I was told that years ago by a major camera manufacturer. I had asked when it would be possible to use a “regular” video camera to shoot in a 24 frame mode to give video more of a film look. Well, I was told that would be a mistake since motion rendition at 24 fps was inferior to 60i and once shot that way, there was no way to get to 60i without the 3:2 pulldown.

The opinion was that 24 fps was inferior and should not be considered for serious production. Also, it was suggested that it was impossible to make a variable frame rate camera and tape recorder. The frame rate and recorder speed were locked together and the world would come to an end if they were disengaged as in a 60i recorder and a 24 frame camera.

That person is no longer working for that manufacturer.

The point here is to not believe everything you are told. What is impossible or too expensive today will not be tomorrow. Recording HD on a DV tape? Editing HD on your laptop computer in your kitchen? Watching breaking news from a helicopter in HD?

Yep. Whatever you are doing today will be better, faster and cheaper tomorrow. No matter what anyone says.