The reasons people shoot video with a DSLR rather than a dedicated video camera are many and varied – for every reason against it, aficionados will counter with one or more why they should and do. Not all DSLRs can shoot video, of course, and some do it better than others. And as against a dedicated video camera, there will always be limitations.
We chose three that are suitable within their respective limitations and explain why.
CANON 70D
Arguably Canon kicked the DSLR video revolution into high gear with the EOS 5D MkII back in 2008, and has had many compatible models since despite also having a large and successful range of dedicated video cameras. The 70D brings a new level of sophistication to the art in DSLR use by incorporating focussing directly into the sensor itself. Half the available pixels are used to hold focus on the subject, thus giving far better accuracy.
Live View: Yes
Sensor size: 20.2 megapixel
Video specs: 1920×1080 @ 30p/25p/24p approx. 235MB/min
1280×720 @ 60p/50p approx. 205MB/min
640×480 @ 30p/25p (IPB) approx. 78MB/min
Ports: Hi-speed USB/HDMI/Ext mic in
No headphone jack
Special info: Has dual CMOS for better focussing when shooting video
Price: Seen for $1499 (body only)
SONY SLT-A77V
Sony joined the DSLR bandwagon when it purchased Minolta in 2006 and retained the Alpha name. The SLT-A77V is the middle of the range. Major features of the SLT-A77V include stationary, semi-translucent mirror for continuous viewfinder display and an OLED viewfinder with 100% frame coverage on a flexible three-way tilt mechanism. A mount lenses are available from all the usual suspects: Tamron, Sigma, Tokina, etc, as well as those designed by Sony/Minolta.
Live View: Yes
Sensor size: 24.3 megapixel
Video specs:
AVHD
1920×1080 @ 60p -28Mbps, 60i/50i -24Mbps, 24p/25p -24Mbps
MP4
1440 x 1080, 1080p @ 25/30fps -12Mbps
640 x 480 @ 25/30fpsd – 3Mbps
Ports: Hi-speed USB / HDMI / Ext Mic in, headphone out
Special info: Built-in GPS, Depth of Field Preview
Price: Seen for $1299 (body only)
NIKON D5200
And it even comes in red! There is no doubting Nikon and Canon are the big guns of the DSLR world. Nikon lenses can be a tad on the expensive side, so it is best to shop around and get advice as to the best lens (or combination of lenses) for the work you intend to do.
Live View: Yes
Sensor size: 24.1 megapixel
Video specs:
MOV
1920×1080 @ 24p/25p/30p, 50i/60i
1280×720 @ 60p/50p
640×424 @ 25p/30p
Ports: Hi-speed USB/HDMI/Ext Mic in
Special info: Video record time is 29mins
Price: Seen for $509 (body only)
