PEN style camera v's DSLR

[Diamond Hell]

IMO video on a camera is irrelevant, they are the wrong shape for filming (have you seen the rigs) and only good for filming from a static location.

As I've only really used digital cameras for filming and now my 500D for quite a few clips I'd strongly dispute this.  The biggest downside is the lack of a motorised zoom, which can be a proper PITA.

[DubFan]

The other problem with using a DSLR for video (or any stills camera) is that they have rubbish microphones (worse than a normal video camera) so you have buy an external mic and plug it in, or record audio on a separate device and then sync the audio and video files later.
If it's just for casual video use, you will probably be ok, but for anything else the audio isn't up to scratch. But then if you're doing something that needs good audio (eg a wedding or a gig), you're more likely to be doing it properly with multiple cameras and a decent audio feed to a separate recording device.

[Ridg]

IMO video on a camera is irrelevant, they are the wrong shape for filming (have you seen the rigs) and only good for filming from a static location.

As I've only really used digital cameras for filming and now my 500D for quite a few clips I'd strongly dispute this.  The biggest downside is the lack of a motorised zoom, which can be a proper PITA.

from the off the main problem is ergonimcs look at this pic and you can see straight away the DSLR format isn't designed to used a camcorder



you've got the fact the mirror is always up whilst you've moving around distubing all that dust, the suction action of the zoom drawing more crud into your body.

Granted they can record HD video well, but they aren't a suitable replacement for a proper camcorder.

[Sam]

Had a go with a CSC in jessops *the sony* and it was pure sex to hold, and I mean that truly in the most magical sense (it takes alot to impress me) but... and a MASSIVE but, the functionality is pure and utter sh!te!.
To set up how you would on a dslr in mili seconds if your comfy takes weeks on the CSC, its a case of; options-camera settings then going into what you want but then your original settings will still apply. eg you need to go into a separate menu to put in apature priority and then jump out of that to get into apature settings to change it, but then if you want to change something else you have to jump about again. Pain in the arse. I so so so wish these cams were just as good as slr but they are too slow to adjust, but after holding one today, i want one more than ever 

[Diamond Hell]

Have you tried the Olympus?

They did invent the format, so might be worth a shot.

Interesting rig that guy's wearing, if a touch over the top    It's the zoom that bugs me.  I'm guessing there's something on that rig which emables the zoom to be turned in a more 'oiled' fashion than normal?

The other problem with using a DSLR for video (or any stills camera) is that they have rubbish microphones (worse than a normal video camera) so you have buy an external mic and plug it in, or record audio on a separate device and then sync the audio and video files later.

This is the thing that bugs the hell out of me about the 500D I have - it's been resolved on the 550D - stereo and external mics can be plugged in.

All of these things have to compromise somewhere - I don't think any one of them can do everything we're (cheekily) asking of them.  What you have to decide is what do you want yours to do most of the time?  Take trick shots? Point and shoot? Video?

[DubFan]

If you like the Sony, check out http://www.bestbuy.co.uk/category/cameras-camcorders_compact-system-camera.aspx after 6pm tonight when their sale starts. Saw it in the newspaper, the NEX5 with 18-55mm lens for £349. But only in the sale after 6pm Christmas eve.

[Sam]

Hmmm, suddenly worth a stab, gone from £500 to £350 in the space of 4 days 

[Diamond Hell]

What has?

[Sam]

The sony nex-5, but the monies i had for the camera has some how turned itself into a scirocco