Use Camera for Video or Buy Camcorder

<p>I need to begin taking videos of my daughter so she will have soccer clips for upcoming college recruiting. I know nothing at all about camcorders. I have Canon cameras with video capabilities (a 5D Mark ii and a 7D), but I have never used those capabilities. My basic question is whether I should use my cameras for this or purhcase a camcorder. Could someone educate me of perhaps the top five pros and cons of camera vs dedicated camcorder?</p>

<p>One of the top 'cons' of using a DSLR for video is audio. For what you are doing, that doesn't sound like it will matter that much.</p>

<p>A top 'pro' for using a DSLR for video is lens choice, which may be very important for shooting soccer.</p>

<p>Rather than drop a bunch of money on a quality camcorder, I'd probably just concentrate in beefing up your DSLR kit with glass and/or a heavy tripod with a quality pan head designed for video.</p>

<p>Ordinarily I would say use a DLSR for stills and use a camcorder for video. It's very seldom that one tool will do two jobs as well as two different tools each made specifically for its job. But I think Matthew is right -- for this particular application, shooting video with your DSLR might work just fine. Biggest benefit might come from putting it on a tripod -- nobody likes to watch jumpy, jerky video, and zooming in greatly exagerates camera shake in video.</p>

<p>I am having the same thoughts and want video capability for the same family reasons. I am going to get the Panasonic G2 when it arrives. This has more user friendly video capability than Canon DSLRs and will hopefully serve both purposes. The big advantage of having both capabilities in one package is that I am unlikely to take two cameras out with me when recording family things. Consequently I hardly ever shoot video. I think I will shoot much more when I combine the two functions in one camera.</p>

<p>With many DSLRs you can add an external microphone to improve the sound quality.<br>

With most DSLRs you will have to view using the LCD screen (not the case with the Panasonics).<br>

Video cameras have auto focussing systems much more suited to video work. DSLR lenses tend to be slower and noisier to focus.<br>

DSLRs have bigger sensors than video cameras so you shoot much higher quality video.<br>

Having both functions in one camera is convenient.</p>

<p>Basically, video cameras are designed to shoot video (obviously) so they are ergonomically better suited to that. Shooting video on a DSLR is ergonomically less convenient, but it could be a difference between shooting video and not shooting it.</p>

<p>Note that these are thoughts from someone who has investigated this area a lot, but not actually implemented anything yet. But I will do, as soon as the Panasonic comes out.</p>

<p>Cheers</p>

<p>Alan</p>

<p>Very difficult to focus on moving subjects with a dslr, will need a good tripod and head for fluid movement especially with a long lens. I carry a dslr and my G11 when I think I may be taking video, the wide apeture allows for most distance objects to stay focused, occassionly will take a video camera with me.</p>

<p>The main problem with DSLRs for filming action is CMOS skew. Because CMOS chips need rolling shutters for video the image tends to bend and wobble as you pan with action - not nice! Also, as mentioned, focus is very tricky as you have to use the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder.<br>

Steve</p>

 

<p>With regard to LCD shortcomings, I think it's important to note that Hoodman and other manufacturers make accessories that fit over the LCD to allow better viewing and focusing. One of the Hoodman accessories, I think it is called the "Crane" or similar is about $200, i.e. not super expensive, especially for the poster who has a sizeable investment already in his camera gear.</p>

<p>Hi<br>

I have an old Panasonic video camera a DS38 and a Canon Powershot SX10is I find the footage from the Canon is better than from the DS38. The Canon has what they call a Vario angle monitor which is very nice to use. I would like to buy a Canon 5D Mk II as well but don't like using a camera that does not have the vario display. The updated Canon Powershot the SX20 has HD video.<br>

I also find that shooting video on a camera is "less in your face" as one musician put it. The SX10 has stereo sound that is very acceptable.</p>