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HDSLR Video making vs 'real' videocamera's

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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Hello'a there!

I have a pretty simple question. With the introduction of HDSLR's, I see a lot of edits made with camera's that look absolutely stunning. I saw some longboarder doing something very simple shot with a 7D and it looked sooo neat, it wasn't even cool anymore. Same for Ian Provo's pow-edits shot with a 5D, that look unreal too.

It isn't even because I shoot alot or something, but mostly out of curiosity: is it worth it to even buy a camcorder anymore if you can make the most beautiful video's with a 'photo'-camera?
Or are video's shot with a T2i(or 550D as we call 'em here in EU) much worse and are only vids shot with super-expensive high-end cams awesome? And, in that case, are you better of buying a simple handycam

Regards
Oct 10 2010 4:05PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
There are a bunch of limitations to the DSLRs that make a traditional camcorder worthwhile. No autofocus during shooting, poor on camera audio, limited 12 minute recording clips, aliasing, "jello effect," and lack of devices like zebra stripes and an on board histogram all are some video "flaws" that don't come with the DSLRs. You just have to make the determination if you need to have those features or not. Many of us said no and are making due just fine ;)
Oct 10 2010 4:11PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,883
Yeah, especially if you're primarily filming skiing. For the most part you don't need to do too much focusing cause most of the time you're filming from a tripod or still location with a DSLR (you can do follow-cams, but you have to be pretty good with focusing on the fly, I just use a GoPro HD for follows, much easier), Most shots are like 15-30secs so the 10-12min recording limit isn't a problem, no real need for really good sound cause you're most likely just gonna throw a song over it in an edit, all the other stuff is over most ski filmers heads and you can do without for the most part. For me, it's one less thing to carry on hill, and it's SO nice to be able to go from shooting a video to taking a picture with the click of a button. Not to mention the lenses you can add on and various filters and whatnot. I think they're pretty much perfect for filming skiing (case in point - several pros, like Nick Martini who pretty much films solely with the 7D, are using HDSLRs now. Even Eye Trip was filmed a bit with an HDSLR).


BTW Jamie, my DSLR auto-focuses while filming, although it's a bit iffy at times.
Oct 10 2010 4:28PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
he makes a lot of good points. for many practical uses, hdslrs are still way behind traditional camcorders. but as he also pointed out, you don't really need a lot of those features. you can buy a nicer mic, and i don't really miss auto focus that much.

i used to use a panasonic hvx200a with a 35mm adapter, because i loved the shallow depth of field. but that thing was huge and heavy and was just a hassle to deal with. so the fact that i can get shallow depth of field and full HD with the T2i was reason enough for me to buy it and start filming with it all the time. oh and you mentioned the t2i not being as good; in terms of video, it's basically identical to the 7D.


Oct 10 2010 4:29PM
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1337
Posts: 31038 - Karma: 29,003
yea, the iffy part of it makes it pretty pointless unless you are focusing and then cutting out the actual focus part of the clip
Oct 10 2010 4:39PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
If i'm not mistaken, the t2i takes literally the same video as the 7D. whoever said the T2i isnt as good was probably thinking of the T1i, which shoots 60i rather than 60p.
Oct 10 2010 4:39PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
yea, i mean i believe that the t2i has slightly worse ISO performance, i could be wrong about that though. it also just has a slower processing speed and the body isn't as idea for shooting video (plastic, small, light, not as weather resistant)
Oct 10 2010 4:44PM
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BWalmer
Posts: 9141 - Karma: 12,883
haha, yeah, I don't really use it on auto-focus, and if I it's on a tripod and I pre-focus. I usually only use that camera while still so once it's focused properly it's good to go for the most part until I move.
Oct 10 2010 4:58PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Ok thanks a lot guys!
That's really helpful all!

So only when I'll be running around and what not I wouldn't really need anything besides a good DSLR?! That's pretty cool.

I haven't really made up my mind but I've been getting more into the photography thing lately and intend on taking a course soon. I've been experimenting with my mum's old Nikon FG Slr which is a lot of fun. She has two 50mm lenses and a 70-200 telephoto and it's just really cool. So, now that I'm liking it so much I'm thinking of buying a DSLR (I think the T2i/550D, just because it's not the véry best, but still really, really good.)
And now that I'm getting into photography I'm also thinking if I don't want to do more with video etc. So that's part of the decision too.

And if I end up wanting to buy a handycam/camcorder (that's the same thing right?) would be good? Decently priced ofc. like 400-700$ (or 350-600€).
One last question: What's the name of the professional videocamera's? Like the ones they use for sports on Tv or the ones the guys at MSP/PBP would use?
Oct 10 2010 5:31PM
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kzrstf
Posts: 2778 - Karma: 695
for sports on tv i'm not sure, but for ski movie, red, sony ex1.
level 1 used some 7d in eye trip
Oct 10 2010 6:19PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
I believe they use a 5d, not 7d
Oct 10 2010 6:54PM
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kzrstf
Posts: 2778 - Karma: 695
both actually

http://www.skinet.com/skiing/fondue-party/photos-and-movies/2010/07/ski-film-technology-shooting-with-hdslr
Oct 10 2010 8:19PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
you might also want to hold out and see what happens with cameras like this

http://www.pcworld.com/article/201036/sony_nexvg10_an_hd_camcorder_with_dslr_brains.htmlhttp://www.pcworld.com/article/201036/sony_nexvg10_an_hd_camcorder_with_dslr_brains.html
Oct 10 2010 11:10PM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,947
Mhmm...even though Sony sucks and made it record interlaced, typical Sony style. I'm interested in what the AF100 will be like - that thing is sexayyyyy
Oct 10 2010 11:12PM
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WillStart
Posts: 3955 - Karma: 3,192
yea i hate sony, i would never buy that thing. but it's a pretty good example of what cameras might become. i am also interested in the af100, very strange but it looks fun
Oct 10 2010 11:15PM
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,947
As am I. I'd like to see it come down in price eventually, even though the announced price is $1000 less than the rumors panasonic sent out early on.

Even though it'd be more expensive, I'd like to see a P2/4:2:2 version as well. Barry Green bitched about that for so long.
Oct 10 2010 11:17PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9926 - Karma: 9,344
the t1i does not shoot 60i......
Oct 10 2010 11:18PM
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john7elway
Posts: 419 - Karma: 248
hahahahaa
Oct 10 2010 11:22PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
DSLRs are only a temporary fix until interchangeable lens video cameras become standardized. In the grand scheme of things, they aren't that great. Considering the price and portability, they are great, however. I can see a lot of DPs using them for preliminary storyboards/location scouting in the future (I heard some already are).
Oct 10 2010 11:54PM
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TijmenDal
Posts: 4849 - Karma: 1,295
Thanks for all the input (again)!
This is all really, really helpful
Oct 11 2010 5:48AM
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edd1e
Posts: 679 - Karma: 16
hey, I just got a Sony a55 .

It has Phase detect autofocus on video, one of a kind. Is compatible with older minolta af glass (cheap), has built in gps for phototagging.

However it doesnt have the same degree of manual control over video as the t2i and it doesnt do 60p but it is the better choice for me over the t2i.



Oct 11 2010 11:50AM
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s.erickson
Posts: 504 - Karma: 992
Yeah someone posted a video shot on a T2i and a 7D and you couldnt tell the difference between the two but the 7D body is definately better
Oct 11 2010 12:43PM
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