replacing camcorder with DSLR

[MarkBarbieri]

I've got a 5D and a 7D. They are great cameras, BUT they don't replace video cameras for the typical person.

Keep in mind that the people doing the shows aren't typical shooters. They attach high res monitors to them so that they can accurately judge focus. The attach focus pullers to make smooth focus transitions. They pre-plan where everyone will be and work on the focus in advance.

Here is what a 5D looks like in the hands of someone shooting a TV show:

So why can't you use it to replace a video camera? First, shallow DOF is nice, but a lot of times you don't want it. With sensors that large, you have to stop down quite a bit to get deep DOF. That means using dark ND filters on your lenses.

They don't autofocus. Well, they do autofocus, but not while you are shooting. Unless you are doing shots on a tripod of static objects, keep focus is very, very hard.

They only record for 12 minutes at a time. After that, the file size is too big and you have to stop and start it again. With the 7D, you have to worry about it overheating after about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on conditions.

They don't handle like video cameras. You can't use the viewfinder while it is shooting, so you have to hold it out in front of you. They aren't designed to be held comfortably and stabily that way.

I love having one as a supplement to my video camera for when it does work well, but I wouldn't consider it a good replacement.

 

[Gdad]

First, shallow DOF is nice, but a lot of times you don't want it. With sensors that large, you have to stop down quite a bit to get deep DOF. That means using dark ND filters on your lenses.

You lost me there- why do you need an ND filter?

 

[Master Mason]

You lost me there- why do you need an ND filter?

Good it wasn't just me then. I would think a deeper depth would close down the camera more, which would require more light, not less.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

You lost me there- why do you need an ND filter?

Sorry, I got that backward. You'll need an ND filter to get shallow DOF. When shooting video, you don't want to use high shutter speeds. If you do, the video looks like it was filmed under a strobe light. You really want to keep the shutter speed between 1/24 to 1/60 of a second. In sunny conditions shooting at ISO 100 and 1/60 second, you'd need an f-stop of around f/16. To get shallow DOF, you'll need ND filters.

 

[Rob_Drebel]

Just saw today that the Season finale of 'House" was done completely with the Canon 5DII. Have other have pointed out, the is a lot to shooting video HD with a DSLR...but you will see your lens shine. I would think that of you were able to learn how to manually focus quickly and accurately it would be great.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1004/10041302canon5dIhouse.asp