I hate shooting video with those DSLR cameras. I wouldn't suggest either one.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

gary,

I don't there's a lot of experience with HD-DSLR's on this forum, just going to say that upfront. Have you checked out the video from those cameras? I haven't taken a look at them since they're way out of my price range, but certainly there's videos to take a look at, see what they can do. Vimeo has a thriving DSLR community to check out some videos from, I'm sure YouTube has some stuff as well.

I'm also considering on the dslr side but in this forum main advisor guys including ci, vasic ... are hugely disliking dslr or even looks like kind of ignoring any advances on dslr features. I see that these advisors are heavy breeds of video cameras and kind of really protective of their turfs something. There is main focusing issue being debated somewhere but if anyone check vimeo videos those jobs are look quite comparable to regular movies. or even the dslr picture qualities look even sophisticated something.

But please compare vimeo jobs and regular recent movie picture qualities whether it is called dof or doc seemingly dslr's are taking far more sophisticated quality of pictures compare to traditional pro video cameras. I am not sure about focusing issues though. If dslr is not in the movie making standards why Ron Howard or that The Hour director guy is choosing dslr's?!

I myself never ever touched pro video camera just trying to judge cameras through their picture qualities in low budget range.

Apra, that's not what anyone's really been saying. The image quality of the cameras is undeniable.

The ergonomics and the practicality of DSLRs for video production is the issue (have you ever seen the rigs professionals have for DSLR video? It's insane, the mounts and racks cost more than the camera itself, not to mention the other more complicated accessories like follow focus and monitors). There's been quite a few threads of late that deal with this exact issue, I'd recommend checking those out.

So in the end should ergonomics matter most or should better picture quality that really achievable within $1000 camera range matter most?

Anyone who has some video surfing experience either at youtube and vimeo are clearly figuring out that what camera type should matter in terms picture quality.

I am flattered that my opinions seem to carry some weight here. It seems, however, that you had somehow interpreted them to imply that I'm not a fan of DSLRs and prefer video cameras.

I'll try and re-state what I said in the other thread. Video cameras are designed for shooting video (i.e. movies). Regardless of conditions and situations, they will do their job.

DSLRs are designed for shooting photographs. They shoot remarkably good video and in many cases, the image quality is even superior to a comparable video camera. In addition, they have certain qualities that are highly praised by filmmakers, most significant one being shallow depth of field. In addition, the ability to use different lenses provides additional level of flexibility that is only available on video cameras that are significantly more expensive.

There are several major disadvantages of DSLRs for filmmaking. First, it is the ergonomics. Video cameras are designed to be effectively and efficiently operated by a single operator. They work very well with motion stabilisation systems and even without them, when operated from the shoulder, the result is usually very usable. DSLRs are very difficult to use as hand-held camcorders, and due to their shape, weight and ergonomics, hand-held motion shots are rarely usable.

Next, there is the automatic focusing. Vast majority of DSLRs are unable to continually focus on the specified subject, and those that can do it have problem doing it smoothly and reliably (the device is designed for still pictures, after all). As I said before, when shooting a motion picture, camera is almost always positioned on a tripod (or a dolly), with a camera operator peering into the viewfinder and focus puller standing by the side, pulling focus. In such a scenario, this is a non-issue. However, if there is a need for a 'Blair Witch Project'-type moving shot that needs to automatically adjust focusing, there will be serious challenges to produce the usable shot with a DSLR.

Next, there is the overheating issue. When DSLR shoots video, its display, sensor and other electronics (encoding chip) work at full tilt. Even in moderate ambient temperatures, they will over heat after some time of continuous shooting and shut the camera down until they cool down. If your shoot requires a long, continuous shot, this may become a show-stopping issue. The issue could possibly be resolved by having a stand-by replacement camera body that can be swapped in, should the primary unit overheat and shut down.

Next, there is the rolling shutter, that is almost always more pronounced on DSLRs than on video cameras, although this issue is becoming less and less serious with each new generation of CMOS chips.

Finally, there is the limited shot length issue. Admittedly, this very rarely becomes an issue with feature films (very, very rare are 30-minute shots; see Hitchcock's 'Rope'). In those very rare situations, it is also a show-stopper.

I would say, this comes down to deciding between the benefits of the large sensor (shallow DOF and better low-light handling), vs. the above-mentioned disadvantages. If all of the disadvantages are evaluated and are considered a non-issue for your particular shoot, then the DSLR will be better choice than a video camera for the reasons stated. If any of the drawbacks presents a problem, the only solution becomes a proper video camera.

If you are buying a DSLR so that you can shoot your future films (i.e. if you don't have a script ready for shooting yet), you can always write your scripts and plan your shoots around the disadvantages of your (DSLR) camera.

Disclaimer: I cannot really talk about personal experience with DLSR's, since I haven't had a chance. The above statements are derived from interviews with people who have had professional experience with shooting video with DSLRs.

Thanks Vasic! I hope there are new dslr breeds already emerging and trying everything around.