Why Choose a DSLR or ILC Over a Standard Camcorder For HD Video?

[1edrakel]

You think that the GH2 is the best DSLR hybrid----I agree but wait till you see it in operation with the Hacked firmware by Vitaily. Nothing, I repeat nothing under $10,000 will touch it. There are those out there who are comparing it to RED. Check out the Philip Bloom DSLR comparison test on Vimeo.

[MrAmitaph]

very helpful. thanks

[whole27]

The Sony CX 100 is an old low end model, isn't it...u should have compared it to an updated higher end camcorder like the Sony HDR 550v which is what i have now and i'm thinking of selling it for a DSLR, the GH2 specifically.

[BrantheTechman]

@whole27 Yes but the test was more general in the comparisons that I did and the main points of the video still hold true.

[75manuhorse]

Good advice thanks. I knew that was necessary but how about monitoring the sound with headphones and flimsy connections and not having XLR connections...If i were to buy a camcorder that would have good quality HD would you suggest a few options if its not too much to ask after all the help which i appreciate so much :)?

[BrantheTechman]

@75manuhorse Honestly I am not completely sure in regards to headphones for monitoring on a camcorder, however I generally monitor the audio levels visually on the camera or camcorder itself because it is more accurate.

[75manuhorse]

thank you, I appreciate your advice as i have no film school background, just a good eye, sense of style and composition and experience doing photoshoots as a fashion/prop stylist in NYC and as an editor for former Mademoiselle magazine.I have had to reinvent myself and need to know where to get more advice and help making the camera choices. THis is helpful but i need further help with audio for example. I understand you have to rig things up to the GH2 for good audio. I shoot interviews....

[BrantheTechman]

@75manuhorse If you are shooting interviews I would highly advise that you invest in an external microphone to improve the sound quality. The GH2 has okay onboard stereo microphones but they can pick up camera noise which you won't want appearing, especially during an interview. Based on that, I would recommend that you pick up a 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm adapter (because the GH2 has a 2.5 mm input while most external microphones have a 3.5 mm plug in) and a Rode Videomic Pro to start out with.

[75manuhorse]

but can you tell me more about the autofocus that you say only this dslr has at this poin\t? I believe you mentioned that in the comparative video discussion?

[BrantheTechman]

@75manuhorse It is far more similar to the way that a camcorder can autofocus during video, while most DSLR's other than the Sony NEX or Alpha series (which does not have video quality that is as good as the GH2) such as Canon do not have autofocus during video. Therefore you will not have to manually focus when tracking a quickly moving subject.

[75manuhorse]

I would appreciate some advice on whether I should opt for buying an HD camcorder ($3000 to spend) for my upcoming jobs, ie weddings, events, Cornell event shoots or a dslr. I am much more comfortable with automatic focus since i have had that option with the Canon GL2) I have been recommended the Panasonic GH2 by friends but am concerned about getting good footage on an upcoming job without the automatic option. Please help.

Thanks

Manuela

[BrantheTechman]

@75manuhorse I would also recommend the GH2 as it is virtually uncontested for its pure quality in terms of current video-capable DSLR's on the market. It is very easy to use and does not have any significant learning curves. Also the autofocus is outstanding and is at a nearly camcorder level. I don't think that you will be disappointed. Good luck on your upcoming job.

[whole27]

@BrantheTechman okay u just said the GH2 is "nearly camcorder level"....i want the best of the best for VIDEO...i want to make movie like highest of quality HD vids and so for video, image stabilization and auto focus are the most important along with 1080p and these DSLR's don't seem to match the camcorders in the 1st two areas so how can they be better?

Also u say GH2 is better than the Canon 5d m2....the m3 is coming out, i don't want to buy the GH2 and have it be obsolete in a few months?

[BrantheTechman]

@whole27 I said the GH2 was basically camcorder level for autofocus not anything else. DSLR's are better for filmmakers in which they can achieve depth of field (a huge bonus), far better image quality (both in video and obviously stills), and in general a more cinematic appearance. The Mark 3 is going to be a far more expensive camera which may offer slightly higher video quality but still might not have the "camcorder" GH2 abilities. You could always sell the GH2 later on though if need be.

[MrCheespuff]

beause you can change the lense on a DSLR, would that mean that i could keep it longer beofre i have to upgrade?

-thanks

[BrantheTechman]

@MrCheespuff Yes as long as the camera is functioning and you are happy with it.

[azuremain]

I plan to go either for the Canon 550D/600D (i.e. T2i/T3i) or the Panasonic GH2. I need the camera for video shooting on an ambitioned amateuristic level. I like the GH2s fast continous AF and touch-screen focus point selection function which the Canon doesn't have, but is there even more striking advantages of the GH2 over Canon's entry DSLRs? Again, it's just about video. I am sure photo quality/functions are fine for me on any four-thirds or APS-C camera.

[BrantheTechman]

@azuremain Yes the GH2 does not suffer from the common issues with DSLR video such as moire or rolling shutter and overall has better video quality than the Canon line of HDSLRs with sharper/ more accurate imaging throughout. Also if you are just starting out at a more amateur level and are using it for more "run and gun" shooting as oppose to film making, the GH2 is far easier to use.

[alexeix]

thank you for your video test

could you tell me please how much non-stopping video in different format compressions can you record with GH2 ?

i saw that there is a only one limitation for 2G in JPEG mode

[BrantheTechman]

@alexeix I am not aware of any further limitations with the format compression. In regards to how many types, I would have to double check. But I believe that you can record at either 17 MB/S or 24 MB/S (which might only be for cinema mode) if that answers your question.