Help: video footage compression

Hi everyone,
I have to make a video using mostly stock footage, but my client is inclined to use free HD footage instead of buying or shooting it. I've searched many stock pages and found some "decent" free HD footage.
The problem is that, although these are 1920x1080 full HD res, their compression is not so good (if not poor). They're all .mov in H.264 or PhotoJPEG codecs and most weights around 50Mb (though some are about 150Mb, those look just fine). I've shot native H.264 before, so I know what to expect from it and its clear these have underwent some serious compression.
What I want to know, is if payed footage has a better quality than that. Its Ok to have H.264 footage, as long as it retains most of its native quality and isn't downgraded like all those free clips out there.

Can anyone help me out with this?
Thanks for your time!

Is this client worth the time you're wasting searching for free clips of low or poor quality? Sounds more like he wants you to also work for free. Dump him!!!

This is a paid agency so yes we all say our footage is better.I doubt if anyone here will encourage you to use a free agency or site. Good luck.

on pond5, there is an option under each video which says "VIEW FULL FRAME STILL".

with this feature, you can see a sample frame from each video for sale, and you can determine if the quality level is good enough.

David read the first sentence again, He is working with client who isn't willing to pay for footage not even $10 dollar clips.

Yeah Felncass, I wouldn't waste your time with that client. Your client reminds me of the restaurant owner who put an ad out for a musician to play for free in his restaurant a few nights a week...and the musician who answered his ad saying he will, as soon as the restaurant owner comes to his house and serves his family for free a few nights a week.

Just to play the Devils Advocate: Woody Allen performs for free in Manhattan restaurant. Doesn't he?
Anyway, our footage is purchased by the best TV networks in the world, with billions of viewers.
If you don't like the quality of the paid footage, I am sure Pond5 will reimburse you. Very small risk if you needed quality.
You can also contact the artist for more details, he can send you high quality watermarked clip.
After buying the first clip, you will get the appetite for more paid clips.

Could be his client isn't being cheap - just frugal. Maybe struggling to get started with an idea or career, perhaps doing the best he can afford, and will likely appreciate some lenience and tolerance - those who offer such may reap the rewards of his/her appreciation in one way or another later.

Thank you all very much for your opinions.
As I said, my client is inclined to use free footage. However, I'm willing to try to change his mind, for the sake of the product. Maybe he'll reconsider when he takes a look at the quality. That's what brought me here. As Mizamook has said, I'd say he's being frugal. I'm no technician but I figure developing a LED Display brand must take a lot of money.

Again, thanks everyone for your time and opinions!