I have done quite a few weddings recently where I worked with someone else with a DSLR while I shot with my EX1R. Personally, I think they are a great combination for wedding shoots. The DSLR's do a great job with shallow depth of field shots while both cameras shoot well-saturated 1920 x 1080 video so they match well when editing.

As for the superior sharpness with DSLR cameras, I don't believe that is true. Actually an EX1 can resolve more lines per inch than a DSLR. The seeming sharpness of a DSLR is because the sharpness setting in the camera is set higher which gives the illusion of sharpness. This illusion is actually aliasing which is why DSLR cameras are such a PITA when shooting objects with repetitive patterns. There are two other ways to achieve this look. In a camera like an EX1, the sharpness can be turned up in the camera. Alternatively, sharpness can be increased when editing. Just keep in mind that added sharpness wherever it is applied is fake resolution. It may look good but it isn't actually increased resolution.

But the shallow depth of field that can be achieved with a DSLR can add a touch to a production that looks terrific as long as it isn't overused. It it's overused, it makes a production look amateurish as if the shooter is playing. The end result is seasickness, not pleasure when viewed. Every flippin' shot with a DSLR doesn't have to be a rack focus from one eyeball to the other. And keep the shots in focus or use the clips from the other camera. I have seen DSLR footage that takes your breath away because it looks so good. Unfortunately, I have seen more DSLR footage that looks pretty nasty because the camera wasn't handled well especially with respect to controlling focus and holding the camera steady. A DSLR is a challenge to shoot good video with. My hat is off to those who do it well.

I believe before the DSLR becomes the standard, there will be something out that replaces them.
I do not feel that pro videographers will need to go DSLR to survive.

I agree.. I don't think videographer needs DSLR to survive It is also a matter or choice and preference. Some like to drive a Camry and some like a BMW. There is no right or wrong.

There're already many high end tape-less camcorders out there. Before I jumped into T2i, I was thinking to go to The new Cano XF series.. but for $7000 a camcorder that I need 2, it will be too expensive for me.

At the end of the day, it's really your skills, personality, style, the final product, and professionalism that counts...

I do a few weddings a year and I shoot with A1 and H1, I get great footage from my cameras and I never thought that I would trade those two, recently I bought the T2i just to test it out and see how it holds up comparing to my other cameras, well I was very surprised with footage shot inside with lowlight, you just cannot beat DSLR cameras, I see why everybody else switching to DSLR, of course it's not easy to work with but the end result is just amazing.

here is a highlight of that wedding that I just did, 80% of the footage was shot with T2i, all the reception was shot with the T2i.

Eric & Margaret Wedding Highlights

Great job Michael! IMHO you are using a DSLR in a way that really works for you. I wish everyone could follow your example!

Hey Michael, did you code that player by hand or did you use software?

Nice work... a little bit shaky sometimes.. but overall great job. I'm going to do my first DSLR wedding this saturday. It will be stressful =)

Thank you Jim for the kind words

The guy who did my website also build me that player, I'm not sure if he used some kind of software or not !

Thanks Taky, I agree with you about the shakiness for some footage, I only used monopod on my T2i, I am looking for light tripod so I can maneuver around as easy as the monopod.

I shot this with a Canon 7D and T2i

Hi Taky,

You're going to love it, though I don't think I could have made the switch mid-season. I decided to sell of the XHA1's in March and had a few months to get comfortable with the cameras. I predict though that you're going to crave faster lenses very soon. The Sigma 18-250 is a great super-zoom, but at f6.3 at the long end you're really tied to a light, which may not be the way you want to shoot when you see how beautiful naturally lit interiors can be with a very fast lens.

Switching in the off-season would be a really good idea. We switched right at the start of the season; got the cameras and everything else in hand and had a wedding in the Bahamas 2 days later. It was crazy trying to go all DSLR that fast. d;-)

Hey Jim, funny thing.. we thought the exact opposite.. the T2i is much easier to shoot with than the 7d. different strokes...

Hey Scott, I don't know by my own experience. I was just passing on the opinion of a couple of associates who have used both. I have a hunch it has to do with whichever camera one has the most hands-on time with. ;-)

No, the t2i for us was just simpler as far as the wheels and dials and the Q menu. We owned the 7d for a few months prior to switching and the difference was immediate that the t2i was set up simpler and easier to get set for a shot. Like I said though, just our opinion.

haha.. I'm already craving for fast lens. Just boguht a tokina 11-16 f/2.8. Now just need another lens with a better zoom range and low F value. Any suggestion?

The Canon 24-70 f2.8L is a must have lens, not a big zoom range but in between before you go to the 70-200 lens, that will cover all your range.

The 24-70 is beautiful. So amazingly sharp too. Also keeps colours just as we want them.

Dont forget that if you slap this onto a t2i or 7D the crop factor can help you get a lot tighter.

We often use this lens on the 5D to shoot our timelapses.

Were now all DSLR. 2x 7D and 1x 5DMK2. We phased in the change until we were comfortable with the limitations of the camera and had all the necessary gear needed to work around them.

I switched in the off season (December). I contacted a few photographer friends and asked if they had any upcoming brides that didnt' have video so I could practice on their wedding for cheap.

Nothing is faster than 2.8 with zoom, if you want fast, I get a Sigma 30mm F1.4 and Rokinon 85mm F1.4, those are my two lens I use all the time at reception, you won't even need light anymore with those.

Take a look at the Canon 17-55 2.8. It's my 'go to' lens, and unlike the 24-70 it has IS, which makes it a bit more versatile for us.

Love using the 17-55 2.8 IS during situations where you're caught off guard. Being able to handhold the camera due to the lens' IS system without the jello is pretty sweet :).

I bought a Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 with IS. It's in my bag.. but the zoom range isn't big enough. I will test it out tonight at wedding =)

Koi I also love the Rokinon 85mm. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't have IS, so I'm tied down to a tripod position much of the time with it.
I do shoot with a DVMulti Rig with body pod for full time steady support. But a lens without IS, tends to pickup mico vibrations too easily.

But I do agree, the Rokinon 85mm 1.4 is a great medium closeup lens to have for low light shooting. And love the tactile feel of a full manual lens. Nice and smooth.

Currently my crop of lenses are:

Tamron 17-70mm 2.8 VC
Canon 50mm 1.8
Sigma DC OS 18-200mm 3.5-6.3
Rokinon 85mm 1.4
MIR 28mm 1.4

The Sigma lens is good, but low light isn't. I mainly got this lens for shooting in good light and the onboard IS. As I didn't have the money at the time for the Canon 18-200 IS F4 or F2. For the most part I use the Tamron lens as my normal walk around lens and love it. I also will use the Sigma for a walk around lens as well in daylight.

But for low light I would use the Tamron 2.8, Rokinon 1.4, and Canon 50mm 1.8. Since I have the Tamron, I don't really need a fast 30mm prime, but wouldn't mind one.

BTW, I'm eying the 16mm 2.8 Zenitar lens. Even though it's a fisheye, on a cropped sensor camera you don;t get much barrel distortion with it. And I think that it would look wonderful on a glidecam or moving camera shots of a room, landscapes, or decorations. FISHEYE ZENITAR 2.8/16 LENS for Canon

Taky, I too really like the 17-55 canon

I also found the Sigma 30 1.4 to be my go to lens if scenes are really dark. It's AMAZING what you can do with that lens. I didn't get the Canon 50mm cause the ring is a piece a junk to me.

I actually love the crop factor when it comes to ceremonies. My 7D can get close then my other videographers 5D so the 70-200 is great!!! I actually think you need a longer lens like a 300 or 400mm for down the middle of the aisle shots. You could get a close up of them putting the rings on. Sometimes it's hard to get it from the sides.

Now I need a Macro Lens. 100mm is my next purchase. You can't get good ring shots without one.

Has anyone ever compared the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 to Canon 85mm f1.8? Both are at the same price range and have gotten good reviews.

I also recently purchased a Canon 100mm f2.8 for my macro (I love macro!!) but planning on using it as a portrait lens too.. not sure if this is recommended, but I tried it out last week and am happy with the image quality on portrait.

With the Tamron I found that the focus ring is not as smooth so I avoid using them for big rack focusing. I own a Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 which is a great lens but its too tight on 7D, so I bought the Canon 28mm f1.8.. still waiting for it to arrive so can't comment much on it

Kelly, I think you can still get good ring shots without macro lens. It does help if you want to get a closeup shot of the diamond, but not all ring shots must be like that IMO.

Michael, I would recommend a Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 for your glidecam. I've been using it lately and it is just perfect on my 7D! You get a good ultra wide and a wide out of it and best thing is that it doesn't shift centre of gravity when zooming so I dont have to keep adjusting my merlin setting.

Lenses compares - Optyczne.pl

The Rokinon is perfect for video. Another great thing about full MF lenses is they are great for time lapses (no flicker).

"Has anyone ever compared the Rokinon 85mm f1.4 to Canon 85mm f1.8? Both are at the same price range and have gotten good reviews. "

I have both and it is sharper than my Canon 85mm F.1.8 at wide open, that is the only F stop I compared cuz it is my low light lens and all I care about is F1.4, I still have my Canon for taking still.

Johannes, the Canon 85mm 1.8 will produce a be a sharper image compared to the Rokinon 85mm 1.4.
The big difference between the two lenses though, is that the Canon 85mm is an auto lens, so it has AF capability.

The Rokinon 85mm is a full manual lens. As such the Rokinon will have no AF capability, as well as iris confirmation with the camera. So aperture control done from the lens, not the camera. that being said, this is great for video, as you get smoother aperture control to your image, as well as a nice tactile focus ring for smoother manual focusing.

A manual lens might be better suited for video. But if you want a lens that does both, the Canon 85mm will be a better bet. As you can get sharp instantaneous AF for fast moving stills, and good glass for video.

So if you want an 85mm for video only, the Rokinon might be a better choice, due to it's manual features,a and much lower price point. But if you want a lens for both video and still, then I would go with the Canon.

Thanks guys, I guess Canon would suit me best then. No plan on buying it (yet!) but most probably be the next lens I'd consider so it's always good to know. I personally can't live without AF, due to the fact that I love photography as well and manual focusing at low aperture for photo is just painful. I've practiced with my Super Takumar.. and 8 out of 10 photos are usually horribly out of focus!