Do you regret it?

H

Hunter S. Thompson

Active member
My question is for all of the people who once had a camcorder, and switched to a DSLR or Micro 4/3. Do you regret it?

I understand that as an initial purchase DLSRs are much cheaper, but much more time and accessories are needed to achieve the same shot. There is of course, many things fueling my thoughts about switching.

I've been really intermittent on this subject for the past year, and was wondering if you could share your experiences as far as the pros and cons of your new camera, workflow and production in general.
 
I kept my HMC150 camera when I first bought a DSLR to shoot video with, because I knew that a DSLR camera is a different solution, and does not do everything that my ENG style camera can do.

I shoot 90 percent of my current work with my GH3 camera, but the HMC150 still comes in very handy from time to time, especially with it's 13x parfocal zoom lens. ( something that is difficult to duplicate in a DSLR set-up )
 
The only way to make this decision is to look at the kind of work you do or want to do. I shoot a lot of live events like shows & sports, so SDOF cameras are a no go for a lot of what I do. But I do use them whenever I can for interviews and specialty shots. I am under no impression that they will ever "replace" my video cameras. They are awesome in the right setting.
 
I mainly film only action sports, and am not interested in shallow DOF. What really intrigues me is the sensor size, the quality they can put out and the plethora of accessories available. I'm just not sure if I should be looking for a DSLR or a CMOS based camcorder to replace my HMC150.
 
The DSLR/mirrorless models that would be better suited for your needs, would be the Panasonic GH3/G6 and possibly the Canon 7D. So far those who have done "hands on" with the 7D have been raving about the new AF system...AF would be hell to do without, while filming action sports with a large sensor. Also, another thing to think about esp for action is rolling shutter effects, they are pretty drastic on larger CMOS sensors.
Never noticed them on my Canon HFS 200...but on DSLRs, definitely.
 
I worked a lot with ccd cameras. From the pd170 to the z1 and hvx200 i honestly miss that analogue look and this has nothing to do with dof. I really liked its look. But then came a new sensation which gave low light capability with clean images at the expense of a few things like rolling shutter. Even though it had not troubled me too much I still miss the Z1. I really want to see the ikonoskop but I dont need raw right noe. If I had chance and the money I would look at some ccd cameras like ikonoskop and the new and upcoming bmcc4k.
 
Hunter S. Thompson said:
I mainly film only action sports, and am not interested in shallow DOF. What really intrigues me is the sensor size, the quality they can put out and the plethora of accessories available. I'm just not sure if I should be looking for a DSLR or a CMOS based camcorder to replace my HMC150.
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Hunter, when you say action sports, what do you mean? How do you work? - Tripod, handheld closeup?

As Pulp stated, the rolling shutter on DSLRs is horrid. If I can ask, what is your budget to improve upon the HMC-150?
 
Bassman2003 said:
Hunter, when you say action sports, what do you mean? How do you work? - Tripod, handheld closeup?

As Pulp stated, the rolling shutter on DSLRs is horrid. If I can ask, what is your budget to improve upon the HMC-150?
Click to expand...

I mean skateboarding, snowboarding and various water sports. Filming them normally involves tracking shots, so losing the rocker zoom and steady shot will be a downside. Along with following very close to the talent with a fisheye. There is also some glidecam, tripod and slider work involved, but in a much lesser extent. I assume I would miss the variable ND built into the camera as well.

My budget would be as much money I could spend after I sell my 60D and HMC150, or just the HMC150 and use the money to further my 60D setup. I have it more photography oriented at the moment, with a grip and two lenses.

I've also been considering th BMCPC a lately, as the price range and output seem very gradable and sharp. But, the lack of 60fps is a downside and I'm not sure how the smaller sensor would compare.
 
Cool. Thanks for the info. My opinion is do not sell everything for a DSLR only setup given your work. One thing I dis-like about DSLRs is having confidence in the field of proper exposure, audio and general ease of use. In the fast paced environment you have described, a "real" camcorder would give a lot more confidence you have the shot.

I think I get the jist that you want that SDOF look with the action stuff. It is a great look but I think the only way to repeatedly get it is to have multiple cameras and takes in a controlled situation. I don't know if you shoot live and one-off or multi-take for a planned finished product. It would make a big difference to me.

I shot a training camp over two days recently and realized I need both types of cameras. I would have missed a ton of stuff had I only had a DSLR and would not have a few money shots & SDOF interviews without it.

Short answer is you need both! :) I am very happy with the Canon XF300 and the 5DMKIII (espcially now with RAW). The colors can be made to match and the images are great.
 
I know that maramfilms and what I wanted to say was that ccd had better rendition of the image may it be color, highlights or sharpness. Typing from smartphone can actually make you look dumb. :)
 
I think DSLRs can have a good image, especially a hacked GH3 (not actually a DSLR!)

But. To me you need two things that DLSRs dont have - good monitor connection - so you can see - and good sound - so you can hear

So IMO an AF100 is a different (better) beast,

As you go up the tree FS100 its better, the C100 starts to be 'usable' (ND) then you kind of leave DSLR budget.

Id use a DSLR as a B cam, not go near one as an A cam.

ALso the whole large chip = you cant focus, no decent zoom lenses .. is a bridge you dont want to cross without thinking about it - even an Alexa would not be right for all jobs

S
 
I sold my ex1 and went dslr because i wanted the shallow depth of field. Its alot more work to focus and its nerve recking not being able to move quickly and zoom in further. Im still trying to convince myself it was the right choice.
 
Hunter S. Thompson said:
My question is for all of the people who once had a camcorder, and switched to a DSLR or Micro 4/3. Do you regret it?

I understand that as an initial purchase DLSRs are much cheaper, but much more time and accessories are needed to achieve the same shot. There is of course, many things fueling my thoughts about switching.

I've been really intermittent on this subject for the past year, and was wondering if you could share your experiences as far as the pros and cons of your new camera, workflow and production in general.
Click to expand...

I have the venerated DVX100B... I haven't missed it at all. Since I used the DVX100 and now my DSLRs for narrative films, most of the reason for the allinone packaging of the video camera disappears.

Even the oft heard complaint about the lack of a HD specific optical low pass filter doesn't bother me... I just don't shoot people in houndstooth patterned clothing, or other objects that have potential 'moire' effects, which in many cases could be minimized by judicious camera placement and use.
 
I began to loose interest in DSLR for video when I got the AF100. I currently use a Sony F3 and got an EX3 to handle a broader range of work. Once I stepped into a real videocamera the excitment of DSLR started to fade.

But some of my best personal videos are shot using a DSLR. It's just less joy and ease of use that makes me avoid DSLRs these days. Just like I ask myself what to do with the BMDCC.
 
Absolutely not !!!

I took a chance on a T3i 3 1/2 years ago hoping it's 3x zoom function would hold up and have been well pleased to see that there was no other camera ever made outside the GH2 that could compete at any price. I now have moved over to the new Panasonic G6 and again there is, to my knowledge, no camera made at any price that can do these shots.

https://vimeo.com/72396375 Luna Rossa AC 72 sailboat in action - 1500mm equivalent, 1080-60p, OIS, autofocus, focus peaking, all at a total weight of 0.992 kg
https://vimeo.com/69864670 long range wildlife capture - 3000mm equivalent at 1080-60p

Simply amazing times to be into taking moving pictures :)

Cheers,
Pete
 
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