Would you rather have the Camcorder Form factor over DSLR?

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
DSLRs have been dominating video headlines lately and Camcorders are taking a bit of the backseat, which actually feels a bit unintentional.

With that said, in the future, would you guys rather have the traditional Camcorder form back? Or are you guys liking the DSLR form factor?

For myself, I've actually grown to like the 7D form factor. I like how it's small and very discrete. When you're shooting gorilla footage, people don't even give a second look. I also really like how it fits in your hand and I travel to shoot a lot, so it's really easy to just throw in my Lowepro backpack with all my lenses and take it on the plane.

I do miss the camcorder's handle on top.

I'm sure in the near future, you'll have the Camcorder form factor and also the DSLR form factor, and both cameras will essentially do the same thing. So which would you rather use?
 
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If I could have the image of the GH1/7D/5DII in the body/size of the HMC40, it would be game over for me.

I'd keep at least one GH1/7D, for those "sneak" shots that the form factor is key in capturing, but I miss the pro video controls and features of a camcorder. (Which is why I added an HMC40 to the kit.)
 
There are a few times the current shape is nice, specifically when I don't want people to know what I'm doing. But those are extremely rare compared to the huge host of times I really miss my HVX.
 
I really miss my XHA1. Love the image off the DSLR especially using my 70-200mm 2.8 but miss xlrs, rotating LCD Screen, etc... To answer your question I would prefer the sensor in a camcorder body.
 
I'm surprised anyone wouldn't want the shoulder mount configuration over the small, unwieldy DSLR format. I bought the T2i strictly for the amazing imagery and lens possibilities. I immediately bought the CPM cage to build up a heftier chassis to work with.

I'm sitting tight for the AF100 and see the T2i as an interim camera. A camera can definitely be too small. I'm shooting strictly narrative with the T2i so I have no need for a discreet system.
 
Canon t2i is an amazing camera, I love the form factor and would never want to go back to the big and clunky video camera.

I can hold the t2i with one hand and shoot, 1 FREAKING hand!. Also as I shoot mostly wild on the street style people always use to bother me with my old Dvx/Hvx. Now with my t2i I'm thinking people just assume I'm taking pictures, I Love it!



I have my t2i with an on camera mic and the battery grip and it just feels rock solid, perfect size for me. I'm becoming so nice handheld people think I'm using a dolly and jib when they see my work, I'm truly amazed and love the size!
 
I agree that the compact form is good for places where a discreet camera is good... but nothing beats the balance and smooth handling of the large, shoulder-mount cameras.

Of course, there is such a thing as the image quality of the 5D/7D/etc. in a large format (arguably a better image)... but then the cost goes up to $40k +. However, with the right rig including a shoulder mount and counterweights, a DSLR can get close in handling.
 
I miss the feel & weight of the prosumer cams, ie HVX & XHA1.

people just assume I'm taking pictures, I Love it!
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^ Yeah, it's funny when they stop & pose. "No, it's video!"
 
stephen mick said:
if i could have the image of the gh1/7d/5dii in the body/size of the hmc40, it would be game over for me.

I'd keep at least one gh1/7d, for those "sneak" shots that the form factor is key in capturing, but i miss the pro video controls and features of a camcorder. (which is why i added an hmc40 to the kit.)
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+1
 
I am getting used to the DSLR form factor, after picking up T2i recently. However I shot so long on the grown up handy-cams so I do like that form factor. If we could get a large sensor camera, that solves all the current DSLR problems, that comes with a video optimized and removable lens in a body like the DVX, or better yet the Sony DSR-PD 150/170, which I think is the penultimate handy-cam design, I would be one very happy camper.
 
Thinking about it further, even the HVX is still a bit small for me. I'm more comfortable with Varicam and others in that size range. The Panasonic AF100 appears to be more of the size of the HVX but at least not as tiny as a DSLR.
 
I don't think anyone likes the DSLR form factor for video. At best, most folks put up with it due to the excellent picture quality. If I could buy a camera today that had the form factor of my FX-1 with the soul of a T2i, I'd jump at the chance.
 
Not a fan of DSLR form factor. I dont mind if cameras get smaller, but needs some balance.
 
Having gone from shooting video with a heavy separate recorder slung on your shoulder, and still remembered having still cameras that have flipped images ( twinreflexes & bulky mamiya RBs)
today i have on my table,
1) hybrid DSLR
2) JVC hd200/100 with lens adapters
3) red one.

guess what, I'm using the hybrid DSLR all the time. Why? comfort and ease of use. Even if i have more than 20 people on my staff i can easily use as grips and what not, I still like the lightness, and spontaneity of simply lifting a device with one hand and taking "acceptably" beautiful images with it. Such is technology. Its suppose to make you live easier.

My Father and grandparents had heavy viewcameras and my uncle got burnt arms when the gunpowder for flash trickled on his arm when he raised the T-bar to take a group photo,
they were soo happy when they first got the argus 35mm camera which allowed them to take candid photos in the 1930's!
Such is our liberated feeling today with these HDSLRs!
Today, to say that a tool has to be heavy to be "real and pro" is not a valid thing anymore.
 
I love it, think it's the most powerful thing about them. I much prefer the form factor of a DSLR than a video camera. Pls keep in mind I got into this two years ago and flipped to a Nikon D90 after film cameras. So yeah, I love that they're small, discreet, and look like 'photo cameras'.

Waitaminnit, they are photo cameras!
 
While I do love the ergonomics of a good shoulder-mount camera, the DSLR form is definitely growing on me. At first I was resistant but now I'm beginning to get it. I've got a few clients that have always asked for the smallest (high quality) cameras because of the comfort level of their subjects (documentary work, by the way). The very presence of a camera affects how people act and the logic here is that the smaller and less obtrusive the cam, the less it changes the people in front of it, which I definitely agree with. So in terms of high quality image capture in a small package, the DSLRs have the win.

Is the DSLR form flawed when it comes to video use? YES!! I never operate these without my Tiffen SteadyStick. It helps support and stabilize without adding the bulk of a shoulder rig, so we maintain our low profile.

That said, when we're not talking about shooting verité docs, a more standard camera form factor would definitely be preferred.

~~Dave
 
For motion work, especially extended handheld shooting, I like a nice balanced over the shoulder rig with some heft to it to damp small body motions. 8-12 lbs in a classic ENG style where I keep both hands on the lens while shooting is best for me. The camera becomes an extension of the body with the hands providing mostly lens control not movement control. Movement is all torso and head.
Any camera I have to hand hold out in front of me by arm strength alone is difficult to shoot steady shots with for more than a couple of minutes. That goes for my GL2 as well as a DSLR. Shooting a DSLR using a camera back LCD is a real nuisance to me even for stills. I like a good and accurate viewfinder, whether optical or electronic.
 
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