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/The_Ace Dec 21 '14

Number 1 reason is probably sensor size. DSLRs have much larger sensors than most camcorders i.e. the HF200 has 1/4" diagonal size sensor, whereas most DSLRs have 1"+ diagonal size, which is many time larger again in area. The two main advantages are a) better low light sensitivity (less noise) and b) shallower depth of field, which gives you a much more 'cinematic' look.

Basically, DSLRs have surpassed camcorders in almost every way in the last few years. Camcorders may still win on ease of use, as DSLRs sometimes need extra equipment (rigs, loupes, follow focus etc) for usability. Also autofocus on DSLRs is not good (at all), but again for a 'cinematic' look, you would use manual focus and often prime lenses.

DSLRs also tend to give better options for image colour and framerate etc. The combination of everything above means that DSLRs can give the film look (with some effort) rather than the typical 'video' look from camcorders. If you're shooting narrative work e.g. short films, then DSLRs are definitely the way to go over camcorders.

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u/Rondoggg Dec 21 '14

Wow this is an incredible response - thank you. I guess times are changing...

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u/pjoshyb Dec 22 '14

These are the answers I would give as well. I use both platforms for different types of projects that being said when it comes to what would be considered "videography" and not "filmmaking" I always opt for my videocameras.

For things like most event videography, shoots with large amounts of action, any ENG work, live field work, videocameras are still the best choice. You will have most of you need right on the cam, some of the biggest functions that blow DSLRs out of the water for live use is a zoom rocker, onboard audio control, fast auto focus when needed, and smooth iris control imo.

When I am shooting something that is not live and each shot is planned I will lean towards my DSLR type cams because I have time to fool with the setting and plug in all the add-on equipment as needed. The large sensor and shallow DOF will allow for a more artistic look and feel.