Peter Burian discusses the pros and cons of shooting video with a DSLR, and provides some handy tips for getting started.
As recently as mid 2008, few of us could have imagined shooting video with a digital SLR. While that feature was available in some cameras with built-in lenses, it simply didn’t exist in a DSLR until Nikon released its D90. Since then, most new DSLRs have been equipped with a movie mode, in High Definition or Full HD resolution. Introduced even more recently all smaller hybrid Compact System Cameras provide movie modes, though not always with the same degree of versatility as DSLRs. While a built-in lens is convenient, for several reasons video capability is more attractive with the more advanced interchangeable-lens cameras.
These include a greater range of overrides, faster or slower video framing rates, and larger sensors for superior quality and much shallower depth of field possibilities. Naturally, the ability to use lenses from fisheye to super telephoto for recording movies is a definite bonus for serious shooters.
DSLRs vs Camcorders
Not everyone will want to switch from a camcorder to a DSLR for shooting family and holiday videos since the dedicated video camera does have some benefits. These include a ‘form factor’ designed specifically for this purpose for great operating convenience. On the other hand, if you’re already carrying a DSLR, and it has a movie mode, there may be no need to also take a camcorder. In any event, let’s take a closer look at the important differences - some of these are particularly significant for anyone who wants to go beyond video snap-shooting. Certain aspects favour the DSLR, while others concede some useful aspects of camcorders...
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Profile - Philip Quirk; Tips on how to use your tools to improve your images; Interviewing Ken Duncan and Andrew Chapman; Locations - Great Lakes, NSW; How to correct any colour casts and adjust the balance of your JPEG images; Sony a65v
