Ive been doing videos for about a year now for fun and a month seriously and all I can say is this DSLR revolution couldnt have come at a more perfect time for me. I started out learning on a hv20 and went through the whole adapter phase but I really wasnt satisfied with the outcome. When DSLRs came out i was astonished at the quality these things were putting out. When they became cheaper and cheaper 5D>7D>T2i I thought Canon and Panasonic were going crazy. Im sure a lot of people can agree that these things are lifesafers but the thing that really gets me excited is the future of these cameras. What do you think these cameras will be producing in 2-3 years time? Im pretty sure rolling shutter and audio problems will be a thing of the past along with low light an image quality only getting better.
Anyone else excited about the future of DSLRs?
- Thread starter dtjohns1
- Start date
No. No one.
As excited as I am about the cameras, I'm also very worried that the market for videography is becoming so oversaturated that it's difficult, if not impossible, for a person to stand out and make a decent living doing it. But that's more the fact that it's become a fad than the equipment. It wouldn't bother me if not for the fact that a large number of these people don't know what they're doing and won't admit it. On the other hand, a lot of extremely talented people have made things I would never have been able to see if it weren't for this low cost equipment. It opens up a lot of creative possibilities. I'm excited to see how people use them, and new gadgets are always fun.
As excited as I am about the cameras, I'm also very worried that the market for videography is becoming so oversaturated that it's difficult, if not impossible, for a person to stand out and make a decent living doing it. But that's more the fact that it's become a fad than the equipment. It wouldn't bother me if not for the fact that a large number of these people don't know what they're doing and won't admit it. On the other hand, a lot of extremely talented people have made things I would never have been able to see if it weren't for this low cost equipment. It opens up a lot of creative possibilities. I'm excited to see how people use them, and new gadgets are always fun.
Not surprising since a good DSLR does half the work, and even amateurs can compete in the marketplace on standard jobs. The corporate jobs and industrial work are all going to stay where they are at, its local business thats getting saturated with newbies. Seems to me that if your pro active about approaching clients there is plenty of work for everyone.
deltoidjohn
Veteran
Emory, what do you mean by "a good DSLR does half the work."
You can't possibly say that, when a DSLR won't even autofocus in video mode. They don't compose the shot for you or setup your lighting kit for you or troubleshoot your NLE or fill in your tax return or manage your marketing stategies for you. There is alot more to running a videography business than owning a camera, and if anything a DSLR add's even more work to the equation.
Just because someone own's a camera does not mean they will be able to compete with established companies even for 'standard jobs' - there is certianly no way I would want to hire an amateur with a still camera over a professional videographer. Some people out there think because they are shooting on a DSLR that they are the cutting edge, and it qualifies them as a professional. Others, as Cassius says, are worried the DSLR's will allow cheap, shoddy operators to take business from long-time operators. Maybe some people will get lucky and land a project with their brand new t2i, but without all the other aspects (knowledge, experience, etc) that go into a successful project, let alone a business, there is no way they will compete in the long run.
Having said that, yes, I am excited for the future of DSLR's/large sensor camcorders. Almost by accident, the manufacturers have stumbled upon market they didn't even realise was there. I don't think it will be long before they realise the omissions they have made and start giving the market what they really truly want - and Panasonic look to be the first company who'll attempt to do that with the AF100.
It's exciting to be a professional in these times, as the range of tools are expanding faster than ever before. The choices available to use now allow us to put our visions onto the screen cheaper, easier and faster than ever before - but it will always be those visions and the knowledge and expertise behind them that define the quality of the work - not the cameras.
You can't possibly say that, when a DSLR won't even autofocus in video mode. They don't compose the shot for you or setup your lighting kit for you or troubleshoot your NLE or fill in your tax return or manage your marketing stategies for you. There is alot more to running a videography business than owning a camera, and if anything a DSLR add's even more work to the equation.
Just because someone own's a camera does not mean they will be able to compete with established companies even for 'standard jobs' - there is certianly no way I would want to hire an amateur with a still camera over a professional videographer. Some people out there think because they are shooting on a DSLR that they are the cutting edge, and it qualifies them as a professional. Others, as Cassius says, are worried the DSLR's will allow cheap, shoddy operators to take business from long-time operators. Maybe some people will get lucky and land a project with their brand new t2i, but without all the other aspects (knowledge, experience, etc) that go into a successful project, let alone a business, there is no way they will compete in the long run.
Having said that, yes, I am excited for the future of DSLR's/large sensor camcorders. Almost by accident, the manufacturers have stumbled upon market they didn't even realise was there. I don't think it will be long before they realise the omissions they have made and start giving the market what they really truly want - and Panasonic look to be the first company who'll attempt to do that with the AF100.
It's exciting to be a professional in these times, as the range of tools are expanding faster than ever before. The choices available to use now allow us to put our visions onto the screen cheaper, easier and faster than ever before - but it will always be those visions and the knowledge and expertise behind them that define the quality of the work - not the cameras.
David G. Smith
Steak Knife Member
I think we are getting to a point were the camera can actually get out of the way of the creative expression. I come from the guerilla filmmaking world and been through Super 8mm and 16mm film, 3/4", Super VHS, Hi-8mm and Beta SP analog video, DV, and now HD with the DSLRs. Prior to the point we are just about at the available tools were a major compromise for the independent filmmaker. Film, even the smaller gauges, has become too expensive to work with and all the previous variations of video have been, well, video and has an inherent aesthetic that was very difficult to adapt to the fictional narrative form (which is what excites me). I think that the video DSLRs are just the tip of the iceberg of the powerful tools that will be soon be available to the independent filmmaker. This is the point where the camera will get out of the way and just let us create. I hope we will soon be able to watch a beautiful independent film and not say to ourselves, "Wow, that looks great for..... DV, or prosumer HD, or DSLR video...." and just say, "Wow, that looks great".
Yeah, the lowered cost for equipment is bringing in a new economic reality that must be dealt with. However, I believe that professionalism and talent are such rare commodities, that they will always be in demand and will continue to fetch fair compensation. I think that these lowered cost cameras will actually help to level the playing field where the selling factor will be the talent behind the camera, and not the cost of the cameras. I heard a comment on the Zacuto Shootout where one of the cinematographers said, "Using one of these cameras will show whether a student has what it takes or not". Making great images is not easy, it never has been, and it never will be, even with these new cameras. If you have what it takes, these are great days.
Yeah, the lowered cost for equipment is bringing in a new economic reality that must be dealt with. However, I believe that professionalism and talent are such rare commodities, that they will always be in demand and will continue to fetch fair compensation. I think that these lowered cost cameras will actually help to level the playing field where the selling factor will be the talent behind the camera, and not the cost of the cameras. I heard a comment on the Zacuto Shootout where one of the cinematographers said, "Using one of these cameras will show whether a student has what it takes or not". Making great images is not easy, it never has been, and it never will be, even with these new cameras. If you have what it takes, these are great days.
Nemesis TS
Well-known member
I agree with David about the talent factor still being king. I don't think 3 years from now there will be an end all DSLR. For what ever reason it seams that these camera manufactures are missing the overall boat. Eventually I'm sure DSLR's will shoot RAW but given the size of the cam will lack some connectivity and still require work arounds, I'll bet RAW doesn't happen for 5 or more years then it will be fps or some other snafuu that keeps the camera from being that perfect camera or it will be price.
I'm hoping for the Nikon D3s predecessor to shoot 1080 with the latitude of the 5D, but I'm probably in for a long long wait.
Seems to me it doesn't matter how good or bad your gear is... The truly talented are already making awesome looking films. If they can get better cheaper tools, then all the better for everyone.
I'm hoping for the Nikon D3s predecessor to shoot 1080 with the latitude of the 5D, but I'm probably in for a long long wait.
Seems to me it doesn't matter how good or bad your gear is... The truly talented are already making awesome looking films. If they can get better cheaper tools, then all the better for everyone.
Great posts.
I thought the same thing as some people here when this first hit. Then, I realized, that it's going to do something miraculous for business: you'll be able to swiftly weed out the hobbyist from the person who lives on it and knows what they're doing.
Which is another reason why it baffles me when people say that the "pros" are just afraid of people taking their jobs.
Mmhmmm.
I thought the same thing as some people here when this first hit. Then, I realized, that it's going to do something miraculous for business: you'll be able to swiftly weed out the hobbyist from the person who lives on it and knows what they're doing.
Which is another reason why it baffles me when people say that the "pros" are just afraid of people taking their jobs.
Mmhmmm.
I think that today's vDSLRs are in some respects a passing phase.
The real developments will come in camcorder form-factor machines which have the space for eg XLR inputs and the processing needed to get a high quality output, and can be pitched at a higher price than the 5D / 7D, or even the 1D level.
When that happens I think there will be a halt to vDSLR development as soon as the quality is "good enough" for photojournalists shooting for the web.
A good chunk of the 5D / 7D market is made up of very serious enthusiasts, many of whom are either indiferent, or actively hostile to video in their cameras, especially if it's costing them extra.
We may even see manufacatureas deliberately releasing cameras without video touted as "No compromise" stills cams.
Just my gut feeling you understand, so feel free to shoot me down if you know better.
Dave
The real developments will come in camcorder form-factor machines which have the space for eg XLR inputs and the processing needed to get a high quality output, and can be pitched at a higher price than the 5D / 7D, or even the 1D level.
When that happens I think there will be a halt to vDSLR development as soon as the quality is "good enough" for photojournalists shooting for the web.
A good chunk of the 5D / 7D market is made up of very serious enthusiasts, many of whom are either indiferent, or actively hostile to video in their cameras, especially if it's costing them extra.
We may even see manufacatureas deliberately releasing cameras without video touted as "No compromise" stills cams.
Just my gut feeling you understand, so feel free to shoot me down if you know better.
Dave
deltoidjohn
Veteran
Dave, I agree that DSLR's are going to be a passing phase but whats more important is what they will have started - the populatiry of the 5Dmkii, 7d, 550d, GH1, D90 etc among film-makers have shown that their is a serious demand for low cost, large-sensor video cameras.
And the next step is for the camcorder manufacturers to capitalise on that success and come up with camera which have all the benefits of a DSLR (shallow DoF, wide dynamic range, interchangeable lenses, etc) and all the convenience of a video camera (EVF, XLR's, zebras, autofocus, form factor, etc).
In the meantime the DSLR's are opening up new possibilities and pathways and It's great for all film-makers.
And the next step is for the camcorder manufacturers to capitalise on that success and come up with camera which have all the benefits of a DSLR (shallow DoF, wide dynamic range, interchangeable lenses, etc) and all the convenience of a video camera (EVF, XLR's, zebras, autofocus, form factor, etc).
In the meantime the DSLR's are opening up new possibilities and pathways and It's great for all film-makers.
In the short term, I'd say there is some truth to people's concerns that the market is being saturated by amateurs. The DSLR's make it relatively simple to shoot incredibly high quality video for such a small price, removing the barriers of high end camcorders and such.
But, as people have said - this will only effect the low-end of the market. If these people are just relying on their DSLR's they won't last long.
But, as people have said - this will only effect the low-end of the market. If these people are just relying on their DSLR's they won't last long.
Scott F
Pug Life
:thumbsup:
Agreed. For me, it's a passing (but very fun) phase until cameras like the AF100 are released.
I'm very exited about using DSLRs in "the now", but am looking forward to the future.
Barry_Green
Moderator
You know that's already happening, right? Panasonic AF100, due to be released at the end of this year.
reem12
Veteran
One thing I've found in referance to cassious remark on the industry becomming saturated with novice videographers in such is, no matter how saturated the market becomes with indi filmmakers and videographers, A persons skill set and creativity is what will allow him to stand out.
To me the whole cheap media helps weed out the good old boys club that says if you can't afford to be in the game then keep your vision and dreams to yourself. Film did that to alot of people for years and cost a lot of visionaries an opportunity to not have their voices heard due to a lact of finances. The days of monopolizing this market is over and grandmas, grandpas, and high school students have become the next generation of filmmakers, sporting a dslr around their neck, no gaffers, only a cam, 50mm 1.4, h4n and some talent. lol. long live not just the dslrs, but the evolving minds that brought the to us, and any new technology that will leave the dslrs behind.
To me the whole cheap media helps weed out the good old boys club that says if you can't afford to be in the game then keep your vision and dreams to yourself. Film did that to alot of people for years and cost a lot of visionaries an opportunity to not have their voices heard due to a lact of finances. The days of monopolizing this market is over and grandmas, grandpas, and high school students have become the next generation of filmmakers, sporting a dslr around their neck, no gaffers, only a cam, 50mm 1.4, h4n and some talent. lol. long live not just the dslrs, but the evolving minds that brought the to us, and any new technology that will leave the dslrs behind.
I disagree. I think it's getting to the point where a talented individual will be replaced with cheaper, even if cheaper means crap. I've seen it happen and the client doesn't even seem to realize or care that he/she got a crappy product, only that it was cheap.
I think we're experiencing something of a shift towards a heavy desire for the "fast/cheap" side of the triangle, while "good" does not even begin to enter into the equation.
Wisdom Morm
New member
I think that the dSLR is a great tool for filmmakers and aspiring filmmakers out there. I've always thought that the only way to get that great shallow DoF look is to either shoot film or grab a 35mm adapter, but to see that you can get that "look" as well as HD for about $800+ dollars, that's a pretty great deal. But again, they are just tools. Anybody can pick up a camera, but to create something extraordinary with it, it still takes that special creative talent that you can't buy at the nearest store.
So yes, I am excited for the future of dSLRs as well as the advancement in other cameras out there and I am also excited for the future of filmmaking because it's only until lately that I've seen high quality looking films more accessible to the public. I can't wait to see what kind of films are being made by those who have that creativity but just doesn't have the resources to make it happen.
So yes, I am excited for the future of dSLRs as well as the advancement in other cameras out there and I am also excited for the future of filmmaking because it's only until lately that I've seen high quality looking films more accessible to the public. I can't wait to see what kind of films are being made by those who have that creativity but just doesn't have the resources to make it happen.
Dave ©
Well-known member
If the seller can't differentiate his/her product enough from a lower cost alternative, why shouldn't the client choose the cheaper product or the one delivered the quickest?
To get back OT. Whilst I generally couldnt really care what happens in the future of dslrs in so far as what they offer for video, this period of the DSLR has meant major changes to the types of products that are / will be offered in the professional / prosumer video market. And thats awesome.
Rick Burnett
Section Moderator
It's called business. It happens in EVERY creative field that exists. I've watched it for YEARS happen in the audio world. When things like mp3.com came around and the world was SATURATED with crappy music. (Not that the music business doesn't already saturate the world with over produced crappy music most of the time).
If a client doesn't want to pay for obviously better quality, then what is important to them is not important to you. They are no more right than you are because they are making a decision on where they feel their money is best spent. You can try and help them understand why you feel a superior video is better, but if they don't agree, it's their money to spend with the vision they see.
I ABSOLUTELY love what DSLRs have done in the past year or so. In fact, what I like more than anything is that many people are having an easier time getting the look they want without just not having the ability altogether. I like that in some senses it does take the equipment out of the equation in terms of letting people play with things like DoF easier than they could say a few years ago. Sure, they have a lot of other problems to deal with, but for me, the experience with my 7D has been VERY rewarding in learning to use DoF as a useful tool and not like something I use in EVERY shot because it's the hip thing to do.
I am VERY happy that the DSLRs are driving smaller cameras and I am glad to see Panasonic seeing this love people have for the larger sensors and have already announced a product we can play with at the end of the year. I can only hope that Canon is doing the same. if a 7Dmark2 came out tomorrow and at least fixed a few of the problems, I would be in line immediately to get one.