Beginner Question - Best Format/Resolution for importing still photos in PowerDirector 11

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Grosda

Newbie Location: Missouri Joined: Jun 28, 2013 12:55 Messages: 3 Offline

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Jul 28, 2013 22:34

Dear Experienced PowerDirector 11 Users,

I have just started to use PD11 to create videos from my still photos. I am really enjoying the flexibility of all the effects tools.

I have a question about the photo files I'm bringing into PD. I'm using JPG files at near original resolution. The original files are from 12 mpx and 16 mpx cameras. I use Photoshop CS6 as my editor.

The files and subsequent video files don't have the sharpness I would expect from my print work. Many of the same images I'm bringing in for video use will make sharp prints up to 30" x 40". I'm creating my videos in 4:3 and am cropping most photos to that same ratio.

Suggestions on the best approach for prepping the still photos prior to import into PD11 would be appreciated.

Best Regards,

Dale Grosbach
Missouri
www.hillsandskies.com

James Dotson

Senior Contributor Location: Tennessee Joined: Aug 24, 2009 20:40 Messages: 3066 Offline

Jul 28, 2013 23:00

What format are you producing them to? If you are using standard definition you can expect a lose of quality. Even in some HD profiles. __________________________________
CORNBLOSSOM

Grosda

Newbie Location: Missouri Joined: Jun 28, 2013 12:55 Messages: 3 Offline

Jul 28, 2013 23:25

Quote: What format are you producing them to? If you are using standard definition you can expect a lose of quality. Even in some HD profiles.

so far I've created DVD HQ 720x480/60i

Regards,

Kmot

Contributor Location: Northridge, CA Joined: Apr 18, 2012 01:45 Messages: 432 Offline

Jul 29, 2013 01:15

Hi Dale,

Surprisingly, DVD is actually low res quality.

PowerDirector has the 'power' to handle those 12MB photos with ease. But you will see better results if you produce to something other than DVD. Such as MPEG-4, or AVCHD/MTS2, heck even WMV. And go ahead and select a hi res output such as 1920x1080. You will end up with black borders with a 4:3 crop. If you could crop your original images to 16:9 than you will not get the black edges. ~Tom~

Grosda

Newbie Location: Missouri Joined: Jun 28, 2013 12:55 Messages: 3 Offline

Jul 29, 2013 22:56

Quote: But you will see better results if you produce to something other than DVD. Such as MPEG-4, or AVCHD/MTS2, heck even WMV

Kmot, thank you for the suggestions. The new format did improve the output quality. As a photographer do you have any recommendations for resolution adjustments that would make further improvements?

Best regards,

Dale