Will advanced digital still cameras eventually replace video cameras?

[Darren Addy]

Interesting article in latest DV magazine...
DSLRs Push the HD Envelope
http://www.dv.com/article/99032

Interestingly, it ends with the conclusion that RED has the most to fear from DSLRs advancements.

 

[Jason Foster]

Interesting article in latest DV magazine...
DSLRs Push the HD Envelope
http://www.dv.com/article/99032

Interestingly, it ends with the conclusion that RED has the most to fear from DSLRs advancements.

At some point folks have to also look at the post production side of things. Software and processing power is also of importance in this factor. We've seen how DSLRs have aided in better image capture, but also think what Photoshop and other similar programs have done. Also the last component in the chain...how it is viewed. It's all for not if the TV and/or monitors are not up to the achievements of the capture and processing side.

 

[Chris C Sanner]

As a user of HD-DSLRs for a little over a year now, I can safely say the DSLRs won't replace video cameras....sort of.

In the right hands, you cannot beat HD-DSLRs for the price/image quality factor. I've been using a GH1 and then a hacked GH1 (technically not a DSLR but for all intents and purposes it's in the same class), and the results I get outmatch my old XH-A1 and any other similarly priced cameras in that $3k - $5k price range. I lose some features, but that's something you don't worry about much chasing and can make up for in other shooting situations.

The big benefits from these cams is that you get a huge range of focal lengths, better image quality, and all the manual controls you need to adjust your image. I think anyone using a consumer cam when these things are out for similar prices with better pictures should look into them. They aren't for amateurs and people who just stick their camera on auto, but in the right hands they outperform anything near their price and it's not even close.

That doesn't mean they're going to kill video cameras, but they're definitely here to stay.

 

[Jason Foster]

The more I read and look into the film industry career wise, I'm impressed with the amount of productions TV and film that are using the 5D as part or in whole for the video aspects. That platform hasn't been around long, the quick pace of the change is impressive.

I know of someone who is even taking a course in how to film with the 5D for film and I can't wait to hear his thoughts on the whole thing. I've even put my desire for the Sony NX5U on the back burner and aiming for the 5D now (I'm cursing my medical needs right now...eating up so much of my money...arrrggg).

I'm not educated enough to say if it'll replace video cameras altogether, but I will say I see it as being the mainstay of 75% of the storm chasers that use higher end equipment (above $1000).

 

[Chris C Sanner]

The more I read and look into the film industry career wise, I'm impressed with the amount of productions TV and film that are using the 5D as part or in whole for the video aspects. That platform hasn't been around long, the quick pace of the change is impressive.

I know of someone who is even taking a course in how to film with the 5D for film and I can't wait to hear his thoughts on the whole thing. I've even put my desire for the Sony NX5U on the back burner and aiming for the 5D now (I'm cursing my medical needs right now...eating up so much of my money...arrrggg).

I'm not educated enough to say if it'll replace video cameras altogether, but I will say I see it as being the mainstay of 75% of the storm chasers that use higher end equipment (above $1000).

I'd say if you are wanting a DSLR just for video, your best bet will be the GH2 unless you are already sitting on top of a bunch of Canon Glass. The video mode and quality on the GH2 is better than the 5D (really not even close except maybe in super-extremely low light). If you can find a hackable GH1, that'd also go well, although it has some moire issues and a slow autofocus and whatnot that have been fixed with the GH2 -- although I still absolutely love my hacked GH1.

Plus you *some* audio control on the GH2, the 5D's sound quality/control will force you to record double system, it's really bad. But, it also goes without saying that as a stills camera, the 5D runs laps around the GH1 and GH2 and it's not even close. So it just comes down to what you want. In reality, you will probably be pretty happy with either, I'm really just speaking as a fanboy at this point

EDIT: You can check out my YouTube channel for some examples of what a GH1 can do, anything from 2010 is GH1 filmed except any in car scenes. The October stuff from this past Sunday was actually filmed with my hacked GH1 and I think the technical video quality speaks for itself

http://www.youtube.com/user/SupercellHunting?feature=mhum

 

[Jason Foster]

I'd say if you are wanting a DSLR just for video.....

Nah, 5D is going to be 75% usage for stills. Plus I know more folks with one and I've always found having popular models aids me best. I'll get a good video camera further down the road.