PAL or NTSC? Does it matter??

[§am]

Never given it much thought until recently.

The UK uses PAL, whereas places like the USA use NTSC.
With today's PC monitors and HD TVs, does it really matter which we chose, as they all play both formats?

I ask because I recorded a very small video of my son's nativity, and when I got home discovered it was in NTSC not PAL (but it played fine on my laptop anyway).

I suppose if you were transferring it to old skool video tape, or wanting to play it on an old style TV, then it would make a difference, but otherwise?
Does it matter?

 

[BackdoorArts]

It matters if you are going to burn it to DVD or other removable digital media. Converting between the two formats is, unfortunately, a difficult and potentially costly proposition, so I would make sure that future videos are shot in a format that removes any of those issues by using your localized format. If you're just passing files or uploading to YouTube then it matters not. At least in my experience.

 

[§am]

I can't remember the last time I burnt a home movie to DVD.
Mostly because it's cheaper to just stream it right to my TV

But again, modern day Blu-Ray players will play both NTSC and PAL (only hardship coming from playing region encoded discs).

Might stick to NTSC though as get more FPS from the D5100

 

[BackdoorArts]

I can't remember the last time I burnt a home movie to DVD.

You obviously don't have technology-impaired in-laws. And before you say anything, burning a DVD is easier than 24-hr tech support. LOL

 

[§am]

You obviously don't have technology-impaired in-laws.

LOL - oh believe me I do

 

[bgrg]

If you're just passing files or uploading to YouTube then it matters not. At least in my experience.

Actually, it does matter. Most computer screens seem to be set at 60Hz refresh rate, so if you want smooth playback, you should use 30fps.