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Adrian Svircic · September 14th, 2009, 10:40 PM

I'm looking for a DSLR that shoots video (does not have to be HD) that allows manual shutter and aperture control. I was looking into the D90 after seeing so many great projects shot with this camera, but I've read on forums that it doesn't allow for manual control (shutter,aperture while recording video). I currently use an ex-1 and would like a small portable alternative to it. While I love the ex-1 I'm looking for something to make things even more portable, and quicker (with setup and movement), when situations ask for it.

Eric Darling · September 14th, 2009, 11:58 PM

All DSLRs that do video do it in both HD and SD. Both the Canon 5D Mark II and the new (not yet released) Canon 7D have manual control of aperture, iso and shutter. The 7D will allow frame rates at 24, 25 and 29.97 in 1080p and even 60 in 720p. The 5D Mk II only does 30p (much to a lot of owners' chagrin).

I'm not sure if a DSLR will live up to your specific needs, namely being quicker to setup and more portable than your EX1. Figure on needing multiple lenses to cover anything close to the focal range of the EX1. But there are a lot of other things to consider when using this kind of camera for video purposes. Hand held work is very tricky to do well, since the form factor of the camera was designed for stills, and not good for camera moves. Audio is another real issue - the cameras have built-in mics, but they also suffer from lower quality audio due to lower amplitude recording and built-in automatic gain control, which has negative impact on recordings.

There are workarounds for these sorts of issues, but they tend to cost real money, and each takes serious consideration for what is right in your situation. Each one adds to the setup time and subtracts from the camera's portability, unfortunately.

You might want to consider all of the other issues before deciding on which model, or even whether a DSLR is right for you.

David W. Jones · September 16th, 2009, 05:44 AM

I am using a Lumix GH1 for this.

September 14th, 2009, 10:40 PM	#1
Adrian Svircic New Boot Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Pedro, CA Posts: 20	DSLR experts I'm looking for a DSLR that shoots video (does not have to be HD) that allows manual shutter and aperture control. I was looking into the D90 after seeing so many great projects shot with this camera, but I've read on forums that it doesn't allow for manual control (shutter,aperture while recording video). I currently use an ex-1 and would like a small portable alternative to it. While I love the ex-1 I'm looking for something to make things even more portable, and quicker (with setup and movement), when situations ask for it.

September 14th, 2009, 11:58 PM	#2
Eric Darling Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Savannah, GA Posts: 463	All DSLRs that do video do it in both HD and SD. Both the Canon 5D Mark II and the new (not yet released) Canon 7D have manual control of aperture, iso and shutter. The 7D will allow frame rates at 24, 25 and 29.97 in 1080p and even 60 in 720p. The 5D Mk II only does 30p (much to a lot of owners' chagrin). I'm not sure if a DSLR will live up to your specific needs, namely being quicker to setup and more portable than your EX1. Figure on needing multiple lenses to cover anything close to the focal range of the EX1. But there are a lot of other things to consider when using this kind of camera for video purposes. Hand held work is very tricky to do well, since the form factor of the camera was designed for stills, and not good for camera moves. Audio is another real issue - the cameras have built-in mics, but they also suffer from lower quality audio due to lower amplitude recording and built-in automatic gain control, which has negative impact on recordings. There are workarounds for these sorts of issues, but they tend to cost real money, and each takes serious consideration for what is right in your situation. Each one adds to the setup time and subtracts from the camera's portability, unfortunately. You might want to consider all of the other issues before deciding on which model, or even whether a DSLR is right for you.

September 16th, 2009, 05:44 AM	#3
David W. Jones Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Little Rock Posts: 1,383	I am using a Lumix GH1 for this.