it's purchased.

Provided your machine said 60i when recording then it will be right.

[RayL]

It makes you wonder why more camcorders aren't 'world cameras', as Gavin puts it. Now it's all done in digits and set in a menu, you'd think the cost would be negligable compared to making different versions for different regions of the world.

Ray Liffen

[infocus]

Originally Posted by Dave R Smith

I'd like it to go smooth for our friends over the pond, so are there any technical issues or oddities they should be aware of, and is 60i precisely the same as their cameras - as NTSC is really 29.97 (* 2 for interlaced).

If I was asked to shoot "NTSC" I'd take that to mean 480i/30 at a 4:3 aspect ratio. But the term "NTSC" seems frequently to (wrongly) be used for some HD 60Hz standards. Hence it may be worth dotting "i"s and crossing "t"s and always checking SD/HD and aspect ratio if SD if a new client.

[Dave R Smith]

Wow - Thank-you Gary, Ray and Infocus.
I didn't expect any experienced replies - it's the first time I've been asked to film in NTSC and with that co-inciding with a Z1E owner, I thought it would be slim - even though it is one of it's advertised feautures.

I wasn't sure if camera was 100% same - or whether say NTSC was Pseudo/compatible but not quite the same.

Gary - 'Provided your machine said 60i when recording then it will be right.'.
Yep - did that test before accepting the booking - and it was a nice comfort to see '60i' on viewfinder while filming to ensure it hadn't switched back by default during off/on operation.

Infocus - I was able to confirm widescreen with non-technical client and was promised telephone call from their technical man, which I didn't receive.

I agree about dotting 'i's etc - I always quiz clients on destined output - tv,dvd,website etc as cross-check that any stated requirements make sense.

Thank-you for your swift replies.