I've been reading a lot of articles and watching a lot of DSLR made videos and I must admit...I'm impressed. In weighing the pros and cons of DSLR's vs Prosumer grade camcorders the DSLR's come in as the underdog. For a fraction of the cost of an HD Prosumer grade camera you can produce beautiful footage that's truly comparable. What has been your experiences with DSLR's vs your Prosumer grade cameras? Please be specific.
Cinematography : To DSLR or not to DSLR, That is the Question by Keith Newell
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Good Stuff Craig, so does the GH2 suffer from rolling shutter? I've been doing my homework and its appears thats a common issue on the Canon dslrs. Also, Magic Latern firmware will give you the in-camera audio meters but becareful, I understand it may void warranties.
Interesting video. I can see the pros and cons of both.
Canon DSLR's were used to shoot almost an entire episode of House MD not long ago. Hard to put that use in the "underdog" category.
I hear ya Peter. It just seems that a lot of people are still skeptical of dslr's compared to more typical prosumer grade cameras. The perception is that dslrs are "still" cameras and nothing more. In a way, you can see that they are not really made for continuous shooting like a prosumer grade cameras are. I believe it’s every 29 minutes or so the dslrs tend to shut down, etc. So there are people who question their use. Personally, I think the Canon 5D and 7D's images are simply gorgeous
I'd say save yourself a lot of trouble and just use a C300 or scarlet if the money is tight. I see DSLR as a transitional tool. The C300 and scarlet are testaments to that. Sorry Shaun. BC
If you are shooting film style, which is to say in scenes and takes, the time limits are not a big issue. Very few takes run up to 29 minutes. DSLRs are admittedly not the best tool for live events. On image quality issues the Zacuto shootouts are a good place to start for good information http://www.zacuto.com/the-great-camera-shootout-2011 based on reactions from working DPs. @Bob, I'd like to have the kind of work where a C300 or Scarlet is the low cost option. Alas, many of us do not work in that world. Canon have a cinema DSLR coming out soon that's a step under the C300 that I bet will be worth a look. http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/03/canon-has-a-new-eos-movies-dslr-on-th...
Great info Peter and I was thinking the same thing about the C300. That's a tad bit outta my price range as a low cost option. So far, the Canon 600D (T3i Rebel) appears to be my dslr of choice for my immediate budget.
Phillip Bloom has just posted his review of the Canon 5Dmkiii http://philipbloom.net/2012/03/22/5dmk3/ the nominal replacement of the camera that started it all.
I would love to use the new EOS C300 on DEATH WALKS BEHIND YOU (and all my other scripts). Check out some info and footage here, (the glass is the most expense must have in dealing with this camera). http://cinemaeos.usa.canon.com/products.php?type=Camera&model=C300 C300 does look a little awkward and un-balanced for handheld -- but add a matte box, support/plate and a heavy underneath foundation system -- I never hand held any way.
The EOS C300 does look awkward but in a very interesting way. Would love to give this camera a run but at $16,000.00 that'll have to wait. So it appears dslr's are great for narratives but with their limitations; a poor choice for live events and doc's. I guess long gone are the days of using your one favorite camera for all genres. My Panasonic DVX100B was all things for me, but the reality for the low budget filmmaker is to pick the best weapon for the job.
You can rent one for a few hundred dollars per week
I'll keep this short and sweet and say DSLR's are your best bet. Even for Docs and live event filming - once you are used to the workflow its very quick and easy. Lenses are where the costs are though... but if you look at it as an investment for the future then its not too bad to spend money on glass - your lenses will last you longer than the camera body thats for sure.
So I've purchased the Canon 600D and been shooting with it on my short film production ,Roses Out of Concrete and I love it so far. I agree with a lot of what people have been saying and the glass makes the camera. From what I can see, with proper grading dslr's can do the trick for LOW BUDGET film productions. Now, I'm looking at the 7D and 5D Mark II, it seems the future of film making is going the route of the dslr. So its interesting to me how many people don't believe in it's value or staying power in production. Not to mention Red Epic, Scarlet etc!
Hi - Thanks for sharing all of this information about your experiences with DSLR filmmaking. Keith - I am also considering using the T31. Has anyone used the Nikon D7000 for filmmaking? How are you guys handling your audio?