For those that have switched from Video cams to DSLRs

matt s.

matt s.

Veteran
For those who have switched from video cameras to DSLR's are you all having more fun shooting with the DSLR's? I fully understand the pros and cons between the two camera types but to me it seems like DSLR shooting while being slightly more difficult would be a lot more fun. Just the fact of collecting a bunch of vintage lenses has me excited to get my hands on one soon. Your thoughts?
 
Love it...definitely much more enjoyable to me than shooting with a prosumer camcorder. I have more fun with interchangeable lenses and moving around, etc.

I still enjoy shooting on actual video cameras too...its just different. That's actually the reason I bought a DSLR in the first place - to learn how to shoot differently.

You'll have tons of fun,

Kegan
 
I still occasionally use the ol trusty dvx when i have to shoot a concert or a long interview,but i do love my 7d.it makes music video shooting so much easier and fun for me coming from an redrock adapter.
 
Yup. It's always fun, but I'll agree that these things add to it. I've always thought still photography was more enjoyable and free than video work, these are helping bridge that difference.
 
All I can say it is a joy, I bought the 550d for the very reason to shoot video and stills , no need to take my Hdv camera along or extra cameraman just a bit more extra attention to setup on camera . After the last job at 2010 world cup soccer the 550d paid for itself 3x over and the customer was very happy with the end result. Hope the next Gen of the DSLR are able to shoot long in HD and have full HDMI out put etc......... other than that very happy
 
i utterly regret selling my Canon xha1 for a dslr. it was a stupid decision among many stupid decisions i have made in the past year. i reek of positive energy right now, yeah?
 
I don't really reget selling my HVX/LEX setup, but sometimes I wish I still had it around for certain shoots at my job.

The 7D is a great cam and I enjoy shooting with it.
 
I actually sold my XHA1 once I had my DSLR rig together. Just recently purchased the XHA1 again and am glad I did. They are two different beasts. I love the look you get from both of them and for long recording jobs I will grab my XHA1 now in a heartbeat. For all small jobs and to stay discreet and not bring attention I would grab my DSLR in a heartbeat.
 
Last edited:
I'll be the dissenting voice here…

I really don't "enjoy" shooting with HDSLRs. Don't get me wrong, I love the look and the aesthetic, and for my kind of travel/adventure work the size is nice. But the simple fact is when I'm shooting one-man-band documentary-style stuff, having to focus too much attention on the technical aspects of the camera takes my attention away from what's happening in front of the lens and around me.

Most others on DVXUser tend to shoot more narrative work in more controlled environments, and in those situations, how could you NOT love the HDSLRs?
 
Well I'd say that I love shooting with a DSLR especially when I'm in a place where
shooting with a bigger camera would be a hinderance. I still have my HVX though, and I use it for more long form work (presentations, live events etc...).

I see my DSLR as just another tool in my arsenal. I appreciate my HVX, and I know it's limitations, and the same goes for my DSLR. If I had to choose one for overall work it would be my HVX.
 
Shooting dramatic narrative on a DSLR is certainly more of a pain in the butt, as compared to shooting on a professional video camera.

Just having the camera handy and picking up and shooting stuff -- yes, the DSLR wins there. And grabbing shots that would be impractical with the full-size rig, yes, the DSLR wins there. But in any scenario where you're actually setting up, I find it more of a hassle to deal with fiddly connectors and no exposure meters and frankensteining together some audio and rails rig and on and on.
 
you dont know what you got until its gone !
Im shooting with both ....and I pleasantly reminded myself that I got the 7d for photos.

It's a pain shooting with HDSLR's. Most dissapointing is when you shot something great , play it back home and admire the beauty of Aliasing and Moire. :shocked:

Next shoot HMC 150 baby !
 
I just shot a little five minute short with a borrowed 7d as my A cam and used my HMC-150 to record sound and act as a secondary camera.

I have a love/hate relationship with the 7d. While it can produce GORGEOUS looking footage, half the time I kept wishing it just functioned like a video camera. My HMC-150 may not give you that sort of sweet bokeh, but at the end of the day, it's nice to be able to just pick up and shoot without having to attach a ridiculous amount of overpriced Zacuto rods. ;-)
 
I have really enjoyed my 7D all the possibilities are so much fun. However, I will be keeping my HPX 500. There are just to many things it does so well to walk away from it.
 
Barry_Green said:
Shooting dramatic narrative on a DSLR is certainly more of a pain in the butt, as compared to shooting on a professional video camera.

Just having the camera handy and picking up and shooting stuff -- yes, the DSLR wins there. And grabbing shots that would be impractical with the full-size rig, yes, the DSLR wins there. But in any scenario where you're actually setting up, I find it more of a hassle to deal with fiddly connectors and no exposure meters and frankensteining together some audio and rails rig and on and on.
Click to expand...

Hmm thats what my plan was LOL. I have shot 2 features on the DVX and 1 on the 150. Thought about switching it up for the next film. I knew it would be a PITA but these are very valid points. May just have to stick to the long end of the lens if possible :)
 
To be clear, I prefer the full sized cameras for most aspects, and really miss having access to them. But that doesn't change the fun factor in a lot of situations.
 
I love DSLRs for small, personal, low budget projects. Mostly narrative. I keep my mattebox attached to the rails and cage as a single unit so it's quick to slap the camera and monitor on and get shooting.
 
I'm very happy that I made the switch. I've shot two features on standard def and the T2i is my first HD camera that I've owned and so far no complaints. I've been testing the thing like crazy and for my workflow and style, you can't beat it. I do all my audio in post so the on camera mic has served me just fine. I love that I have total manual control over every aspect of the camera. I start shooting my next feature on the camera in two weeks. Best $1000 I've spent!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top