Is DSLR Video Dead?... A discussion.

David G. Smith

David G. Smith

Steak Knife Member
I don't know if this has been posted before, but I just watched this discussion about the current state of DSLR for video recorded at NAB this year. It is a long video, but very worth watching. Enjoy.



Now, discuss among yourselves...
 
I think using cameras that have sensitive focus (large chip) , poor monitoring connectivity (mini HDMI) is a recipe for big problems - that is most DSLRs

For static shot they are fine (Bcam Crash cam)

Image quality is also very good (for web delivery which is 90%??)

The current DSLRs with poor connectivity are limited in use, small light cameras like DSLRs are still very very exciting in simplifying production

S
 
I've shot so many commercials with 7D and 5D and frankly it has worked out great. I prefer to use something like Sonys F3 but DSLR still works, it's just not that exciting any more.
 
I just checked my DSLR's; and I'm happy to say that the video mode still seems to be functioning!

Furthermore, it still seems to be giving the same quality that was deemed acceptable for TV with the 'House' Finale and Anthony Bourdains 'No Reservations' series (among others), and that was good enough for theatrical releases for large parts of 'Act of Valor', all of 'Nightdrive' and various other cinema releases.
 
Zim said:
Are they selling Blackmagic?
Click to expand...

You know, they really weren't that high on the Blackmagic cameras, especially the newly announced 4K one. They discuss the hidden costs of the BMC cameras. In the end they actually end up "Selling" the 5DMKII more than any other specific camera.
 
David G. Smith said:
You know, they really weren't that high on the Blackmagic cameras, especially the newly announced 4K one. They discuss the hidden costs of the BMC cameras. In the end they actually end up "Selling" the 5DMKII more than any other specific camera.
Click to expand...

The hidden costs are a killer, but I've finally got my accessory kit to be camera agnostic which saves so many headaches. I still get great footage with a DSLR, but its nice to know that they were more or less a stop gap measure for good video, much like the 35mm adapters were.
 
No time to watch that video right now, but to add to the conversation, hell no, I don't think they are dead.

Still seeing a lot of DSLRs in TV productions. (I saw one being used on 60 Minutes last night.)

I love my 7d, but given the choice I'd probably run with my FS100. There's a lot to be said about that Canon DSLR look. I know they get used in tons of TV spots. Interesting thread, I'd like to hear more opinions.
 
I think they're still perfect and will remain perfect for people that Can't/don't want to spend that much.

As a student, I bought a t2i when they came out for 800 dollars. I did my last years work on that and 16mm.

I've payed that canon off at least 10 times now and have learned a ton and invested in Lenses and accessories I can use on other cameras I'd be considering in the more pro/more expensive range.

DSLR's are perfect for students and people starting out. They are also great for low profile/mobile shoots.

They will continue to be used because they're simple, cheap, and look great!

I will be buying a way more expensive camera when I can, but only because I got here with my DSLR
 
DSLR video dead? Nope. It won't be dead either as long as companies continue to improve the video image. Nikon was a bit behind and now they have released 2 cameras in the lower tier (d5200, d7100) that have improved quality dramatically...with low moire/aliasing and clean 1080 HDMI outputs. Canon and Panasonic have added new codecs in the 5dMK3 and the GH3
Many Large sensor video cameras are becoming small boxes where everything is added on, so no...don't see DSLR video being dead at all. Black Magic's Pocket Cam may eat into some of the sales, but at S16 sensor size there are still advantages to the DSLRs in that price range as well.
 
David G. Smith said:
I don't know if this has been posted before, but I just watched this discussion about the current state of DSLR for video recorded at NAB this year. It is a long video, but very worth watching. Enjoy.


Now, discuss among yourselves...
Click to expand...

I haven't listened, as it is inconvenient... but just the title is sort of pejoratively 'coded'...

No, I don't think DSLR video(*) is dead... in fact I expect more, and better at lower prices. I think the GH-1-3 is suggestive of that direction. Black Magic Development announced a 'pocket' BMC camera... while not exactly a 'DSLR' it is definitely down in the 'affordable' class by many who could not see their way to 'the big boy's club'... or even the peewee leagues in some cases...

Now... I will say that it may be the case one will see less major motion picture use of DSLR's as cameras like the ARRI Alexa, and Reds become even more popular at lower levels of production 'values', but I think for many the DSLR will be the 'go to' camera.

Where some DSLR's will also get competition is form some thing like the Bolex '16mm' digital camera... I hate the 'design' of the Bolex, it looks stupid... but I think something like a small 'box' Bolex, with XLR imputs, take a Bolex 16mm lens mount, all for under $1000 would be 'great'...

I have for a long time been trying to rid my self of the use of 'video' in regard to DSLR, or similar 'digital motion picture' capture... The way that the DSLR's have been presented is more like traditional movie film cameras than 'video cameras', such as the use of ISO ratings rather than 'gain in dB' settings, lacking 'XLR' audio inputs, fixed lenses (depending...), or 'designed' for broadcast TV applications.

If that is what is meant by 'video dead'... I can agree... the DSLR's are not attempting to take on where analog, or even digitized 'video cameras' left off...
 
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What is dead is the excuse not to shoot something. Anything you buy now, from a Canon t3i on up produces beautiful images if you know what you're doing.

It just gets better and cheaper, but what's available right now is affordable and looks great.
 
I haven't read too much of the thread, but in response to the thread title...I'd have to say no. A large majority of my productions are shot on RED, however I just went on a trans-Canada tour with Samsung and shot entirely using my 5DMKIII. There was no need for any other camera. It worked and the client was happy.
 
Just heard an Adam Carolla podcast with Eli Roth….he was talking about how he shot his latest feature "Aftershock" with Canon 7D & 5D and the ease of use. So yes, still alive and well.

Really got me thinking about how f'n convenient it is to shoot DSLR video vs rigging up a big camera. For me it's anything from corporate video to the kids playing in the yard.
 
It's a matter of where you are in your filmmaking journey.

For me, i've been working with DSLR's for two years (everything i've ever made has been shot on DSLR), and feel that I have reached the end of it. I am ready to move on to other camera systems (current plan is C300 or Black Magic).

However, I think DSLR's are still phenomenal for people first starting. They are great learning tools, but I have personally grown tired of their limitations.
 
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