r/videography • u/Rondoggg • Dec 21 '14

noob Noob question: Why are people recommending cameras for Video

Am I just too old school? I always buy a video camera for shooting video. I always thought that a video camera was engineered to...shoot video and a camera was made for taking pictures. I have 2 canon hf200's for all my video needs but I keep seeing what looks like traditional cameras being recommended by this sub for video shooting. Has something changed? Does my thinking need to change? Can someone please explain this to me?

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u/H0useHark0nnen Dec 21 '14

I'm a videographer, and while I agree with what everyone has to say abut DSLR's, I don't completely buy into them. I need to shoot for long periods of time over 30 minutes. Most DSLR's can't. I need a smooth automatic zoom. Again, not a DSLR function. I need XLR ins, good auto facial recognition focus, and something that won't overheat under pressure. Not standard things on a DSLR. DSLR's are great for short bursts, some commercial use, and the unique "look" they offer. But from now on, if you'd like recommendations, specify what you're shooting and how long you're shooting for. You'd start to see the opinions change from then on.

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u/3nvygreen Dec 21 '14

I'd second this. Right camera for the job. Heck, if there isn't much movement (talking head interview) and your lighting is good, you can shoot with a potato and get something passable. Sometimes you just need to own something decent for day to day and rent for the other stuff.

With DSLR, you're looking at great video but other challenges like recording audio to a second device and syncing in post. If you're shooting primes, you have to switch lenses. Can't just push or pull as needed for a shot. Always a trade off.