For those that have switched from Video cams to DSLRs

I'll echo Stephen and Barry. The HDSLR opens new possibilities for me that my EX-1 cannot do. I find it less stressful in terms of set up/configuration than using my 35mm lens adapter. I like the images it produces and I even like double system sound---a little, since it forces me to really think about audio.

But I'd stop short of "fun." Focusing can be a royal PITA. The camera requires a few "bolt on" items such as a finder and/or monitor to really be useful. If anything, it has made be appreciate my EX-1 even more but, as others have said, the DSLR is easier to be discrete with than a full sized video camera.
 
Why choose one when you can do both?

Why choose one when you can do both?

I've had a DVX100b for about two years and absolutely love it along with all the equipment that's compatible with it. A week ago I got my T2i and I love it as well. A lot of the equip for the DVX won't work on it without a few minor add-ons/accessories but the T2i spits out beautiful shots even when you don't want it, too.

ANYWAYS, if you can afford to do both, hold onto the video cam and pay for a DSLR then DO IT. I mean, the DVX paid for itself multiple times (cost me $1950) after only two years AND it's not HD. Just imagine the things you can do with a $900 T2i in a few months?
 
FUN?, well, I actually think that shooting anything, with any camera, is fun, and beats the sh*t outta working for a living!

I do like shooting with my video DSLR (550D/T2i). It is a bit more challenging, and the thought process in shooting is much more like shooting film, which I miss immensely. To be honest, I get damn near light headed when I pick the camera up, just thinking about the quality to cost ratio. While the T2i is far from perfect, for the price, there is no camera that can beat the picture quality, out of the box. (GH1 firmware hack is not out of the box, just to clarify).

Throw in shopping for and testing vintage glass and yeah, I am having a lot of fun.

EDIT: Though, I have not totally "Switched", and still use a traditional form factor video cameras for a lot of what I am doing. They are just more appropriate for certain projects.
 
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Hi,

I'm a newbie here, but I also love making videos. I have a Sony VX2000 and would like to switch to HD. My vx2000 has some sound drop out problems so that's another reason why I would like to get rid of it. I was thinking to buy a T2i because I like the look and could use it to make highlight videos of events. BUT every year I'm asked to video record some highschool stage performance, so for that I won't be able to use a T2i. I'm thinking to buy an HD camcorder. Would you recommend the Canon XH-1As. Is that good in low light?

Thank you,

Detti
 
I love my GH1(3) and my friends' 7Ds. I also like our HPX170, but it's not nearly as fun as the DSLRs :) We use them all for what they are useful for, but I find myself reaching for the HPX as a last resort these days.
 
I have never been as excited and willing to test shoot! ha haha I'm up to 11 lens and bidding on two more. A good cheap fun addiction.
 
I can understand folks coming from a pro-sumer camera background...but other than the obvious (weight, analog tape etc.) how much different is it when using a DSLR vs using a film camera (especially when used with cinema lenses)? I would expect the use of a DSLR (especially the Canons with HDMI out) to be right at home for many "film" shooters.
 
If you bought more than one T2i with some help you could multicam the highschool event, but keep in mind that you will have to dump video of each camera every 12 min. That's if you want to go this route. It can be done but very challenging.
 
Ian-T said:
other than the obvious (weight, analog tape etc.) how much different is it when using a DSLR vs using a film camera (especially when used with cinema lenses)? I would expect the use of a DSLR (especially the Canons with HDMI out) to be right at home for many "film" shooters.
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this is why I bought my 7D....and it hardly ever leaves my side
 
I love it - Loads of fun - but takes a focused filmaker

I love it - Loads of fun - but takes a focused filmaker

Having gradually moved from full size shoulder cameras, to 3 HVX cameras, to 2 EX1's and a few in between, I bought a 5D as a test project a year and a half ago. I worked within the limitations to get to know the camera. I did not do any programs until they added manual control. Now that they have added 24/25p to the mix I only use the camera. I recently added a 7D as a second camera and for the 60p for slow motion. Personally I love it more than any other camera. For the first time, I can shoot anything/anyway I want, not limited by the technology. Ok I have to watch out for some issues - moire and jello - but honestly I have never shot footage which was unusable.

I am having fun and loving the footage I am getting. I travel alot and it is a dream to be able to have a modular approach from the really small 5D with a 50mm 1.2 lens which I can shoot most things without even being lit and 90% of the time it looks incredible. The only problem with the micro setup is the issues of audio, but with the small Sennheiser MKH400 on top, I get decent sound for background sounds.

Then I can go all the way up to a full shoulder kit with my Zacuto rails, mount, follow-focus, mattebox, shoulder mount, and 70-200 2.8 or the 16-35 2.8 and do the full film rig.

So overall I have not looked back and have sold all of my traditional equipment. Now if Canon (or someone else) produces a traditional video camera with either the 5D or 7D sensor and will use my existing lenses but adds XLR audio - and some other video specific items like real inputs and outputs - I would probably buy it - maybe even three of them. But even then - probably most of my stuff will be shot with the DSLR's because of how fun they are.

Now with that said - it is much more work to remember everything - and it takes a "focused" film-maker who has both the technical and artistic sides covered and can remember everything it takes. I have been doign this long enough it comes easily. But I have been trying to train others - and it has been amazingly difficult for them to grasp all of the things to be done before shooting. But even then, they still come back with some usable footage and some bad out of focused and audio issues. So it is a mixed bag. But for me I am having more fun with these cameras than any others I have even owned.
 
If you bought more than one T2i with some help you could multicam the highschool event, but keep in mind that you will have to dump video of each camera every 12 min. That's if you want to go this route. It can be done but very challenging.
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This is incorrect. The camera can only record for 12 minutes before stopping. You press record again and keep going until the card is full. A 16GB card holds 49 minutes. So yes, with two cameras and help you can do it quite easily. But you wouldn't have to keep dumping.
 
I guess it depends on what you shoot... I much rather be shooting a HMC150 with all the flexibility it offers for anything live or run-n-gun... Using my GH1 or 7D just wouldn't keep up. That being said - if you can control the scene - DSLR all the way... Its lots of fun messing with expensive lenses getting nice eye-candy shots out of the cam.

I still need my HMC's like for a 2 part 3 hour concert on Friday... it would be terribly painful stitching together a multicam shoot every 12 min...

If you totally can switch to DSLR and get away with it, your lucky! Its a lot cheaper... for me Ill be stuck with both till the AF100 COMES OUT! WhooT!
 
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This would be one of the most user-friendly no-verbal-bashing thread I have found so far when discussing HDSLR shooting pro and cons!! well done guys, we have finally managed to appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of our tools!!
 
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