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Are cheap 1080p video cameras worth it?

Why are video cameras better than DSLR for video?

  • I'm in the market to buy a DSLR for video, but people are consistently telling me to look at actual video cameras for the same price, saying they're "much better at video". What does that mean? What makes them better? In my opinion, the fact that DLRS provide interchangeable lenses, shallow depth of field, much bigger sensors for MUCH better low light performance, photography-quality image controls and options, and full 60fps 1080p, make them the obvious better option! Why do all these people keep recommending I get a dinky little video camera with little to no options, terrible low-light performance, and a fixed internal lenses that is by no means versatile? Keep in mind, I'm talking prosumer DLRS which go for around or under $1000, and consumer video cameras for the same price.

  • Answer:

    i don't know where you shop for video cameras, but i have never owned a video camera that is like you described and i have been shooting video for more than 25 years. you want a pro camera, then you need to shop at the broadcast divisions of Sony, JVC, Canon or Panasonic, and not K-mart. the dinky little cameras you mentioned are recommended for people who have a budget under $200 not $1000. I have also never owned a video camera that has to stop recording after 10 minutes like a dSLR. I have seen several dSLRs who's "photography quality image controls" are simply not available when in video mode. how about a camera that won't allow you to zoom and take audio at the same time because the lens motor is so noisy it is picked up by the internal mic. or can't adjust exposure for the same reason. Or can't zoom while taking video because the focus of the zoom does not track changes in focal length. or jumps so fast it makes your head swim and cannot move at a slow or variable rate to ease into a shot. And what about the auto focus that doesn't work in video mode, why is that? and speaking of focus, what good is manual focus if the LCD screen used in video mode does not have HD resolution, are you ok with all blurry pictures all the time as a feature? While some dSLRs have corrected these features in the latest model versions, my Panasonic PK975 from the 80s had all of them from the get go and it had interchangeable C-mount lens same as used for 16mm motion picture cameras. Bet your dSLR can't mount a motion picture lens. But if you are truly hung up on the quality of dSLR lenses, they can still be used on video cameras, just get a Letus adapter. You are correct on one point. A professional quality video camera is more expensive than a dSLR, but where are the XLR mic inputs with phantom power on a dSLR? And can't load 50 mbps video on a SD card? you don't get cheap memory systems on pro video. or genlock with multiple cameras, or record timecode for frame accurate editing. the trade-off is a dSLR does not really shoot pro video, that is gee whiz enthusiasm from people who don't have experience with actual pro level equipment. Not that any consumer should, but be proud to be an amateur and show us good work with your dSLR and stop putting on airs.

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the answer depends on what you plan to do with your video. if cheap is what you can do then go dslr. draw backs are not very good at events. dslr's have problems with long recording times, overheating caused by the battery. taking pictures isn't the same as shooting video. all controls are buried in menu's and not accessible. you need ancillary equipment for best control. up side is great picture, but you still need the ancillary equipment to get the most. before you buy, look into taking classes that use both types of cams. community colleges may have these programs. you'll get first hand knowledge of what is better, and you'll have more money by the time you buy your stuff.

dgey1

They are not better if you want to have a cine look. If you get into cameras like the Sony F3 at $15K without lenses then you are better off than a DSLR. Cheap camcorders will look like old video. Their main advantages are that you can shoot a long time non stop and you have better audio inputs on most of them. If you want a nice look, get a DSLR, some good lenses and an audio recorder.

rick

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