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DSLR VS. HD Camcorder?

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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
So recently there have been a ton of threads about DSLR, in reference to shooting almost exclusively video with them. I'm saving up for a camera right now and have my eye on the XH-A1.

I just want to know: what are your opinions as to why somebody should/ should not buy a DSLR/HD Camcorder for shooting video?
May 24 2010 11:27PM
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goodiepocket
Posts: 950 - Karma: 641
There are pluses and minuses to each. With DSLR's the main problem is the issue of focus, along with their weight (the need for some sort of stabilization for nearly any shot). With action sports the lack of auto focus can be a problem. However, this is also one of the benefits to a DSLR: the ability to have such a manipulative DOF. In addition, with a DSLR you have the option of buying and using many different lenses.
In terms of an actual HD video camera (xh-a1, hvx etc), have a larger body (a bit more weight to them), auto focus...I mean they are made for filming...also, if you are just getting into filming, I would recommend getting an HD camera over a DSLR because it will be much, much easier...
I mean this is a very basic compare/contrast, I am sure I forgot many things, but I hope this helped...
(to keep things easy I am keeping my HVX and instead of getting a 7d I am gettin a t2i =) )
May 24 2010 11:42PM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
 For television I would in most cases not go for a dslr. And for skiing, I like to combine my xha1, 7D and t2i. They work great together! For television stuff I use the xha1, for shortfilms, commercials etc. I use DSLRs

It all depends on what you will be shooting, and finding the right tool for the job!
May 25 2010 11:39AM
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Jwenz
Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,633
why would you even consider an xh-a1. that shit films to tapes. just go panasonic. honestly your best bet is either a panasonic hmc150, hpx170 or hvx200. if you go video camera panasonic is leaps and bounds a head. only thing canon has going for them is the 7d. it really depends on what you are doing with it though like tomas said. if just skiing go with an actual video camera not dslr. dslr is dank for other shit and can give you very unique looks which is tight! i am biased though, i have hvx. side note xh-a1 may have sd card recording capabilities? not sure. even if it does i would still choose hmc150 over canon camera ANY FUCKING DAY. again i am biased cause i have hvx
May 25 2010 11:43AM
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niels043
Posts: 814 - Karma: 184
non-entry level dslrs (canon 5d mark II, 7d, nikon d90, d300s) are proving to be a more rugged alternative to traditional hd camcorders, combined with unmatched/unlimited lens quality/selection, and not to mention the fact that the image is being recorded on a sensor more than 5 times the size of the ones in traditional hd camcorders. dslrs make a pretty strong case as the perfect video camera for skiing.
May 25 2010 4:49PM
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Jwenz
Posts: 8893 - Karma: 7,633
perfect video camera for skiing is a very strong statement. there is a significant amount of manual labor involved in getting the desired picture from a dslr. sometimes a HD camcorder can be easy and is just what people need. something that they can pass off with friends and film fun edits
May 25 2010 5:36PM
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MADDECENT
Posts: 5579 - Karma: 951
Arent the cards that those cameras record to insanely expensive?
May 25 2010 6:21PM
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dergblerp
Posts: 1303 - Karma: 77
The HVX200 and HPX170 both record onto P2 cards, which are very expensive, however the HMC150 records onto SD cards which are dirt cheap.  Really there isn't a correct answer as to which is "better," because they are such different tools.  DSLR cameras are better for shooting in controlled settings because they have to be setup manually, whereas actual camcorders are better for run and gun, or event shooting because they have automatic functions, much longer recording time capabilities, and have much longer zoom lenses.  Most camcorders have a 10-20x optical zoom whereas DSLR's usually have at most a 5X zoom apart from a few crappy zoom lenses such as the tamron 18-270 or canon 18-200.  Camcorders also have electronic servo zooms so that you can get smoother zooms than with a dslr.  I know smooth or long zoom may seem like a newb feature to consider, but it is something that you sacrifice with slr lenses.  If I were shooting a narrative film, I'd choose a dslr, but for a documentary or action sports I'd choose a real camcorder and save the DSLR for stylized B-roll shots.  The lack of autofocus is enough to make a DSLR useless for run and gun shooting...
May 25 2010 6:49PM
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MANDER
Posts: 4017 - Karma: 2,038
The hmc150 records to SD cards which are really cheap. The HPX and HVX record to p2 card which are fucking amazing but expensive.
May 25 2010 6:54PM
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Satan666
Posts: 139 - Karma: 21
HDV benefits:
1) You don't need a fast computer. (main reason)
2) Store all footage on tapes.  You won't lose any shots, or fill up your hard drive.
3) Very high quality footage.
4) No risk of SD card corruption

IMO, if you have a computer that can handle AVCHD, get a flash memory camcorder, if you don't, go HDV
Jul 30 2010 1:06AM
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Satan666
Posts: 139 - Karma: 21
Oops, didn't realize I got linked to an old thread, my bad.
Jul 30 2010 1:12AM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
1. That's pretty true.
2. It's not that hard to buy a back up drive, 1 TB goes for like $80 these days. Do you mean to tell me that people store footage on tapes instead of just using them as a backup? So they capture them every time they want access?
3. Flash can yield equally high quality footage, and it's almost always progressive.
4. Sure SD cards can become corrupt, but there are so many potential problems with tapes and their moving parts.
Jul 30 2010 1:13AM
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Joshua.
Posts: 2957 - Karma: 6,230
i shoot with my lil d5000 a ton, and really like it. good for heady shots involving dof, and i really like being able to swap lenses.
Jul 30 2010 1:24AM
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Satan666
Posts: 139 - Karma: 21
True, true, and true.  I believe in flash, but I was just pointing out some good points of HDV
Jul 30 2010 1:48AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
get the t1i for filming, filming specs are the same, legitimate no diference. but the price on t1i at henry's.com is like 300$ cheaper,

Jul 30 2010 7:31AM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
dont get the t1i..
Jul 30 2010 9:08AM
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canterbury
Posts: 2382 - Karma: 55
you have no clue what you're talking about. there's a reason that the t2i is more expensive: higher megapixels, wider ISO range, more frame rate options for video, ext mic input, and so on
Jul 30 2010 9:26AM
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wynnyk
Posts: 1638 - Karma: 555
nononononononononoNO
Jul 30 2010 10:16AM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
Jesus Christ, if you don't know what you're talking about, the don't give out terrible advice!!!!!! Is it that hard!?!?!?!
Jul 30 2010 12:27PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
dude, the t2i has only one step higher for iso speeds. and the microphone extensions are in the t1i too,
and everything for filming is the same as the t2i. i know cuz i have the t1i and its a solid camera
Jul 30 2010 5:46PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
dude, i know what im talking about. just cause other people dont agree and they cant afford a good amera, doesnt mean you should put down the t1i, its a really good camera
Jul 30 2010 5:47PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
dude, no
Jul 30 2010 5:48PM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
hahaha, they dont even have the same sensor. show me a t1i that can shoot, 24,25,30,50 and 60p.. But I guess youre just kidding...
Jul 30 2010 5:49PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
only thing i can complain about for the t1i is the autofocus is extremely loud.
Jul 30 2010 5:50PM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
youre not supposed to use autofocus while recording anyway..
Jul 30 2010 5:52PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
it doesnt say that any where in the book, and if canon didnt want people using auto-focus while recording they would of not ut that program in. lastly, this guy wanted an opinion, and i gave my mine.

I LOVE MY T1I, and would trade it for anything else... other than a 7d
Jul 30 2010 5:55PM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
Yeah autofocusing  while recording is great if you want shitty video.. Yes but I just had to correct the information you gave him. Cause you gave him false info about the videofunctionality on the t1i..

Jul 30 2010 6:00PM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
That would be a good idea. As far as video goes, it's just a terrible investment. Anyways, once you buy everything that you need for a working DSLR setup, then the price difference will be negligible.

and that 7D..... for practical purposes, it's video function is the same as the T2i.
Jul 30 2010 6:00PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
still, the t1i is a good camera, but i bought it more for pictures, the great video is just an extra
Jul 30 2010 6:03PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
your just saying that cuz you have a t2i, and youre afraid to admit that you sent alot more money than you had too
Jul 30 2010 6:09PM
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TomasAa
Posts: 585 - Karma: 699
just stop
Jul 30 2010 6:14PM
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canterbury
Posts: 2382 - Karma: 55
There is no external mic input for the t2i, the 2.5mm terminal on the side of your camera is for a shutter remote, not audio. And no idea why you're arguing that the t1i has the same video recording options as the t2i when it obviously doesn't.
Jul 30 2010 6:55PM
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50in07
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 1,471
I don't know what you're talking about I'm looking at my T2i right now and I can clearly see an input hole with a picture of a shutter remote and a hole that says mic next to it.
Jul 30 2010 8:22PM
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canterbury
Posts: 2382 - Karma: 55
my mistake, i mean t1i.
Jul 30 2010 8:24PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
t1i is fine if you're buying it for photos, but it only shoots 720p at 30fps, 20fps at 1080p, which is useless. Canons 720p is average at best, I would never buy a t1i for video because of that reason. So, if you're looking for a video cam, don't get a t1i.

Get a dedicated video camera. You can find used HVX200 kits for a really good price now, they are selling like crazy. The HVX is still a great camera. The cool thing to do now is to buy an HDSLR, which gives you an advantage because you can pickup a kick ass used hvx/hpx setup because everyone is selling them.

Also, the XH-A1 is a great camera. Yes, it shoots tapes and it's HDV, some may call it ancient. Fact is, it's still a good video camera.

Now a days, you can't worry about what you're shooting with. Unless you make a living shooting, you cannot keep up with the trends. At some point you just have to give up on trying to have the latest and greatest gear and create kick ass work with what ya got. It's tough to get that point across to people sometimes, but the sooner you embrace it, the happier you will be.

HPX, HVX, XH-A1, T2i, 7d, HMC150, HV30, Go Pro, many more

They are all great cameras, pick one and go shoot.
Jul 30 2010 8:44PM
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J-Evs
Posts: 6387 - Karma: 1,615
i was in the same position as you a few months back.
went with the t2i, and dont regret it at all.
although its somewhat frustrating, the footage is amazing and its is acutally kinda fun to learn and get used to
Jul 30 2010 8:44PM
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CoachG
Posts: 2546 - Karma: 448
Any Camcorder/DSLR is great in the right hands. I've shot a lot of events, promos, etc. with a hvx200. The HVX is an amazing camera if you are familiar with the manual settings and workflow. the same goes for an HDSLR like the t2i and 7D. These are both great cameras for video, however to get the most out of them you need (in my opinion) some experience with setting up a video camera properly as well as post production workflow.

I suggest that anyone new to film production start out with a basic HDV camera like an HV40 or so. These cameras are great, have excellent quality, and provide an array of manual settings without being too overwhelming. It seems to me that most people want to pick up an HVX or 7D and achieve great stuff out of the gate. So basically think before you buy is all.
Jul 30 2010 9:18PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
well what ever, just sayin my opinion, it films better than my vixia, and my go pro
Jul 30 2010 10:21PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
here, i took a small sample vid with the rebel t1i, for all you haters. and then there is a picture of the recording mode taken with a go pro so i dont know if its a good pic.
ill post it in my next post because, its uploading right now
Aug 1 2010 9:25AM
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family_vacation
Posts: 6200 - Karma: 7,840
Were not haters.

The fact is that the t2i's small price premium is incredibly justifiable for all the features that it brings. I bet you bought your t1i a a few months ago and then canon blew it out of the water with the t2i. Sorry.
Aug 1 2010 9:35AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
well, ya but the t1i costs as much now as it did when i bought it, and i bought it for my advanced photography class in hoghschool cuz the SLR arent the greatest, the video capabilities are a bonus.

here is the video


test for ns from adam badner on Vimeo.



http://vimeo.com/13800103

here is video link becuse i dont vimeo plus
Aug 1 2010 10:06AM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
oh and and if you are even thinking about filming with a dslr, dont be cheap, buy a stabalizer or a tripod
Aug 1 2010 10:09AM
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canterbury
Posts: 2382 - Karma: 55
post the gopro pic
Aug 1 2010 2:10PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
shit forgot about it... uhm just a sec
Aug 1 2010 3:03PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
javascript:ViewImage('http://media.nscdn.com/uploads/member/pictures/1280689748GOPR0174.JPG');

heres the pic from the gopro, you cant see whats happening, but i took a pic with my vixia, not much better because they are all video cameras, but atleast you can see the setting for the video i took

earlierjavascript:ViewImage('http://media.nscdn.com/uploads/member/pictures/1280690172DSC00998.JPG');
Aug 1 2010 3:19PM
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50in07
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 1,471
The t1i quality may be nice. But the t2i is much better because it has a nicer sensor, higher iso and many more settings like 720-60, 1080-24 and 1080-30. For $200 it just doesn't make sense not to get a T2i.
Aug 1 2010 8:08PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
that instantly makes the t2i worth it over the t1i IMO
Aug 1 2010 10:49PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
ur from nh right?
have you ever skied tuck's in the spring?
Aug 4 2010 2:37PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
yeah, have you?
what does that have to do with the thread though
Aug 4 2010 7:29PM
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ajbski
Posts: 1308 - Karma: 5,311
Nothing, and I went to tucks once on the way to Sunday river and didn't get to ski because the ranger there said no one can walk up today becuase risk of high magnitude of avalanche. Bummer but sanday river was ok
Aug 5 2010 10:19AM
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