So why use DSLRs for Video

Ok so why do people use such a completely impractical type of camera to shoot video. To understand this you have to look at the main variables that dictate quality in a camera.

Lenses

Consumer/Prosumer camcorders at this price point almost all have just one fixed lens. This lens has to be able to go from wide angle all the way to telephoto and therefore has a lot of elements of glass within it (general rule of thumb being the more glass the more diffused and therefore less sharp your image will be).  With interchangeable lens cameras like DSLRs you have a whole range of lens options open to you, meaning you have access to very sharp prime lenses or versatile zoom lenses or lenses with a very specific function like macro or tilt shift lenses.

Sensor Size

The other big factor that can determine the quality or the ‘look’ of a camera is the size of the sensor (generally the bigger the better). There is a big difference in sensor size between a DSLR and a consumer camcorder (or a lot of professional cameras for that matter!), this is best seen in this chart what I stole off the internet.

The smallest square at the bottom shows the sensor from a Sony EX1 a broadcast quality and very respected camera that costs somewhere between £4000-£5000. In comparison the Full Frame sensor at the top of the chart shows the size of the chip inside the Canon 5D Mark II.

All this extra sensor real estate results in a couple of very noticeable differences. Firstly these cameras are capable of performing superbly in low light. The bigger sensor is able to take in more light meaning you don’t have to resort to bumping up the gain and having horrible grainy images. The other thing that is so distinctive about the big sensors is the shallow depth of field you are able to create them. This allows you to focus on very select parts of your shot and creates that dreamy film look that everybody other than James Cameron seems to love.

Frame Rates and Resoultions

Another nice feature about these cameras that sets them apart at the price point is their ability to shoot proper progressive  1920×1080 footage (versus shooting interlaced which is horrible looking). Most of them also have a variety of frame rates that can be selected, 25 or 29.97 fps for shooting PAL or NTSC or 24fps for emulating the look of film. Some models even support 50 or 60 fps at 1280×720 which allows you to shoot for slow motion.

Combining the interchangeable lenses, big sensor size, selectable frame rates and full HD resolution users are able to create great quality footage for a fraction of what it cost a few years ago. When used right these cameras are not only able to surpass video cameras but actually come close to replicating the quality and aesthetic of proper 35mm film. For people like me, that’s very exciting.

It's better to see than be told, so here is one of the very first videos that got people so excited.


Sofia's People: Canon 5dmk2 24p from Philip Bloom on Vimeo.