Will DSLR filming be an upgrade?

[Mark Anderson]

Hi Mathew,

I have shot professionally for 15 plus years using all kinds of camcorders. I wanted that cinematic look and DSLR definitely brings you up a huge notch when it comes to soft DOF. I was actually stunned how much better the images look. For me the biggest difference was soft DOF — which gives you that cinematic look due to the larger sensor in DSLR.

However, it was a massive learning curve for me to learn new muscle memory getting used to shooting in manual mode while keeping an eye on ISO, shutter and aperture. Shooting with a camcorder is in my opinion so much easier to use, but you typically will not create the soft DOF that so many of us desire.

Also, be warned that when using DSLR, you really have to keep an eye on focus. The reason is because of the soft DOF. While soft DOF is pretty, it’s a challenge to keep a sharp focus. You may need an external HD monitor to help you zone in on the focus. On the Rebels, there is not a focus peaking feature — but that can be added with Magic Lantern for the T2i and T3i. I am not 100% sure on the T2i, but I know you can add it to the T3i.

The biggest challenge as you have likely learned by reading reviews online is audio. It’s just not nearly as simple as the camcorder. You will need an external audio recorder or a device like JuicedLink if using DLSR. Or, if you go the route of Panasonic GH3 or GH4 you can record audio directly into the camera without an external device as these types of cameras do not record the annoying hiss that a DSLR records. Plus, they have a headset jack to monitor audio, which is huge.

My first DSLR was a T4i and it was a solid camera. I am currently using the 70D but am seriously looking at the GH4. A friend of mine still shoots video on a T3i and it’s also very solid — however be aware of the audio limitations.

If I have an intense shoot where I will be trucking with my feet, documentary style, I will still grab my video camcorder. Camcorders still have their place, especially shooting events where you need to zoom and move quickly and record long periods at a time. I would keep the camcorder in the lineup.

[Jonathan Ziegler]

Just a quick note: both the t2i and t3i take Magic Lantern and both provide focus peaking which is practically a godsend on those tiny little screens (also vector scopes, live histograms, audio levels, etc. for only a tiny bit more battery power – maybe 5-10% more). The audio is absolutely terrible – I use a zoom h4n and feed it back to the camera via the jack on the side as well as record from the camera then use FCPX to sync it all up so it’s fairly painless. I do not have a camcorder, but I’m getting one as my shooting has changes from doing a few short clips to needing longer shots, and a camcorder is a bit more portable (with handles and such). I only wish DSLRS were 4k, but I’m sure that’s not far off.

Save early. Save often.

Jonathan Ziegler

http://www.electrictiger.com
520-360-8293

[Steve Crow]

” I only wish DSLRS were 4k, but I’m sure that’s not far off.”

Good news, that is already starting to happen with cameras like the GH4, Sony A7S and the Canon 1DC which all achieve this but I am very sure more such cameras are coming soon as 4K seems to be all the rage, perhaps even more so than RAW.

Steve Crow