720p source or downsize 1080p to 720p ?

[vcddude]

Question: In theory, which will provide better quality:
- Encoding 720p MOV source to 720p MP4 OR
- Encoding 1080p MOV source to 720p MP4 ?
(assuming high quality source files)

MOV source is Zoom Q3HD camera.

I know most people would say, "try it out and see what looks best to you" but
I am asking about this theoretically since a 1080p source has many more
pixels per frame than a 720p source.

Any ideas or comments?

Thanks,
Kevin

[budwzr]

Probably be about the same. (given the camera)

Although the 1080p may have a lower color bit depth, and if that's the case, the 720p might look better.

[vcddude]

FYI, I did a visual test and confirmed that the 1080p source resulted in a noticeably better 720p MP4 conversion.
MP4 from 1080p source provide better clarity and detail. MP4 from 720p source had a slight "painted" look to it.

Kevin

[budwzr]

Hmmm...that's surprising. That camera shoots 720p60, but only 1080p30. The 720p30 has twice the sample rate.

[jagabo]

FYI, I did a visual test and confirmed that the 1080p source resulted in a noticeably better 720p MP4 conversion.

There are so many variables I wouldn't draw any general conclusion from this.