Interactive DSLR Camera Guide

My good friends at B&H have taken the time to create a cool little interactive guide to video-capable HDSLR (High Definition Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. HDSLR is the hottest new thing on the indie film scene, but there is a lot to understand before you drop $2000+ and dive-in.

Everyone seems to be rushing out to get these affordable new cameras, but the HDSLR format and shooting style definitely has some major disadvantages and some unique benefits depending on genre, budget and crew experience/size.

Check out B&H's advice and save yourself some heartache and headaches BEFORE you dive all the way in.

The B&H HDSLR Camera Guide

DSLR Camera Debate: Cinematographer vs. Producer

Let me start off by saying two things here:

1) I thoroughly disagree with the general viewpoint of this video and

2) Nevertheless, I think it's very funny and presents a very teachable guerrilla moment about common strains in the dynamic of the Producer / Cinematographer relationship as well as filmmaking elitism.

Watch and we'll discuss the very serious filmmaking debate(s) it raise in a future blog post. Enjoy...

Cinematographer vs. Producer

Created by nicholasdh using Xtranormal.com (a "filmmaking" web site that's a whole other debate unto itself) and to my man Alex Houston who posted it on Facebook.

Shooting HD on a DSLR Camera

We are always after what is new and what is better in this world of digital technology and video. Not wanting to be left behind, filmmakers are eager and curious to try out the new wave in digital video: DSLR Cameras (Digital Single Lens) with HD capabilities.

Can these beauties really offer a viable alternative to more expensive digital video cameras? Maybe so…

The two most notable models of DSLR cameras out there are the Canon D5 Mark II and the Nikon D90, capable of shooting at 1080p and 720p respectively. Other models out there include Canon EOS 7D, the Nikon D300S and the Panasonic GH1 and DMC-GF1.

The Canon D5 Mark II is one of the most reputable models out there. Canon’s first camera to shoot HD video, it still remains a solid choice, user-friendly and with awesome sensors. One downside particular to this camera: It shoots video only in 30fps, there is no 24fps option.
To fix the problem, Canon one-ups itself an comes up with the D7, which is 24fps friendly, though in order to do that they reduce the size of the sensors.




The Nikon D90 seems to be the most user friendly. The intuitive interface is very similar to the D80 and therefore familiar to photo buffs. The Nikon sensors are smaller than either of the two Canons.




Similarly, the Nikon D300S is a converted version of one of their still cameras with added video capabilities.


Panasonic also had a couple of useful options. The DMC-GF1 has the same sensor limits as the two Nikons, but it is smaller than any of the previously noted models.

Though Canon and Nikon get most of the hype for HD, Panasonic’s GH1 offers full 1080ip at 24fps with the relatively smaller 4/3 lenses.

They keep getting better.
Coming out by the end of this year is Canon’s 1D Mark 1V. Here is a video where you can see all of its sweet qualities that have us drooling.





There are a few downfalls common to all of these nifty new DSLR's.
All these cameras are notorious for horrible sound capabilities. However, here is a list of popular devices used to record audio separately.

And, while the $2000 and under price tag is alluring, the price goes up if you start tagging on accessories. As an example, here is a video made by Chris Weeks, an LA photographer, breaking down all of his gear for his own HD DSLR.



For some more specs, sample footage of each of these cameras and some links check out http://www.dslr-cinematography.com/