It's a
crazy world we live in, and as of Q3 2008, it's a world where HD video capturing can now be accomplished on a digital SLR. Just think -- earlier this decade live view LCDs and 1080p capture modes weren't even mentioned in the same sentence as "DSLR," and now, here we are gawking at
Nikon's D90 and Canon's even newer
EOS 5D Mark II. With 720p and
1080p video modes (respectively), we're beginning to wonder if there's really, honestly a need for handheld camcorders. Granted, the amount of specialized video features you're apt to find on a consumer camcorder will best those found on either of the aforementioned DSLRs, but if you're not looking to shoot seriously, does it even matter? We're putting it to you, fine readers -- will an HD-capable DSLR be good enough, or will you still want a separate camcorder?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
chaos @ Sep 25th 2008 12:23PM
"Granted, the amount of specialized video features you're apt to find on a consumer camcorder will best those found on either of the aforementioned DSLRs, but if you're not looking to shoot seriously, does it even matter?"
Are you serious? Have you seen the footage from this camera? In terms of image quality, especially in low light, this is a far more "serious" tool than any consumer camcorder out there.
chaos @ Sep 25th 2008 12:25PM
In case you haven't seen the footage yet go here.
http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/
l3it3r @ Sep 25th 2008 1:22PM
I agree with Chaos. The video STRAIGHT from the camera bests most anything I've seen to date.
The ability to use ANY EF mount lens just seals the deal. I can't wait to strap my EF 50mm f/1.8 to the 5d MkII.. drool..
NodNarb012 @ Sep 25th 2008 3:07PM
Hold up, you can't wait to strap your $90 lens to a $2700 camera? That just seems wrong, but I'm sure you'll still manage to get some excellent pictures.
The Pepto Pimp @ Sep 25th 2008 5:43PM
Please tell me you mean f/1.2 L glass, and not the cheapo 50mm f/1.8?
The Pepto Pimp @ Sep 25th 2008 5:44PM
Oh, wait, you were joking. Nevermind...
ramiltonii @ Sep 25th 2008 1:32PM
Upgraded my D80 to a D90...Still have my 1080i Sony HD Camera, but my D90 does things that i couldn't imagine doing with my Sony. Quality is great also!!!
Aaron Smith @ Sep 25th 2008 2:41PM
But what about the sound? I want full 5.1 of my kid blowing out his candles:)
JD @ Sep 25th 2008 4:07PM
Then you need to buy a VIDEO camera.
JeffDM @ Sep 29th 2008 12:44AM
You have to use a separate audio recording device to record anything higher than stereo.
@JD: Most video cameras don't seem to record anything higher than stereo. The few that I've seen that do record it as pro-logic, which is basically stereo with fancy mixing.
Harley3k @ Sep 25th 2008 4:12PM
Correct me if I'm wrong, but can't you already use your interchangable lenses on Canon's higher end Video Cameras? The same EOS lenses you can use on their DSLRs?
chaos @ Sep 25th 2008 6:09PM
It's already possible to use EF lenses on the high end video cameras but the 5D has better low light image quality (according to the person that shot the first sample movie)
The Pepto Pimp @ Sep 26th 2008 12:29AM
Canon doesn't make "high end" video camera. At the high end (ie studio production) they produce lenses, but not the cameras or CCUs. Their prosumer lines will take the EF lenses.
JeffDM @ Sep 29th 2008 12:57AM
You can use EF lenses on stuff like XL-H1, a $6000 HD camcorder, with a $430 adapter, but those cameras are 1/3" sensors, this dSLR uses a 35mm sensor. The larger sensor helps greatly in sensitivity and gives much better shallow depth of field. Not only that, this camera is smaller, though it may be negated by the need for longer lenses to make the equivalent level of close-up shots.
Using 5D MkII as a video recording system may have some drawbacks, but it's still an incredible value for what it is. The drawbacks at the moment I think may be a somewhat more cumbersome to control camera vs. a regular prosumer type camcorder, but the only things out there right now that are better for picture quality are the Red One and its competitor. Red one costs over $40,000 in a useable configuration. Maybe you've seen a $17,000 figure, but that's body-only, no lenses and a lot of other things are needed to make it "go". For $3,500 with a body & lens kit, there's quite a bit to like. Probably set up a workable rig & equipment package for a tenth the price of a complete Red One package.
joostteam @ Sep 25th 2008 9:59PM
If it was not for the fact that the Canon is 30fps (most will rather have 24fps) the Canon 5D MKII is god sent goodness for HD Video. It sensitivity and full 35mm frame make it perfect for nice film with right amount of DOF. If I had the money I would get this puppy for my HD home movie vs the Canon HV20 in a heartbeat!