Stills not video

[ian clark]

what are your thoghts on the ever increasing trend to include video in DSLR's
Does anyone actually use there DSLR to record?
I may be totally wrong but if you want video buy a dedicated system DSLR's are limited on the amount of video you can record so why bother.
Come on manufactures give us a good DSLR with all the bells instead of spending development costs,which are then passed on to the buyer, on video spend it on the reason we buy DSR's to take stills

[amk1977]

I used to dislike the idea of video on DSLR's and thought it had no business being on there. However, after seeing the capabilities of the Canon 5D MKII first hand, I've chaned my position on this.

Initially I think it was just a race between Nikon and Canon to get HD video on a DSLR. The Nikon D90 grabbed that title but to be honest, I found it more of a gimmick, than anything else. No AF, having to preset the exposure. I didn't find it very practical. The results to me didn't look that great either.

The Canon 5D MKII, is a very different beast though and produces fantastic results, bettering those of dedicated video cameras, several thousands of pounds more costly. For people who shoot both, its the all-in-one solution. I should imagine it would appeal to wedding photographers/ videographers greatly. Its a fantastic camera in its own right for taking stills with but as the technology develops still further, the video functions will become better still. I'm very much looking forward to the MKIII - and I'm a Nikonian lol.

Personally, I think video on DSLR's is now a permanent feature in virtually all DSLR's. Nikon will have lost out quite heavily to Canon in the full frame market over the 5D MKII, due to its video function and I would have thought that its long awaited D800 should rival, if not exceed the 5D's abilities. We shall have to wait and see.

In the meantime, check out these links to some amazing scenes shot on the 5D MKII

http://vimeo.com/18467488
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBLccEDmn40 (remember to switch to 1080p to get the best results)

[Cathus]

That first video is awesome.

I was the same as amk, initially thought what is the point of it, but having seen the quality of footage the 5D MkII produces, i want to do more, far superior to anything of a similar price range in dedicated video.

If movie, advert & TV producers are using it to create more & more of their products, it must be good.

[amk1977]

Yup its very, good. Used in combination with the glide cam, which is invaluable for shooting videos with. We've been using the 5D MKII and glidecam combo to shoot music videos with and its just fantastic. To get ANYWHERE near the image quality and professional feel, you are looking at some serious, serious dosh!

If you liked that first video, check this one out..... http://vimeo.com/7151244 . Not bad for a £1700 camera body.

[Cathus]

where did u get your Glidecam from?

[amk1977]

I'm not sure actually, as I didn't order it. I will find out for you though and let you know.

Do you have the 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II lens?? That with the 5D MKII and glide cam is the dogs dangley bits lol.

[Cathus]

no, got a 24mm f2.8, 17-40 F4 at the bottom end

[amk1977]

It came from http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/

The 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II is quite simply, stunning on the 5D MKII. Not a cheap lens but if you're looking to get into videography with the Canon, that bit of glass comes highly recommended.

Looking into getting an 85mm lens for it too, possibly the Samyang f/1.4 as it looks to be excellent bang for the buck.

[Cathus]

funnily enough I've been reading about the Samyang 85mm & their fisheye, both seem to be highly regarded for a couple of hundred quid.

[amk1977]

Normally you'd be a bit wary of a seemingly cheap lens as to its image quality but, after reading a great many reviews all over the net and looking at both test shots and images taken with the lens on Flikr.com, I have to say I'm pretty impressed. Ok, you have no focus motor but for an 85mm f/1.4 lens that is very usable at that aperture, for the money it looks absolutely great!