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J
jpetersonphoto
Participating Frequently
February 24, 2017
Question

Pros and cons: editing in h.264 vs transcoding to DNxHD?

  • February 24, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 2317 views

I know this had been debated a lot in recent years.  But with Premiere continually updating I'm hoping for some fresh opinions on my specific question here...

Pertaining to shooting DSLR video, specifically 5dmkiii and 5dmkiv which record to h.264.  As my windows based machine can handle the native h.264 footage when editing in Premiere Pro, what do you see as the pros and cons of transcoding to DNxHD before editing?

My specific inquiry here is whether you get more latitude with color grading and other manipulation of footage in the DNxHD format.  Will I be exporting a higher quality, better looking video in the end if I work with transcoded footage rather than the native h.264?

Any other considerations on the topic are appreciated.

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.

2 replies

E
excited_Genie16B8
Legend
February 25, 2017

Pro: Easier to edit, especially when adding effects.

Con: Requires additional time and storage space.

R Neil Haugen
R Neil Haugen
Legend
February 25, 2017

You're starting with heavily compressed 8-bit media there. As I do with my Panny GH3. That's the basic limitation, the combination of being only 8-bit and being so heavily compressed.

That heavily compressed media requires more effort by the CPU on de-encoding for playback. Much more than the DNxHD does. That is the main advantage of transcoding ... it's a lot easier on the CPU to handle DNxHD and Cineform than the H.264.

Depending on your rig's capabilities, you may get a better playback/editing experience with transcoded media into DNxHD or Cineform. And your renders/exports may be a bit faster.

There won't be any increased ability to grade as far as say holding subtle color/tonal shifts better ... there's just not enough color/resolution data to begin with.

Neil

Everyone's mileage always varies ...
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