Say hello to the new Nikon D3S: 720P

[Jerry Manco]

Hi Tony, I don't mean to be negative in any way, most of the post's that I read deals with just that. What I am trying to say is that I enjoy what I do, and I am inspired to see such beautiful images coming from canon and nikon products at that level. I don't shoot feature films, and if I did I would probably look at the equipment to use in a different light.However, I still feel strongly where DSLR'S are going. The only thing I am not happy with is, is how these companies that produce this equipment might be treating us. There is not one camera that is perfect, that has everything we want, hopefully that will come one day. Years ago typesetters laughed at computers and how type was dealt with, where are they now. Photographs are more easily accessible to my clients today. I hear a lot, 'I have a digital camera , I'll shoot it'. So be it, they may have the best camera in the world, doesn't mean they'll get the shot.Because there are so many products coming out these day's, and changing so fast I have not yet decided which way to go, but I will make up my mind soon because it will always be this way. I am trying to hear from others and there experiences with equipment they've tried. If your ever visiting the Niagara region look me up and I will invite you our house to share a good glass of wine.

[Vincent Oliver]

The bottom line has to be, that both cameras will serve their purpose. I personally like the idea of being able to mix footage from both camera types into a final project. As long as the story or message is conveyed in a visually stimulating way then it doesn't matter what you use.

From running my own web site I quickly found out that there are many people who just like to tinker with equipment, they don't produce earth shattering photographs or movies, but they enjoy what they do. I am not critical of the "tinkerers", far from it, they often supply tips and techniques which we can all benefit from.

In recent months I have seen some amazing clips produced with DSLR cameras, some of these mini movies would not have seen the light of day had it not been for the small cameras. Progress marches on, and I am sure things can only get better. None of us who are serious about our movies should burry our head in the sand and dissmiss the DSLR, it is here to stay.

[Wacharapong Chiowanich]

Originally Posted by Jerry Manco

You dedicated video guys are so immersed in the technical end of it, you pay little attention to what your shooting.

It's not that us video guys want to be technical but proper moving image acquisition with equipment that has the form factor/mechanics of a DSLR is so frustrating difficult, if not impossible. The ergonomics of any of them is a real nightmare. "Proper" here has nothing to do with the image sensor, the recording codec, type of media or output. It's more about how one acquires moving images and sound in the manner that the final pre or post production output, be it action, drama, comedy, documentary, commercial, educational or even religious, is viewed as acceptable by ordinary viewers as these are fundamental to good motion pictures. Proper focusing, steadying of the image, consistency of exposure (as panning or changing reflectance in the scene causes unlocked exposure to shift), clear and audible dialogues with other secondary noises recorded only as intended.

Without a proper mounting rig, rails, follow focus mechanism, mattebox, filters and a separate audio recording system (a preamp box such as a DSLR-specific Beachtek is the alternative) and maybe more, most of the video DSLRs today are next to useless as a professional video tool. Fully pimped, any of them can be useful in producing images with low noise and shallow depth of field to the degrees most real video cameras usually fall short. But shooting has to be under controlled environments where almost every filming element such as lighting, sound and the subject's movement or composition is pre-arranged and can be controlled.

I can only think of one area where the use of a stand-alone DSLR to shoot video is suitable, breaking news or paparazzi-type video clips. This is where focusing accuracy, steady image, fidelity of dialogues don't count as much as getting the footage.

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

New NIKON website now up and running for the latest NIKON D3s:

Nikon D3S

[Mayer Chalom]

Honestly, canon is beating nikon's butts in the video dslr market. The combination of awful rolling shutter, awful codec, and no manual controls is really destroying the market. Honestly the canon hv30/hfs100 (I would know i own an hfs100) is a higher quality video camera than any of the nikon dslr with video. I think that ppl should just go for the hfs100 or hv30. Seriously it has basically full manual control, mic, audio control etc. Not mention it basically rivals the quality of the xh a1 (and basically is on par iq wise). The most annoying thing is from nikon, beside the lack of manual control, is their codec I would be slightly content if their codec was usable. I am in the market to buy a d90, and I really want a video feature similar to the 7d, but nikon isn't going anywhere so far with video. The d90 will be my first dslr and like the option alot better than the t1i or 50d from canon. Those are really the only cameras in my price range. Plus it is a reassurance from canon because canon makes video cameras, nikon doesn't! (OMG)

I don't mean to still this thread but I am in the market for a nikon d90, a canon t1i, or canon 50d. Do you have any recommendations? My only nikon lens is an old 1.4 50mm mf lens in mint condition.

[Vincent Oliver]

I have the Nikon D90 and for stills photography it is superb. If I were buying a camera today I would buy the Canon 7D or save up for a bit longer and get the Canon 5D Mk II. However, the DSLR would only be used for the odd fill in movie clip on a production. The Sony EX3 would still be my main camera for a full blown production.

[Mayer Chalom]

So you think I should go the canon route. The only cams in my price range are the 50d and t1i then (plus a lens). Do you think the 7d will lower in price to maybe 1500 bucks in a couple months.

[Vincent Oliver]

The one thing that I have learnt over the years is that buying something below what you realy want is always a false economy. Go for the camera that you realy want, even if it means you have to wait for a bit. Yes, I expect in the new year prices will drop, also be aware that VAT here in the UK will go up again in the new year.