DSLR vs camcorder

[Tom Pauncz]

Dan,
Unless the overheating sensors can be overcome with HDSLRs, they’re pretty much useless in the environments you service.

They can only run for about 10-12 minutes and then need to rest for about the same.

Camcorders, of whatever flavour/brand, are built to be run continuously.

Cheers for now,
Tom Pauncz
(30WEST MEDiA GROUP)

[Seth Estrada]

This may be different with the Panasonic AF100 and Sony FS100, which are by definition camcorders, not DSLRs. They’re a bit pricier though, and may not benefit your shooting, other than the low-light capabilities.

As far as the artifacts you mentioned: moire is practically non-existent on camcorders from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon, but shows up quite literally in every last current model of DSLR.

[Kelly Griffin]

My only experience with DSLRs has been that they’re way more trouble than they’re worth. Recording separate audio can be enough of a pain in the butt all by itself by the time you get to edit (it’s real easy to get out of synch between the camera files and the audio files), and yes, when the camera gets up to temp it starts aborting on the recordings, which is also loads of fun.

[Dan Thompson]

Well, thanks everyone. When something sounds too good to be true that’s where you’re at. thanks again, Dan

[Mike Kujbida]

[Kelly Griffin] “…it’s real easy to get out of synch between the camera files and the audio files…”

That’s why Singular Software brought out PluralEyes.
Try the demo and prepare to be amazed at how fast and accurate it is.

[Dan Thompson]

We always record our primary audio seperate from ou cameras. The audio that we get from the cameras are used to sync using Plural eyes, or as back up in case something goes wrong. Thanks, Dan

[Nigel O’neill]

My greatest challenge of DSLR’s is finding one that has a smooth zoom action, plus auto/follow focus can be an issue in tracking shots. My camera has a translucent mirror which makes for better AF.

Having a greater choice of low cost lenses makes DSLR’s quite appealing, plus on some DSLR’s it is possible to adjust exposure compensation for strongly backlit subjects, something I struggle to do easily on a Z1P or an FX1. Yes, I know there are presets, but sometimes they just need more tweaking.

[Al Bergstein]

Kelly & nigel make great points. I use both, but find thatfor the kind of shooting you want to do, start with a camcorder. A high end consumer model like the panasonic tm900 or canon with dual sd card slots and built in hard drive (both cost between $1k and $1500 fully kitted out,) are probably the best bets. You can add external mics, headphone jack input, and their picture quality is very good.

Overheating is not a problem on my 7d but was on my canon t2i. I think it has to do with battery placement. I’ve shot all day with my 7d with no overheating. A friend with a t2i bought the external battery pack for it, and shot all day alongside me with no overheating.

But i prefer a camcorder for event work.

Alf

[Nigel O’neill]

I tend to use my DSLR for more creative shots where I want a cinematic look (shallow DoF) or need a fish eye lens, such as wedding shoots. I use it in situations where, if I mess up the shot, it is not going to ruin the job as well. It is not my main camera. I have HDV tape cameras for that. When I do use the DSLR, I have a camcorder running as well.

My system specs: Intel i7 970, 12GB RAM, ASUS P6T, Vegas Pro 10 (x32/x64), Windows 7 x64 Ultimate, Vegas Production Assistant 1.0, VASST Ultimate S Pro 4.1, Neat Video Pro 2.6

[Doug Pasley]

As a total DSLR guy, you definitely want to use camcorders for that kind of work. Not the environment to be stacking ND’s or pulling focus.