HDSLR or High Definition Single Lens Reflex is a term often used for DSLR cameras with video capabilities. This movement or trend started with the Nikon D90 - the first DLSR camera to shoot video. Although the video from the D90 was usable (to say the least), it wasn't at the level where people would actually take it seriously. It was a feature that was just there in case you needed it. Although, in my experience, i never did need it nor did I want to use it. My cellphone took better videos.
Not long after the release of the Nikon D90, Canon came out with the 5d mkII which also had video capabilities. Still, this feature wasn't taken seriously by the market. Only when Vincent Laforet released his short film Reverie -- shot in 1080p using only the 5d mkII, did the HDSLR movement explode. This short film paved the way for indie film makers and even major production studios to take notice (trivia: the latest season of House was shot using the 5d mkII). It was a more affordable option of making HD movies. The 5d mkII gave almost the same quality of video as the more expensive film cameras.
Now, following the trend, many photographers are dipping their toes in film making, including me. I just sold my Nikon D90 and got my self a Canon 550d/T2i/Kiss X4 and just started learning the craft and the art of film making. I would like you, our dear readers, to join me in this journey. I will post, whenever I can, stuff I learn along the way. In return, I hope you would participate by commenting and joining discussion. I am no PRO by any standards. I am just a hobbyist just like many of you. Let us learn this new frontier together!
Let's go!
The first thing I learned, after many weeks of researching online, if you want to go into HDSLR -- buy a Canon. I know, I know, I hear you, it's the Canon vs Nikon argument again, but majority of the HDSLR film makers agree that the video capabilities of a Canon is simply leaps and bounds better than that of a Nikon. It is just the brand of choice if you want to go into film making.
Canon has a good line up of HDSLR's to choose from. Choosing one over the other depends mainly on how deep your pocket is.
Let's take a look at your options:
Canon 500d - forget about this. it shoots great video but no manual control.
Canon 550d - if you have limited budget (like me) this is your best option. It takes good pictures too!
Canon 600d - this is just a 550d with a flippy lcd screen -- which has it uses, especially when shooting video
Canon 60d - this is a 600d with better build quality
Canon 7d - a 60d without the flippy lcd screen and with even better build quality. its built like a tank. This is as pro as you can go with a cropped sensor.
Canon 5d mkII - the best of the best as far as HDSLR is concerned.
Canon 1d mkIV - with slightly smaller sensor than the 5d mkII but the low light capabilities of this camera is mind blowing. check out this short film by Vincent Laforet (again) titled Nocturne. Shot with only the 1d mkIV in AVAILABLE LIGHT.
If you're serious about shifting to HDSLR soon then sell your Nikon... or you can wait until Nikon comes out with a good HDSLR. The D7000 is a viable option but it's still found wanting next to the 7d in terms of video.
SAMPLE SHORT FILMS:
Reverie by Vincent Laforet (Shot with the Canon 5d mkII)
Nocturne by Vincent Laforet (Shot with the Canon 1d mkIV)
Location Scout by Anders Overgaard (Shot with the Canon 550d + 18-55mm kit lens)
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