Over the last ten years as digital still cameras have evolved, ones that also shoot digital video have slowly started to gain a following. Since their inception, digital still cameras have had the ability to capture video, and digital video cameras have been able to isolate single frames akin to something similar to still photography, but neither was really good at the other.
It seems that the video features on still cameras was more of a selling point and not very usable. The same holds true for digital video cameras. All the while, digital SLR cameras were left taking nothing but photographs and never had the option to do video.
This changed recently, with Nikon and Canon announcing DSRL cameras that can also do HD video. Unlike the video feature available in point and shoots cameras; the quality produced by these DSLRs is stunning. The main difference in quality (when compared to point and shoot cameras) is a combination of sensor size (DSLRs having much larger sensors) and the superior quality lenses available that can be quickly interchanged.
Traditional photographers are now capable of doing video, without a loss of quality, but there are still some obstacles to overcome, but first the benefits of DSLR video photography.
Depth of Field. The lenses used on DSLR cameras have a far greater depth of field compared to lenses available for most digital video cameras. This allows for a greater sense of distance and creates more professional looking videos. The quality could be said to be closer to what a major motion picture studio would produce.
Another key feature of DSLRs is that they open the doors to those already shooting still photography with a DSLR. A simple upgrade and they will have the ability to do video, without needing to carry two pieces of equipment with them.
Lenses already owned could more than likely be reused on the newer DSLR body that has video built in, meaning you can not only have more fun and enhance your hobby, if you’re a professional still photographer, you can now do video as well.
There are a few trade offs – which have some unique solutions – but these usually aren’t included in the box with your DSLR when you buy it.
Audio is lacking in a major way on DSLR cameras. The best audio comes from an external microphone, but none of the current generation can do this. A unique way to get around this would be to purchase a specific audio recording device and then sync in post-production. However, when comparing with a consumer digital video camera that does both, remember that syncing audio and video from two sources requires a bit of skill and added time. Adding a line-in on the DSLR and some sort of audio capture device from the manufacture would greatly eliminate this. (Are you listening Nikon or Canon?)
Power zoom is probably the biggest obstacle that most people may have a hard time getting over. Unlike traditional, consumer video cameras that have a digital zoom, DSRLs operate with a mechanical zoom, on the lens itself. Most lenses require a twist to zoom in and out (some are push / pull), and doing this can lead to blurry video footage. Again, the aftermarket has come along to support with creative follow focus solutions, but these usually must be bought separately.
On another positive note, utilizing unique lenses for still photography, like the tilt shift or very sharp, fast glass like Canon’s 85mm f/1.2, will open the doors for unique videography that would cost tens of thousands of dollars to replicate with video gear currently available to consumers.
While far from perfect, the HD video quality that is now available from DSLRs is at a level where consumers aren’t the only ones looking into them. For example, a recent episode of House was shot on the 5dmkII! An Emmy award winning, major network TV show used what is ultimately a consumer / professional (prosumer) digital single lens reflex camera.
Tomorrow’s technology is here, today.
Digital SLR Video Cameras
The Canon 7D is great for film, here’s a video I made with it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=og-bjVKGjrc