videorecording xavc s and then reencode?

[fenomeno83]

Hi. I don't know if i'm in the right section, but i've a question.

I've buyed a sony handycam hdr cx 405.

This camera has the followings best record settings:
-AVCHD 1080p 60fps 28Mbps
-XAVC S 1080p 60fps 50Mbps

So i'd like keep the best capture quality and then reencode to save space keeping very good quality.

So, i thoght to record in XAVC S and than reencode using handbrake with 18 crf and high profile.

Or is better capture videos directly with lower bitrate(using AVCHD) and don't reencode?

What do you suggest?
Thanks

[fenomeno83]

Any help?
Thanks

[sneaker_ger]

I'd record XAVC S and later re-encode on the PC (of course archiving highest quality without re-encoding would be preferable). Encoding on the PC using HandBrake/x264 will likely be better than the real-time AVC encoder embed into the camera.

But: why don't you just test it?

[fenomeno83]

Thanks sneaker..yes,i will test but i'd like know your suggestions too.

Just another thing:
To keep 60fps what avc high profile can I use? 4.0 is good?
Thanks

[sneaker_ger]

1080p60 requires level 4.2 or higher.

[fenomeno83]

Ok thanks.
Will be no differences between 4.2 and 5.0?

[sneaker_ger]

Probably neglible for your use case.

In detail:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H.264/MPEG-4_AVC#Levels
More bitrate and bigger DPB.

[fenomeno83]

Thanks

[dipje]

speaking from experience having sony gear with AVCHD, their encoder isn't the best at distribution of the bits, and I find myself sometimes wishing it had more bitrate at 1080p25 @ 24mbps, even more so with the 1080p50 @ 27 / 28 mbps I have on my camera.

So for sure record in the highest possible, the onboard encoder isn't at good ( at all ) as x264. If you re-encode for archival with crf 18 you'll be safe.

If you want to edit the stuff, better to edit it in XAVC-S and encode/archive the final result. You may never know what information is lost (that you don't really see) when re-encoding.
That being said, for home-movie stuff I can't imagine it being a problem.

[fenomeno83]

Thankssss!!!