the only difference between the H.264 'match source-high bit rate' preset and the '480SD' preset is the datarate - 10Mbits for the first and 3Mbits for 480SD. I think 3Mbits is a bit low for noisey analogue SD but perhaps 10Mbits is too high. IF final size is an issue for you (i.e. 10Mbit is creating file sizes larger than you want) try around 5-7MBits. There's a 'video' tab in the export window and if you scroll down you can change the 'Target Bitrate' slider to any amount you want. Once you find a happy medium - save that setting as your own preset.
Since you are starting with fairly low quality, going with a higher bit rate on export does only one thing:
it prevents any further loss of quality introduced from compression artifacts from re-encoding.
BUT there's a limit. Once you pass a certain threshold - increasing datarate even more will have no impact on visual quality. That's probably why you are having a hard time seeing the difference between different presets.*
And when you compare (say) Prores to H.264 you see (as you note) massive file size differences. But keep in mind - just because the Prores is bigger does not always mean it's automatically better than the H.264 (in your case).
H.264 is a very efficient codec. It's designed to be a small, (and often) high quality delivery format. Prores is designed for maximum quality, editing efficiency and minimum compression artifacts.
Regarding Shutter encoder and Lossless Cut. Have not used either but suspect they would be more than fine.
Data rate noted above would apply to these programs as well.
An advantage in Premiere Pro are the built in tools (Like Lumetri) that would allow you to do a quick colour grade on your footage. Indoor analogue footage might benefit from some colour correction and exposure on darker shots etc.
Good luck. There's a lot of stuff I've not included in this post as you've actually asked some questions that have very deep answers (we've not even mentioned 'interlacing' yet 🙂 but come back with more queries if you need info.
* a great trick to 'see' what difference a re-encode has over the original is; import the new encoded file back into Premiere Pro, drop that clip exactly over the top of the original clip(s) in your sequence (it has to line up perfectly). With the imported re-coded file selected now go to 'effects controls' and change the 'opacity' 'blend mode' to 'difference'.
Your Premiere pro program monitor should now be mostly black. Where ever you see a hint of an image indicates a difference between the two clips.
43
Replies
AdChoices
