Is RED 29.97 PsF or Interlaced?

[Brandon Kraemer]

Trying to figure out if RED shot at 29.97 is progressive split field or interlaced?

If it's interlaced, what is the field dominance?

I am pretty certain its PsF. Transcodes from Redcine at the same frame rate look poor when added to a Lower field dominant timeline in FCP. Shifting fields makes no difference and de-interlacing makes matters worse.

If it's PsF, why you would ever want to shoot 29.97 fps vs. 23.98 fps?

 

[Mark L. Pederson]

Trying to figure out if RED shot at 29.97 is progressive split field or interlaced?

If it's interlaced, what is the field dominance?

I am pretty certain its PsF. Transcodes from Redcine at the same frame rate look poor when added to a Lower field dominant timeline in FCP. Shifting fields makes no difference and de-interlacing makes matters worse.

If it's PsF, why you would ever want to shoot 29.97 fps vs. 23.98 fps?

The RED ONE does not interlace or segment (PsF) frames. It shoots only true progressive frames.

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

29.97 would be better for sports etc while still retaining a bit of the 24fps feel. 60 feels nothing like 24fps but excellent for sports... Customers will often ask for specific framerates. Most will know what they want and take no substitutes.
For films and narrative TV, 24fps is the way to go. In my humble opinion and understanding, it forces the audience to fill in the blanks. This engages them actively, and possibly sparks their creativity a bit, conducent to it...

Like Mark points out, RED knows nothing about interlacing and that is needless to say a good thing. Just set your timeline to progressive.

 

[Kaku Ito]

Shoot in 3K/60p and convert to 1080/60i if you want the interlace look.

 

[Brandon Kraemer]

Thanks Mark, Roberto and Kaku. Very helpful as always.