Let's bring this debate back : Single Chip DSLR's vs 3CCD Camcorders 2012

JoeJITSU

JoeJITSU

Veteran
A lot has changed in the last 4 years. I have moved from 3CCD to Single Chip DSLR. What are your reasons for changing to 3CCD or DSLR?

A big Con for me is "Zoom". I do a lot of events, like Weddings, Reality show reels, Seminars, etc.. You can see why I miss my Camcorder, But I will still stick by my DSLR till my BMC comes home to Daddy.:thumbsup:
 
I went the other way and went from DSLR to AF-100.

Once the manufacturers starting coming out with large sensor cameras that were purpose-built for video, the appeal of shooting video on a dslr waned for me.
 
It's all about Price point.
We shot our first two films on an HVX200A with a Red Rock Micro Adapter and Nikon lenses. It looked good, but the light loss from using the adapter was a challenge. Suddenly there was the 5D at half the price of a 3CCD camera that could give even close to equal quality image. It was a no brainer.
 
tech advance always changes things, and the 3 chip vs single chip debate really became invalid since around hdslrs time. dslrs pretty much hit right as HD was becoming mainstream and sensor technology had advanced enough to produce better quality in single chip style cameras. in the end, does the camera produce a good image, end of story, everything going on inside the camera doesn't mean anything to the end client or audience. the 3ccd thing was a really good standard to market to clients, because it was simple and everyone could understand that 3 of something inside the camera must be better than one. and on the tech side it did make a difference with where sensor tech was back then. but now, it's more about the camera model that people know to trust that makes a good image. hence the flood of people requesting "5D", or "RED", or soon hopefully "that magic black thing"
 
The one big hole in the under $10k market that remains to be filled with a practical modest cost production grade camera is the S16mm/16mm/2/3" size range format that falls between the larger sensor options and the 1/2" and under small chip cameras. This size range offers the best of both worlds IMO. You get a nice range of creative DOF control, plus practical fast wide range zooms of modest size and weight most suitable for solo shooters. The deeper DOF range makes focus much easier for action sports, nature, event, and general run and gun doc shooters. Right now the Ikonoskop DII comes closest for those who want a raw option, but 2/3" 3 chip cameras all start in the $15k range.
The BMC doesn't quite fill the bill either. Lens mounts, form factor, and sensor size will restrict its utility. The Digital Bolex will potentially be a nice option for relatively modest cost.

s16mm/16mm is still my personal favorite format range for general purpose motion production.
 
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While my single-chip DSLR cameras outnumber my 3-chip CCD 4-to-1, I'm not ready to say I'm giving up CCD for good. The DSLR images look great, but I'm not completely sold until they can start offering global shutter at their price point.
 
I would argue that they both have their uses. I use mainly DSLR right now because of budget. After using DSLR for the past 10 month, I do want something that is more reliable. Reliable as in it doesn't shut down after 12 minutes, is easier on the SD card, doesn't overheat, and isn't finicky to use. However, I do love the form factor. Who want to lug around a huge camcorder when my DSLR can hang onto my neck?
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
I would argue that they both have their uses. I use mainly DSLR right now because of budget. After using DSLR for the past 10 month, I do want something that is more reliable. Reliable as in it doesn't shut down after 12 minutes, is easier on the SD card, doesn't overheat, and isn't finicky to use. However, I do love the form factor. Who want to lug around a huge camcorder when my DSLR can hang onto my neck?
Click to expand...

Finicky to use may have to do with the size of these things (buttons and ergonomics designed to be compact), but the other issues you mention are not true of all DSLRs (and by extension of all single-chip CMOS cameras).
Mostly sounds like problems associated with Canon DSLRs. There are others.
 
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