Thread: DSLR's and the Future of Video - Any Filmmakers Out There?

A Bit of a Preamble

For lack of a better location, I've decided to pose this question in the general discussion in which it will likely become buried soon after submission. Regardless, I look forward to what I hope is a stimulating discussion.

Introduction





Just yesterday (as of writing), Canon has announced that they are introducing a firmware update, available June 2, to their Canon 5D mkii which will enable full visual (everything but audio) manual control in video mode, something the independent film community has been clamoring for. We can only hope that this update means Canon is in fact willing to listen to their consumers and are consequently working on introducing 24p recording to the camera. This announcement is hot on the heels of a flood of test footage from Panasonic's new video capable DSLR, the GH1 which provides full manual control and 24p. But first, some background.

There is a new age in the world of camcorders and cameras and it is just around the corner. Since the invention of the camera and the later creation of the motion picture camera, the two realms have been closely related. The advent of digital promised that one day soon, the devices would converge. For a while know, we’ve had camcorders that can shoot 3mp images and cameras that can shoot VGA video. Albeit, neither one performs the task well but the merge had begun. Only recently, however, has there arisen some viable options that promise to forever change both cameras and camcorders.

The Nikon D90



A few months ago, Nikon introduced the D90, a DSLR that could shoot 720p, 24p HD video. The camera has hardly any manual control, is limited to short recording times, has severe shutter rolling issues, skips exposure levels in huge steps, and is plagued by a poor compression scheme, in addition to many other problems. Still, the device marked the first of this crossover breed. The huge sensor of the DSLR meant the camera had low-light capabilities matching camcorders many times more expensive ($14000+), the DSLR now costs around $1200. The 24p framerate along with the shallow depth of field innately present in 35mm cameras (though the D90 is not a fullframe SLR) meant a uniquely filmlike look could be had for relatively cheap.

Nikon D90 Videos:
Flowers by D90 on Vimeo
Nikon D90 on the L train on Vimeo

The Canon 5D mkii



Shortly after, Canon refreshed one of their pro cameras, the Canon 5D Mark II. The 5D is the first DSLR to shoot 1080p HD. It’s full frame sensor gives unbelievable low light that rivals camcorders all the way up to the RED One. Furthermore, shutter rolling is greatly reduced and there is some semblance of manual control which means no jumping exposures. The catch? The significantly higher pricetag ($2700) and the enormous oversight of Canon of only including a 30p mode. There are rumors, however, that this will change in the near future via a firmware update. We can only hope and wait for Sony to realize that the largest group interested in a $2.5K camera, besides professional photographers, are filmmakers who salivate for 24p.

Canon 5D mkii Videos:
Santa Monica Sunrise - Shot with a Canon 5D Mark II on Vimeo
Canon 5D Mark II on Vimeo

The Panasonic GH1



Most recently, Panasonic has introduced the Panasonic Lumix GH1. This is a micro four thirds camera meaning it looks like a DSLR, shares an SLR’s interchangeable lens and large sensor, but lacks a true viewing prism instead opting for an electronic viewfinder. The benefit of the four thirds system is smaller camera size and a lower weight. This new camera offers 1080p HD video at 24p or 720p HD video at 60fps in the AVCHD codec. Low light performance is currently unknown as the camera was just announced but if it performs like its competitors it should be fantastic. All of this for a price that lists at $1500.

Panasonic GH1 Videos:
Panasonic Lumix GH1. First footage on Vimeo
Kauai sunset: Lumix GH1 slow motion on Vimeo

Final Thoughts

These cameras are wonders of engineering that take fantastic photographs on top of shooting stellar video, but they are still plagued by problems: shutter rolling, terrible manual control, lack of autofocus (except for the GH1 though this is increasingly irrelevant in the world of 35mm adapters), and several other problems need to be overcome. Alternatively, they deliver fantastic low-light, a great form factor, affordability, and most importantly a beautiful, shallow depth of field that independent DP’s all over the world lust after. Still, this is the first generation. In the world of SLR’s, a new generation is released much faster than is typical for camcorders speeding up technological achievements.

This brings up a question though, will Canon, Panasonic, and Sony be willing to sabotage their pro video departments by introducing these cheaper, superior cameras? Rumors are that Canon has withheld a firmware enabling 24p just because of this fact. Consequently, we have to hope that Nikon will force these other companies to get their acts together and give consumers what they want as Nikon has no video line to sabotage.

Additionally, will the introduction of new camcorders with more features at a lower price undermine this fledgling market - especially the highly anticipated release of the RED Scarlet?

Thoughts, opinions, rants and raves are welcome.

DSLR's don't need to shoot video. They're Cameras not Camcorders.

I guess it makes sense to put the feature on the lower level models, because those appeal more to the general public (don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE it if my D50 shot video), but honestly I don't think an HD movie feature on more professional cameras would be a desired feature. It's just a cool little side feature, which is why we see things like the Nikon's poor video performance. Nobody who's planning on making a video is going to buy a DSLR to do it.

Cool review though, I didn't even know about the Panasonic yet.

i want the The Canon 5D mkii
i switched to Nikon last year and am dreading it now