Visual differences between Redcode 28, 36...?

[Rob Ruffo]

I'm just wondering if anyone has noticed a time when 28 breaks down, or in what way it might be visually inferior, or under which circumstances. So far, we have been very happy with 28 when media space is tight, but maybe there are risks we are not aware of.

Is there any real reason to go above 36?

 

[Rick Darge]

Personally, all I shoot is RC28. It's fine. I've never noticed a visual difference between any of them. Redcode is just that good

 

[John Marchant]

I've never seen Redcode throw up really unsightly artifacts, because of the way the codec looks. You just don't get really horrible square macro blocks. That said I've found that shooting 28 can introduce what I initially took for grain in flat areas, but went away some at 36. In a keying test I did 42 was better than 36 - fine detail around fuzzy hair was easier to get a good matte from - but until the software needed that extra clarity I could barely tell the images apart.

 

[David Birdy]

You can be sure any features currently being shot with Red Ones will use Redcode 42!

The general rule is ..Less compression is best, especially if you are increasing the display size to a movie screen.

Yes Redcode 28 and 36 are very close and great for broadcast TV or the internet, Movies should be 42!

Dave

 

[Rob Ruffo]

Thanks a lot guys!

So... If I understand correctly:

Slightly less grain at 36? No real difference bet. 36 & 42 unless green-screening?

28 never gives you any stress-drama...

One might conclude that 36 was a good solid choice for 1080p broadcast, and 42 overkill. (?)

 

[Eirik Tyrihjel]

There is a difference alright, but often you have to dig deep and look at the noise in a specific channel to be able to spot it.
Then you can ask yourself is it worth it, at RC28 you have more options with regards to varispeed and formats, at RC you are more limited, and over time you will save quite a bit on storage using RC28.

I tend to use RC28 for corporate, music videos, commercials etc, for anything with a longer life I would concider RC36 or RC42, just in case.