I need to clarify a few things about DSLR cameras.

Published on April 27, 2010

My post yesterday received several interesting comments, so I decided to clarify a few things.

  • Right now might not be the best time to buy a Canon 5D Mark II. As Joseph Nasto pointed out in the comments, the model is getting old, so it might make sense to wait until the next generation is released.
  • The new firmware update improves the audio from the Canon 5D Mark II, so it isn't as bad as it used to be -- as Ted Vandell pointed out in the comments. But in my opinion the audio still isn't that great. I use the Zoom H4n to capture audio separately whenever I can. My thinking is that the camera is an amazing video-capturing device, and the Zoom H4n is an amazing audio-capturing device, so they make an incredible combination.
  • Matt asked in the comments about accessories I use with my Canon 5D Mark II. This is a question that, in my opinion, requires visuals. I'm planning a video that will answer this for those of you who are interested.

Brian Alves from The DV Show (great show -- everyone should subscribe to it) answered a question where someone asked when this "DSLR fad" would go away. Brian said that even though he doesn't own a DSLR, he doesn't think it's a fad. I agree with Brian; I don't think they're a fad either. They might not be "the" distant future of video cameras, but they produce amazing imagery. And that's why they're so popular.

When I was at the NAB Show a couple weeks ago, DSLR-related information was everywhere. It wasn't as popular as 3D, but it was very close. I chose to spend several hours in the Canon booth, watching cinematographers talk about how they're using DSLR cameras to shoot video. It was inspiring and revealing.

If you don't want to use DSLR's to shoot video, of course that's okay. They're not for everyone. They have technical challenges associated with them (as I mentioned previously), but for many situations, I think they make a lot of sense.

This article was last updated on July 4, 2010


Search


Download a free collection of 35 templates for Final Cut Pro.

Yes, they're really free, even for commercial purposes. Click the link below to get started:

Get Started


Popular Resources