So is the DSLR craze just a fad? at DVinfo.net

Jordan Brindle · September 16th, 2010, 04:07 PM

When i got into the videography 'game' about 18 months ago i took out a small loan and bought myself a bread and butter Sony V1 + kit. Now i'm looking at buying a DSLR, i feel they have a lot to offer a semi-professional who's looking to gain a deeper understanding of videography/photographic techniques, not to mention the awesome images they are capable of producing. However, someone on this forum mentioned DSLR videography being a 'fad' that'll be short-lived.

You can't help but notice their popularity now'a days, especially in this part of the industry, so i was wondering what you all thought on the matter? I'll be getting one either way, but do you think they'll continue to have a firm place in the industry, as opposed to simply satisfying arty video/hobbyists?

Chris Barcellos · September 16th, 2010, 04:47 PM

I figure about another two year run for the DSLR. A lot like the 35mm adapter craze. Meantime, you can be developing your shallow focus skills with a DSLR. No one is yet marketing APC or even full size sensors yet in the video real (oops forgot about Scarlet) . And fast lenses are going to be tough to come by. But it is bound to happen. In meantime, the new Sony doesn't do the coveted 24p, and when Sony launches one that does, it will likely run about $ 4000. So you will still be wondering whether to go cheap with the T2i or pay a bunch for the the video versions-- and still be suffering in low light situations. Just my opinion...

Michael Simons · September 16th, 2010, 06:50 PM

If DSLR is a fad, then so is everything else.. Super 8mm, 16mm, Beta, VHS, Super VHS, Hi8, MiniDV.. ha ha. I've gone the DSLR route and I'm getting more inquiries and making more money. The people that don't like DSLR are just scared to learn something new, which is a good thing because it seperates us DSLR users from them.

Dan Choi · September 16th, 2010, 08:39 PM

they're good for getting in closer and aren't as intimidating. i think they are in a state of flux though. canon and nikon have just tiptoed into the video realm with their cameras. continuous autofocus needs to be added to canon dslrs. and the ergonomics are just okay, imo.

my other thought on the idea is that it doesn't matter what equipment you use (as long as it's not total crap)--it's how you use it.

Ian Holb · September 16th, 2010, 09:58 PM

I don't think the DSLR is a fad, at least not for the foreseeable future. You have to think about it from the point of view of the manufacturers. It doesn't make sense for them to build APS-C sized or full frame sensors for video-only applications, unless you are RED but have you looked at the prices they charge? It makes more sense for photography, and that is where these large sensors make the most sense, so no, the DSLR is not a fad. It will be with us for a very long time.

Jim Snow · September 16th, 2010, 10:33 PM

It's all about the benefits of a large sensor. The shallow depth of field and light gathering power a large sensor provides in skillful hands yield some very impressive results. It just so happened that this capability was first made available in DSLR cameras with added video capability. Those that mastered the handling of a DSLR produced some really nice looking footage. The ongoing key element is the large sensor. There are several large sensor video cameras that will be on the market very soon. If the price, features, handling and overall functionality meet the needs of video applications, there will be a natural migration to other form factors. But the essential element is a large sensor. Various camera body styles are secondary to that. Don't get to hung up on the term DSLR. That's going to become less definitive over the next year or so.

Jimmy Conway · September 16th, 2010, 11:56 PM

DSLR video is now and the future. here to stay!

-wedding videographer

Nigel Barker · September 17th, 2010, 01:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Snow

It's all about the benefits of a large sensor.

Plus the fantastic lenses available for use with DSLRs.

Chip Thome · September 17th, 2010, 01:28 AM

I agree with others, I think this IS where technology is going and will continue to go as we progress forward. I just sold a pair of DVXs and have replaced them with GH1s.

Months ago I would have been firmly in the "fad" camp but on another forum the discussions about GH1s, Canons etc just got greater and greater showing real growth in this option.

I held onto SD as long as I could and when I decided to make the switch, this avenue looks like the most sense to me.

If you look at the technology in the GH1 you will see it's "breakthrough" in the use of "mirror-less" image capture. There hasn't been anything "breakthrough" in camcorders since they went digital. If the manufacturers are dumping their R&D money in one area, THEY expect that area to be where they are going to make their money. The areas they don't invest in, says a lot about how they feel about the life expectancy of that product.

That's just my opinion, of course YMMV.

Luke Oliver · September 17th, 2010, 03:23 AM

I was shooting on a sony z5 and v1, i sold the v1 and got the t2i with all the jazz. Its pretty much all I use now, in low light and other positives it just urinates all over my V1. Its been the best move I have made in my year and half in the wedding business. And its opened a whole new wave of creativity for me in regards to guiding the viewers eye.

luke

Chris Davis · September 17th, 2010, 08:30 AM

Yes, DSLRs are a fad. However, it will only be a fad until camera manufacturers put the features that make DSLRs popular into a "real" video camera. I see those features as:

- Large sensor
- Shallow DOF
- Wide variety of interchangeable lenses (I'm talking hundreds, not just a couple)
- Affordable

Throw those into a form factor that's more suited to video, along with XLR mic connectors, manual audio control, larger viewfinder, etc. and you'll have the "DSLR killer".

Panasonic's AG-AF101 is a good start, but the price point ($6500) just isn't quite there yet. If that camera had a street price of $2500, we'd see DSLRs fade away real quick.

Les Wilson · September 18th, 2010, 05:02 AM

Whatever word you want to use, my reading on it is that the bottom line is that the way money is spent on video enabled DSLR cameras is changing. The market has been fueled by a couple key groups:
1) HD video acquisition for people with small budgets
2) HD video acquisition and shallow DOF with film-like images for low budget film makers
3) HD video acquisition and shallow DOF with film-like images for Medium and High budget film makers and TV
4) TV Producers with money to experiment

Arguably, the segment isn't going the way of the dodo bird but it probably will drop dramatically as large portions of groups 3), 4) and to some extent 2), abandon the use of them because there are alternatives that solve the problems that the original DSLRs approach has. The GH-1, as a second generation camera that attempts to solve those problems but still be a still camera, represents one market segment to which the money will flow as the (as yet) lone entry in the market that addresses some of the problems yet keeps the low price point.

Lacking a Canon entry in the new "pro FilmLike Sensor Camcorder" market, I think what people are really saying is that "The Money" is going to leave the DSLR market and move to the new cameras from Panasonic (AF-100, GH-1) and Sony (NEX-VG10 and "FilmLike"). Those that remain in the market are the low/no budget buyers and, by definition, aren't going to drive the market much...hence the doom and gloom.

I think of it like a barrel that's had water pouring into it and some leaking out. Whether it's full or not is irrelevant. The new cameras that address the problems will cause a reduction in the inflow as those more powerful market forces in 3) and 4) who are less sensitive to price, stop buying DSLRs and start buying "pro FilmLike" camcorders. The barrel rate of leak will increase as others in group 2) move to the less expensive "consumer FilmLike" camcorders (NEX-VG10 types). And so you are left with an industry fueled primarily by the original still photogs who need a little video in the same device, group 1) and bits of the others.

These things ebb and flow. But if "the money" leaves the market, current players won't have the revenue to reinvest in the market. The segment will cool down. Die? no. But I *could* be wrong. YMMV

Jordan Brindle · September 18th, 2010, 06:15 AM

Really nice insight Les.

Jim Snow · September 18th, 2010, 11:00 AM

One of the factors in the widespread adoption of large sensor video cameras will be when some of the big name cinematographers start using them. There are a lot of 'clubby' camp followers who can't or won't think for themselves. To them, it doesn't matter how much easier or harder a given camera is to use. It's all about social acceptance in the circles they imagine they are in. It's sad but very true.

A friend who is a very skilled DSLR shooter said, "It will be so nice to be able to show up at an event and shoot VIDEO of people who insist on posing for me because they think I'm a photographer because of the camera I'm using."

September 16th, 2010, 04:07 PM	#1
Jordan Brindle Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK Posts: 249	So is the DSLR craze just a fad? When i got into the videography 'game' about 18 months ago i took out a small loan and bought myself a bread and butter Sony V1 + kit. Now i'm looking at buying a DSLR, i feel they have a lot to offer a semi-professional who's looking to gain a deeper understanding of videography/photographic techniques, not to mention the awesome images they are capable of producing. However, someone on this forum mentioned DSLR videography being a 'fad' that'll be short-lived. You can't help but notice their popularity now'a days, especially in this part of the industry, so i was wondering what you all thought on the matter? I'll be getting one either way, but do you think they'll continue to have a firm place in the industry, as opposed to simply satisfying arty video/hobbyists?

September 16th, 2010, 04:47 PM	#2
Chris Barcellos Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Elk Grove CA Posts: 6,838	I figure about another two year run for the DSLR. A lot like the 35mm adapter craze. Meantime, you can be developing your shallow focus skills with a DSLR. No one is yet marketing APC or even full size sensors yet in the video real (oops forgot about Scarlet) . And fast lenses are going to be tough to come by. But it is bound to happen. In meantime, the new Sony doesn't do the coveted 24p, and when Sony launches one that does, it will likely run about $ 4000. So you will still be wondering whether to go cheap with the T2i or pay a bunch for the the video versions-- and still be suffering in low light situations. Just my opinion... __________________ Chris J. Barcellos

September 17th, 2010, 03:23 AM	#10
Luke Oliver Major Player Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Guernsey , Channel Islands Posts: 242	re I was shooting on a sony z5 and v1, i sold the v1 and got the t2i with all the jazz. Its pretty much all I use now, in low light and other positives it just urinates all over my V1. Its been the best move I have made in my year and half in the wedding business. And its opened a whole new wave of creativity for me in regards to guiding the viewers eye. luke

September 16th, 2010, 06:50 PM	#3
Michael Simons Major Player Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Red Bank, NJ Posts: 553	If DSLR is a fad, then so is everything else.. Super 8mm, 16mm, Beta, VHS, Super VHS, Hi8, MiniDV.. ha ha. I've gone the DSLR route and I'm getting more inquiries and making more money. The people that don't like DSLR are just scared to learn something new, which is a good thing because it seperates us DSLR users from them.

September 16th, 2010, 08:39 PM	#4
Dan Choi New Boot Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 23	they're good for getting in closer and aren't as intimidating. i think they are in a state of flux though. canon and nikon have just tiptoed into the video realm with their cameras. continuous autofocus needs to be added to canon dslrs. and the ergonomics are just okay, imo. my other thought on the idea is that it doesn't matter what equipment you use (as long as it's not total crap)--it's how you use it.

September 16th, 2010, 09:58 PM	#5
Ian Holb Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 127	I don't think the DSLR is a fad, at least not for the foreseeable future. You have to think about it from the point of view of the manufacturers. It doesn't make sense for them to build APS-C sized or full frame sensors for video-only applications, unless you are RED but have you looked at the prices they charge? It makes more sense for photography, and that is where these large sensors make the most sense, so no, the DSLR is not a fad. It will be with us for a very long time.

September 16th, 2010, 10:33 PM	#6
Jim Snow Trustee Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,104	It's all about the benefits of a large sensor. The shallow depth of field and light gathering power a large sensor provides in skillful hands yield some very impressive results. It just so happened that this capability was first made available in DSLR cameras with added video capability. Those that mastered the handling of a DSLR produced some really nice looking footage. The ongoing key element is the large sensor. There are several large sensor video cameras that will be on the market very soon. If the price, features, handling and overall functionality meet the needs of video applications, there will be a natural migration to other form factors. But the essential element is a large sensor. Various camera body styles are secondary to that. Don't get to hung up on the term DSLR. That's going to become less definitive over the next year or so.

September 16th, 2010, 11:56 PM	#7
Jimmy Conway Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 50	DSLR video is now and the future. here to stay! -wedding videographer

September 17th, 2010, 01:28 AM	#9
Chip Thome Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Green Bay Wisconsin Posts: 553	I agree with others, I think this IS where technology is going and will continue to go as we progress forward. I just sold a pair of DVXs and have replaced them with GH1s. Months ago I would have been firmly in the "fad" camp but on another forum the discussions about GH1s, Canons etc just got greater and greater showing real growth in this option. I held onto SD as long as I could and when I decided to make the switch, this avenue looks like the most sense to me. If you look at the technology in the GH1 you will see it's "breakthrough" in the use of "mirror-less" image capture. There hasn't been anything "breakthrough" in camcorders since they went digital. If the manufacturers are dumping their R&D money in one area, THEY expect that area to be where they are going to make their money. The areas they don't invest in, says a lot about how they feel about the life expectancy of that product. That's just my opinion, of course YMMV.

September 17th, 2010, 08:30 AM	#11
Chris Davis Trustee Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Willmar, MN Posts: 1,400	Yes, DSLRs are a fad. However, it will only be a fad until camera manufacturers put the features that make DSLRs popular into a "real" video camera. I see those features as: - Large sensor - Shallow DOF - Wide variety of interchangeable lenses (I'm talking hundreds, not just a couple) - Affordable Throw those into a form factor that's more suited to video, along with XLR mic connectors, manual audio control, larger viewfinder, etc. and you'll have the "DSLR killer". Panasonic's AG-AF101 is a good start, but the price point ($6500) just isn't quite there yet. If that camera had a street price of $2500, we'd see DSLRs fade away real quick.

September 18th, 2010, 05:02 AM	#12
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Whatever word you want to use, my reading on it is that the bottom line is that the way money is spent on video enabled DSLR cameras is changing. The market has been fueled by a couple key groups: 1) HD video acquisition for people with small budgets 2) HD video acquisition and shallow DOF with film-like images for low budget film makers 3) HD video acquisition and shallow DOF with film-like images for Medium and High budget film makers and TV 4) TV Producers with money to experiment Arguably, the segment isn't going the way of the dodo bird but it probably will drop dramatically as large portions of groups 3), 4) and to some extent 2), abandon the use of them because there are alternatives that solve the problems that the original DSLRs approach has. The GH-1, as a second generation camera that attempts to solve those problems but still be a still camera, represents one market segment to which the money will flow as the (as yet) lone entry in the market that addresses some of the problems yet keeps the low price point. Lacking a Canon entry in the new "pro FilmLike Sensor Camcorder" market, I think what people are really saying is that "The Money" is going to leave the DSLR market and move to the new cameras from Panasonic (AF-100, GH-1) and Sony (NEX-VG10 and "FilmLike"). Those that remain in the market are the low/no budget buyers and, by definition, aren't going to drive the market much...hence the doom and gloom. I think of it like a barrel that's had water pouring into it and some leaking out. Whether it's full or not is irrelevant. The new cameras that address the problems will cause a reduction in the inflow as those more powerful market forces in 3) and 4) who are less sensitive to price, stop buying DSLRs and start buying "pro FilmLike" camcorders. The barrel rate of leak will increase as others in group 2) move to the less expensive "consumer FilmLike" camcorders (NEX-VG10 types). And so you are left with an industry fueled primarily by the original still photogs who need a little video in the same device, group 1) and bits of the others. These things ebb and flow. But if "the money" leaves the market, current players won't have the revenue to reinvest in the market. The segment will cool down. Die? no. But I could be wrong. YMMV

September 18th, 2010, 06:15 AM	#13
Jordan Brindle Major Player Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK Posts: 249	Really nice insight Les.

September 18th, 2010, 11:00 AM	#14
Jim Snow Trustee Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 1,104	One of the factors in the widespread adoption of large sensor video cameras will be when some of the big name cinematographers start using them. There are a lot of 'clubby' camp followers who can't or won't think for themselves. To them, it doesn't matter how much easier or harder a given camera is to use. It's all about social acceptance in the circles they imagine they are in. It's sad but very true. A friend who is a very skilled DSLR shooter said, "It will be so nice to be able to show up at an event and shoot VIDEO of people who insist on posing for me because they think I'm a photographer because of the camera I'm using."