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Appendix C Working with Anamorphic 16:9 Media 1099
XIII
Recording Anamorphic Video
Anamorphic video can be acquired in one of three ways:
 Using an anamorphic lens: An anamorphic lens is a wide angle lens that optically
distorts the 16:9 image to fit into a 4:3 frame before sending it into your camcorder’s
CCD (charge-coupled device). Because this is done optically, the result is clean and
clear and takes advantage of the full resolution of the DV frame. This method is
recommended by some for users looking for the best possible quality.
 Using the 16:9 Wide button found on most camcorders: While easy and inexpensive,
some feel that this method yields lower resolution. The camcorder crops the top and
bottom of the screen, then stretches this smaller widescreen image vertically to fit
the full 4:3 aspect ratio, producing the necessary anamorphic distortion before
recording the image to tape.
On the other hand, this method is more convenient, since many camcorders embed
information in the video signal that indicates whether or not it was recorded in 16:9
mode. Final Cut Express can read this information and automatically capture and
output the video in the correct mode.
 Using a camera capable of recording anamorphically using a 16:9 CCD: A CCD
(charge-coupled device) is the element of a videocamera that actually takes the
image after it comes through the lens and turns it into an electronic image. Some
camcorders have CCDs with a 16:9 aspect ratio, so that they actually capture
full-resolution 16:9 video prior to squeezing the image anamorphically for recording.
If you use an anamorphic lens, the camera does not need to be in a special mode when
recording. In the camera’s viewfinder, the image appears stretched vertically; you should
be aware that the recorded clips will only look correct on an NTSC or PAL monitor with a
16:9 setting, or in Final Cut Express with the anamorphic option selected.
If you’re using your camera’s built-in 16:9 mode, the image in the viewfinder should
appear letterboxed, but the output of the camera may only view properly on an NTSC
or PAL monitor with a manual or automatic 16:9 setting.