TOP 10 HD VIDEO DSLR

Ready to join the video revolution and shoot Hi-Resolution Videos with a DSLR? Here’s a look at key cameras in this fast-growing and rapidly-evolving category.

HD Video is the buzzword of the day. Nearly every DSLR introduced over the past year has it, but the image quality, resolution, compression scheme and other factors vary greatly from brand to brand, and even from camera to camera within a brand. Let’s take a look at top models as well as up-and-coming new HD-enabled cameras and see which ones make sense for you.

Before reading this article, check out Michael J. McNamara’s article, Video DSLR Basics for Photographers so you will be familiar with the terms used and to help understand the video specs provided.

Please note that in all cases the price listed with each camera is for the body only—lenses are sold separate although if you browse Adorama’s DSLR department you may find many kit options—and that the prices are approximate and accurate as of late October, 2010.



Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Around $2,500. Check for current price

The Skinny: If the Nikon D90 was the pioneer of HD Video, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the refinement that brought DSLR Video recognition as a serious tool for pro video production work. The first DSLR to offer full 1080p resolution, the 5DMII has been embraced by more videographers than any other DSLR. And with a 21.1MP CMOS full-frame sensor, it’s not too shabby when it comes to incredibly high-resolution still photography.

Still Skills: 21.1MP CMOS full-frame sensor, 9 user selectable AF points, plus 6 vertical and horizontal AF assist points, 3-inch LCD monitor with 920k pixel resolution, 3.9fps burst rate, Live View, Face Detection AF, 35-zone TTL metering, ISO range 200-1600, expandable to 6400, shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec, X-sync 1/200 sec.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
Frames per Second: 30fps
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: Quicktime MOV
Video container: H.264
External Mic Input: Stereo external mic


Canon EOS 7D
Around $1,600. Check for current price

The Skinny: A camera designed to appeal to both professionals and serious amateurs, the 7D is a full-featured DSLR for under two grand. Full HD at 30 frames per second combined with a rugged body and super-fast frame rate make this a great sports and photojournalism camera for both still and video newsgathering.

Still Skills: 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO range 100-3200, extendable to 12,800, top shutter speed 1/8000 sec, x-sync at 1/250 sec, 63-zone TTL metering, 19-point all cross-type AF, 8fps burst rate, durable shutter, 100% viewfinder coverage, magnesium weather-resistant body.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1920x1080, 1280x720 pixels
Frames per Second: 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976) or 25p at 1080p, 60 (59.94), 50 fps at 720p
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: MOV
Video container: H.264
External Mic Input: Stereo mini jack


Canon 60D
Price: Around $1,100. Check for current price

The Skinny: The big news here is manual focus control during video recording and full 1080p HD video in a camera, with a very high resolution articulating LCD making life easier for videographers. It’s a solid contender for the hearts and minds of photo enthusiasts looking to add motion.

Still Skills: 18MP APS CMOS sensor, ISO range 100-6400, expandable to 12,800, 5.3fps, 1.040k dot monitor, 62-zone metering, 9-point AF system, SD card, top shutter speed 1/8000 sec, X-sync 1/250 sec,

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels, 1280x720 pixels
Frames per Second: 30, 25 and 24 fps at 1080p, 50 and 60fps in 720p
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: MOV
Video container? H.264
External Mic Input Yes, stereo


Canon T2i
Price around $720. Check for current price

The Skinny: In his review of the T2i, Jason Schneider said it is “a transformational camera that provides a level of performance and sophistication that is astounding for a consumer DSLR.” The first in its price level to offer 1080p video resolution, the camera is also a great performer in low light in both still and video.

Still Skills: 18MP CMOS APS sensor, 3.7fps burst rate, 63-zone metering system, 9-poit AF, live view, ISO range 100-6400, 3-inch 1.04 million dot resolution LCD, top shutter speed 1/4000 sec, X-sync 1/200 sec.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels, 1280x720 pixels
Frames per Second: 30, 25 and 24 fps at 1080p, 50 and 60fps in 720p
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: MOV
Video container: H.264
External Mic Input: Yes, Stereo


Nikon D7000
Price: Around $1,200 Check for current price

The Skinny: With the introduction of the D7000, Nikon has shown that it is getting even more serious about video. The first Nikon with full 1080p movie capture and a more generous 20 minute continuous shot limit, the D7000 offers a solid feature set for both video and still photography and although it’s priced for enthusiasts, we can expect some pros will employ it as a main video camera and backup still body.

Still Skills: 16.2MP APS-sized CMOS sensor, ISO range 100-6400, expandable to 25,600, 2,016-pixel RGB matrix sensor, customizable 39-point AF system, bright glass pentaprism finder with 100% frame coverage, twin SD card slots, 3-inch, 921k dot LCD monitor, fully compatible with Nikon i-TTL wireless flash system, D-lighting.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1,920x1080, 1,280x720
Frames per Second: 24 fps at 1080p, 24 or 30fps at 720p
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: MPEG-4
Video container: MOV, H.264
External Mic Input: Stereo Mic Jack


Nikon D3s
Price: Around $5,200. Check for current price

The Skinny: A full-frame pro camera, the D3s is capable of shooting up to ISO 102,400 (no, that’s not a misprint and yes, you can shoot videos at that ISO), and is designed for sports photography and photojournalism. Because of its larger sensor, expect even higher image quality at all ISOs and uncompromising quality. At its heart, this ruggedized pro tool is a still camera. Its video feature, because of its 5-minute recording limit at full resolution, should be considered a bonus.

Still Skills: Rated by DxOMark as one of the best high-ISO low light performers, the D3s has a 12MP full-frame sensor, burst mode to 9FPS,  thethered shooting possible, 51-point AF system, 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II, scene recognition, dual CF card slots, horizon indicator, fastest shutter speed 1/8000 sec, 1/250 sec x-sync, 4,200 still images per battery charge.

Video Specs
Video Resolution 1,280x720 pixels
Frames per Second 24 fps
Aspect Ratio 9:16
Video compression Motion JPEG - 4
Video container MP42
External Mic Input: Yes, stereo

Nikon D90
Price: Around $850. Check for current price

The Skinny: This is where the HD Video DSLR revolution began and even though it’s been around for over two years and is being phased out, the D90’s low cost makes it easy to get started while giving users entrée into the vast world of Nikon lenses. 5-minute limit on video clip length might limit some users.

Still Skills: 12MP APS-sized CMOS sensor, 4.5 fps burst rate, ISO range 200-3200, 3-inch 920k LCD monitor, 11-point AF, live-view, 3D Color Matrix Metering II with scene recognition, in-camera image editing, geo-tagging unit available. Shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1280x720 pixels
Frames per Second: 24 fps
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: Motion JPEG,
Video container: AVIExternal Mic Input: No; internal mono mic

Olympus E-5Price: Approximately $1,700 Check for current price

The Skinny: The only high-end DSLR built around the 17.3x13mm APS sensor, the 12MP E-5 is a rugged camera designed for heavy-duty pro use. Successor to the popular E-3, the E-5 adds creative "Art Filters" so you can apply special effects in camera. A durable shutter, high-resolution flip-out LCD monitor, digital leveler, wireless flash control system, multiple exposure, a field-tested dust reduction system, in-camera image-stabilization, and what Olympus claims is the world's fastest autofocus complete the picture.

Still Skills: Thixomold magnesium-alloy construction, splash and dust protection, shutter mechanism tested to 150,000 cycles, image stabilization claimed to compensate up to 5 shutter speeds, 100% high-eyepoint optical viewfinder and pentaprism, 3-inch, 920k dot swivel LCD, CF and SD card ports, 11-point fully twin cross AF system, 10 built-in Art Filters, multiple aspect ratios, wireless control with FL-36R and FL-50R flash units. IS range 200-6400, EV compensation + or - 5 stops, shutter speeds 60-1/8000 sec, 5 fps burst rate.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1280x720p
Frames per Second: 30 fps
Aspect Ratio: 9:16, 4:3
Video compression: M-JPEG, 1/12 (HD); Max. recording time 7 min
Video container: AVI
External Mic Input: Stereo mic available

Pentax K-7
Price: Around $900. Check for current price

The Skinny: Rugged, compact and now incredibly affordable, the Pentax K-7 has a 14.6MP CMOS sensor, is sealed against harsh weather, and offers aspiring videographers an inexpensive way to do serious videos. The main difference between this camera and its pricier successor the K-5 is that the K-5’s sensor is said to produce less grain and has a higher top ISO.

Still Skills: 11-point AF, ISO up to 3200, shake reduction, usable in temps down to 14 degrees F, 5.2fps burst rate, 77-segment metering, pentaprism finder with 100% field of view, shutter speed to 1/8000 sec, improved in-camera HDR.


Video Specs
Video Resolution: 920x1080, 1280x720
Frames per Second: 25fps at 1080p, 30 or 25fps at 720p
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Video compression: Motion JPEG
Video container: AVI
External Mic Input: 3.5mm Stereo Microphone Jack


Pentax K-5
Price: around $1,600. Check for current price

The Skinny: The successor to the wildly popular K-7, this is a lightweight, ruggedized camera with a 16MP APS-C sensor, a 3-inch, 921k pixel resolution finder, built-in shake reduction, HDR and lots of features found on cameras costing considerably more.

Still Skills: 11-point AF, ISO up to 51,200, shake reduction claimed to shoot at 2.5-4 shutter speeds slower, claimed improved digital noise, usable in temps down to 14 degrees F, 7fps burst rate, 77-segment metering, pentaprism finder with 100% field of view, shutter speed to 1/8000 sec, improved in-camera HDR, in-camera special effects, customizable RAW capture.

Video Specs
Video Resolution:920x1080, 1280x720
Frames per Second: 25fps at 1080p, 30 or 25fps at 720p
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Video compression: Motion JPEG
Video container: AVI
External Mic Input: 3.5mm Stereo Microphone Jack


Sony a560
Price: Approx. $650. Check current pricing.

The Skinny: A low-priced mid-range DSLR, the Sony A560 has a 14.2MP APS-C sensor, and a tiltable 3-inch LCD monitor with 921.6K resolution. Offers AF during live view, AF during video, ISO to 12800, built-in image stabilization.

Still Skills: Built-in HDR, 3D panorama, high ISO boost to 12,800 and native ISO range 200-1600, 7fps burst rate, 15-point AF sensor, eye-start AF, face detection, smile detection.

Video Specs
Video Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
Frames per Second: 60i (59..94i Interlace, 29.97 progressive)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Video compression: MPEG-4 AVC (H264)
Video container: AVCHD
External Mic Input: No

Nowhere: Eerie Photography of Isolated Environments

No really: where? Photography is a fascinating art form. In its basic form, it purports to represent reality … but even in black and white some unaltered photographs are more surreal than even the most colorfully abstract of artworks.  

Michel Rajkovic does not pretend the photos from his “Nowhere” series are a reflection of reality as it is. If anything, his images show our built environment as many of us have never seen it – a hyperbole of reality, ordinary places made abnormal by his unique perspective, strange site selections and long film exposures.

Most of the work that goes into his long-exposure photographs is in the selection of a subject and the setup of the shot – like the unsung pencil work before a painting.

His pieces often depict a combination of built and natural environments, organic materials, settings and landscapes juxtaposed with man-made structures, objects and paths.

Sometimes he sticks to strictly natural elements but even then he finds patterns in the noise of nature, straight lines of rocks on smooth and crisp watery surfaces.

Stereo Photography Track - quick and dirty

 Some time ago I stumbled (again) over some stereo pictures. This time I had to build my  own simple rig. I am not going in depth of the principles of stereo or 3D photography; there are many and very detailed web pages about this subject. I rather show a solution that practically everyone can build by her(him)self  (At least with the help of a good friend).

In the last step you find a few pictures for 'cross-eyed' and 'parallel' viewing.
A little guide to 3D viewing you find HERE

Find the Materials

Question was, how do I move my camera 2.5" or ~6.5cm in either direction. Somehow it has to slide to the left and right. Alright, you need a 'track' and you need a carrier for the camera.

I sifted through all the stuff in my basement and found this steel track, maybe once used for a sliding door. Also a nice piece of hardwood where a cutoff piece of this track would ride on.

Cut the Track

The wood was 1" thick. With a bit of sanding it would fit nicely into the metal piece. I drew up a sketch and run over to my friend, an experience wood worker. A few cuts on the table-saw later I had a nice track my metal carrier could ride on.

Build the Camera Carrier

The mounting hole at the bottom of a camera is made to accept a 1/4" - 20 screw. Back in my basement I drilled a 1/4" hole in the middle of the metal piece, inserted a 1/2" long screw and secured it with a nut. There was enough thread sticking out to screw the camera on.

The Job Done

All in all it didn't take me longer than 2 hours and to be honest, the assembly was a bit wobbly first. I inserted some Styrene shims and now the whole contraption slides smoothly back and forth , or rather right (first picture) to left (second picture).
I hope at least some of you can enjoy my first stereo pictures I took this evening in my yard.
The first 5 pictures are for 'cross-eyed' viewing, the rest are for people who find it easier to use 'parallel' viewing.

© 2005 Lord V

© 2006 JohnKit

How to see 3D photos

Note: This technique will be impossible for some people. If you have poor eye control, a dramatic disparity in eye function or anything along those lines, you may not be able to see the 3D effect no matter how much you practice.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, lets learn how to see in 3D!

Stereo Pairs

To see a 3D image, each eye needs to see a different view. There are ways to take photos like this, but I’ll talk about that another time. When the two slightly different images are processed, they are placed side-by-side so that the viewer can use a special “crossed-eye” technique to overlap them, and see both views together in 3D.
Below is an animation that simulates what it looks like when you view these images in 3D. The instructions follow.

How to do it

  Why crossed eyes? When overlapping stereo pairs without special glasses, you can get the 3D effect by crossing your eyes or diverging your eyes. I prefer the crossed eye method. I find it easier to control, and it is possible to view larger 3D images than with the diverging technique.
• Sit square in front of your monitor, with the image directly in front of you, at about arm’s length
• Sitting further back makes it easier – you don’t need to cross your eyes as much – but makes the image look smaller
• Make sure you keep your head level horizontally, tilting your head will prevent you from merging the images
• While keeping the stereo pair of images in the centre of your vision, slowly cross your eyes
• The stereo pair will go out of focus and you will seem to see four images, as shown in the animation above
• If you find it hard to cross your eyes, it can help to hold a pen in front of you and look at the tip with the stereo pair in the background
• Gradually cross your eyes more and more – if using a pen to assist, start it close to the monitor and move it towards your nose
• Continue crossing your eyes more, untill the centre two of the four images overlap and you see three blurry images, as in the animation above
• Try and hold the centre image together – it is possible to “lock” it in place and see it as one image
• The “locked” centre image should appear in 3D!
• Now the tricky part, focus – while holding the 3D image in place, relax your eyes – drop the pen from your field of view if you are using it
• If you can keep the 3D image locked and relax your eyes, it should eventually pop into focus, as in the last frame of the animation above

What you are doing here is causing your eyes to look at a space between you and the monitor, but focusing the lenses on the monitor. Our eyes never naturally need to do this, so it can be tricky to do at first.

Try it!

Try and see the 3D effect yourself with the stereo pair below.

How did you go? If you were able to see the effect, congratulations! It really is very striking isn’t it? If you couldn’t manage to do it after trying for a while, leave it aside and try again tomorrow. It can be tricky to get the first time, but the majority of people can do it. If you find you are unable to see the 3D effect no matter how many times you try, then it may be that you are one of the few who for whatever reason will never be able to do it. I have no idea why, some people can’t curl their tongues! *shrug*

Rain Photography

Most photographers do not feel comfortable in taking photographs in bad weather. Yet bad weather sometimes presents the perfect opportunity to get most out of our skills. In particular, in the beginning of autumn rain can provide the perfect opportunity to capture wonderful photos.

Shooting in rain produces dramatic atmosphere and soft romantic scenes. Whether you are after lightning strikes or water drops, alone the incredible cloud formations can produce quite exciting and impressive photos. Reflections can occasionally produce mirrors or blurs of dancing colors, making the photography in rain beautiful and unpredictable.

Below we present over 35 beautiful examples of rain photography. This post is supposed to provide you with some inspiration for rainy motifs and is not supposed to be the ultimate collection of best photographs. There are definitely thousands of beautiful “rainy” photos &ndsash; feel free to share links to them in comments to this post!

All photos are linked and lead to the sources from which they were taken. Please feel free to explore further works of these photographers on their Flickr collections or their personal sites.

Rain Photography

Marcel Germain

Maria Sauh

vijayal

Tim Hearud

muha

Dreamer-Soul

Cody26

Muha

J Rutledge

black&white

Victor Eredel

Ben Visbeek

Agnieszka Borkowska

unknown

Artem Tschaikowsky

unknown

Cody26

Time Magazine

Curtis Forrester

Zasu

Yauheni Attsetski

Séverine Cousot aka Sey

DeDaniel

Muha

Ahmed Zahid

3amfromkyoto

Hau Si Yuan Julian

Borbély Márk

Zaniac

DeDaniel

Suketoketchi

Chospatis

Soumya

DenesG1

Max