jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I was surprised to see DSLRs get video capability a few years ago. I bought a D90, but never did much video - just to see how it worked. I sold that and got a D7000, and haven't done a thing with video.

I'm wonder if any of you use this as a serious feature on your DSLRs. I figure that if I want video, I'll use a camcorder, and if I want stills, I'll use the still camera. Aparently, with electronics, it's very easy to add video capability, but is it really necessary?

I know Canon shot a whole 30-minute TV show with one of their DSLRs, so I guess they can be useful - just not for me.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

There was an entire 90 minute feature film shot with the D90 cameras right after they came out, but I don't remember the title of it right now. The D90 only shoots 720p video, but thats VERY realistic for most viewing on HDTV. The D7000 shoots in full HD at 1080p and gives some fantastic results. I use video on both from time to time and the D7000 videos are amazing, especially of wildlife with my 450mm (Nikkor 28-300mm) lense mounted. Try it, you just might like it, and you already have it with you!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'll have to give it a try. Afterall, I paid for it, right?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here you go --

http://provideocoalition.com/index.php/freshdv/story/beautiful_music_video_shot_with_the_nikon_d90/

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

I have done an enormous amount of work using DSLR video on a professional level. It ranges from documentary, film, sfx, music video and fashion. And many shows including house are shot on DSLR

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm impressed.

Bob.J Loc: On The Move

Our son is a TV producer, he shoots most of his commercials with a Nikon in HD. He was just nominated for an Emmy. This is a demo reel he did with a DSLR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SzD832e6OQ

Bob Powell Loc: Wilmington, OH

About a year ago, the Washington did a series called "Scene in . . . " where they would go to a popular venue and interview people on the street about what they were wearing, what they were doing, etc. Very effective style journalism and all shot on the Canon EOS 5D Mk ii in 1080p video.

I own a 5D and have never shot a frame of video. I think it requires a shift in mindset: you have to start looking at things with a video sensibility. I have a hard enough time looking at things with a still sensibility.

tripsy76 Loc: Northshore, MA

I agree that it's a different mind set. But if you have the 5D, and your not playing with video, then your missing out on a ton of fun.

To get use to video, do what Ken Burns does, and shoot it at F8.
Then when you get used to it, you can play more!

Remember DSLR video is nothing more than taking 24 photographs a second. Most of the same techniques apply and put you ahead if you understand basic principles!

xseabee Loc: Northern California; Northern, Colorado

For videos I use the new Panasonic Lumix DMC GH2 primarily because if its light weight. We fly these cameras using multi-roter copters. This is NOT my video, but a good example of their capability. Let these videos load a bit first:

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31153923?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

This second video is closer to the ground:
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/27544561?title=0&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

Bob Powell Loc: Wilmington, OH

As a photographer, a retired pilot, husband of one horse person, and father of another, on so many levels, this just blows me away.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Referring to your(?) picture on this site, if you are trying to hide, it isn't working.

alaskanfrog Loc: Alaska

Because the photography medium of DSLR has expanded exponentially and so rapidly, they have actually become a staple tool to many videographers and filmmakers. They shoot amazing and clear videos almost as well as many professional video camcorders and high end video cameras. Many documentary video filmmakers use a combination of DSLR and camcorders to do their shoots with.

One thing that makes them a valuable tool in videography is the size. They are more compact, easier to handle and have interchangeable lenses that many professional camcorders don't have. Additionally, DSLR cameras are able to capture large format, high resolution stills, a must for filmmakers when it comes time to begin market and promoting their finished film. Some camcorders are able to capture high res photos, but they aren't usually large format.

However, a high quality 3CCD camcorder still trumps a DSLR when it comes to capturing high quality footage and the videos are easier to edit, render and process than most DSLR videos. But, it would be very difficult at best, to be able to tell the differences between videos shot in DSLR and shot with a camcorder...

If you have a DSLR with video capability, but don't use it, you are missing a golden opportunity and are limiting your abilities. I still only have a Canon Rebel XTi, that does not shoot video, so I'm relegated to using a separate camcorder for my video shoots, which is alright by me. I'm still old school, but open to new school technology. I'm actually hoping to buy a "GoPro HD" camcorder soon, but I still need to replace my old Canon GL2, 3CCD camcorder with a newer HDV model that shoots HD Videos. I am hoping and wishing for a Sony, HVR-Z5U. Alas, money is always an issue...

xseabee Loc: Northern California; Northern, Colorado

alaskanfrog
"If you have a DSLR with video capability, but don't use it, you are missing a golden opportunity and are limiting your abilities."

What he said.

kschwegl Loc: Orangeburg, NY

In my humble opinion, you are buying a CAMERA, first foremost, but it sure is nice to have high quality video available in the same device. I shoot lots of racing (auto) pictures, and it's nice to be able to shoot a video of a pit stop. Videos are saved in .mov (QuickTime) format.