DSLR Video

DSLR cameras that record video are relatively new, but offer the promise of a something that consumers have sought for a long time – namely, a device that captures video and still photos with equal adeptness. You might think that a camera with enough lots of megapixels and a fast processor should be able to manage the task easily, but it's no small technological feat. All of a camera's components are designed to work towards a common goal of creating the best possible photograph. Likewise, a camcorder's parts are designed for video. The capture and processing technologies required to do either task well are significant and expensive. A device that can do both without compromise? That's something else entirely.

For years, camcorders have offered the ability to shoot still photos, and for years they've done a poor job of it. Point & shoot (compact) cameras, conversely, frequently offer video recording, but fail to match the quality and features of a dedicated camcorder. Nevertheless, users began to expect video recording from their cameras. At the same time, hoards of compact cameraq owners are upgrading to DSLR cameras, yet until recently they actually lost the video recording feature found in nearly every cheap point & shoot when they invested in a significantly more expensive camera. This apparent contradition put SLR manufacturers in a tough spot, from a technological standpoint, but the market opportunity was too rich to pass up.

Nikon took the plunge first with its D90 camera. The overall video quality for this pioneering model wasn't impressive, particularly in regards to how motion was rendered (read review). Then Canon released the 5D Mark II (read review), offering higher-resolution video (at a substantially higher price). Now each of those manufacturers has a second camera on the market – the Nikon D5000 and the Canon T1i (read review) – in an attempt to step forward as the category leaders. Panasonic will soon ship the video-enabled DMC-GH1, not an SLR but equipped with interchangeable lenses. More are following.

Testing and Analysis
Starting in 2009, all video analysis on DSLR cameras is now conducted by the staff of Camcorderinfo.com, the leader in camcorder reviews worldwide. The cameras are tested in the same labs under the same conditions as every other camcorder that Camcorderinfo.com reviews.

• Canon EOS 60D First Impressions Review $1,099.00

  We stopped by the 2010 Canon Expo for a chance to get some hands-on action with the latest in Canon cameras. Our first stop? The just-announced Canon EOS 60D (MSRP $1099.00). There were a surprising number of improvements over 2008's 50D—none more exciting than the articulated LCD and 1080/30p video capture.

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• Canon EOS-1D Mark IV DLSR First Impressions Review $4,999.00

  The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV ($4999 MSRP, body only) is a professional-level DSLR, if the price itself didn't clue you in. It offers just a few step-ups from the three-year old 1D Mark III, but they may be enough to sway the right shooter: 16 MP pictures, a faster computer inside for better auto focus, higher ISOs, and video recording.

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• Panasonic Lumix G2 Digital Camera Review $695.00

  The Panasonic G2 combines slick hardware with impressive performance to give a good name to the Micro Four Thirds format.

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• Canon Rebel T2i Digital Camera Review $744.00

  The 18-megapixel Canon Rebel T2i has the same high-res sensor as the more upscale Canon 7D, but the new Rebel isn't actually all that different from last year's T1i. High-quality video shooting at 1080p is a big improvement, but dynamic range and long exposure performance are still unimpressive.

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• Nikon D300S Digital Camera Review $1,699.95

  After 2 1/2 years Nikon tacked mediocre video and an extra card slot onto the aging D300. The D300S might be worth $1700 to a pro on a budget or a demanding amateur, but we were hoping to see more innovation.

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• Pentax K-x Digital Camera Review $650.00

  The lowest-priced video-enabled SLR by a substantial margin, the $650 Pentax K-x still image and video quality won't impress sophisticated shooters, but consumers will welcome the extensive feature set. Lack of high-def video output, though, is a significant blunder.

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• Canon EOS 7D Digital Camera Review $1,699.99

  The 18-megapixel Canon 7D delivers high resolution stills and full HD video in a well-built camera designed for serious photographers without the desire (or budget) for a full-frame model.

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• Panasonic Lumix GF1 Digital Camera Review $899.95

  Panasonic takes the compact Micro Four Thirds format to the next level with the GF1, delivering sharp, good-looking photos from a camera that focuses quickly, accepts an optional electronic viewfinder and, best of all, fits in your jacket pocket.

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• Olympus E-P1 Digital Camera Review $749.99

  The Olympus E-P1 is a kick-ass modern camera in retro-design disguise, with a compact size that finally delivers on the "micro" part of the Micro Four Thirds promise.

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• Panasonic Lumix GH1 Digital Camera Review $1,129.00

  The Lumix GH1 is the first micro four-thirds camera to offer the extensive camcorder-style controls and continuous auto focus that video-enabled SLRs to date have lacked.

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• Nikon D5000 Digital Camera Review $729.95

  The Nikon D5000 is one of a handful of sub-$1000 video SLRs. Overall we found the Canon T1i did a better job shooting video, with higher definition and smoother video motion, but the Nikon was superior for still photography.

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• Canon Rebel T1i Digital Camera Review $799.99

  The Canon Rebel T1i is one of the first video-enabled SLRs on the market. It can shoot 15-megapixel images and record HD video at 20 frames per second. In our lab testing, it had good color accuracy but poor sharpness.

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• Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera Review $2,699.00

  The full-frame, 21.1-megapixel Canon 5D Mark II aced our color accuracy and dynamic range tests, and captures 1080p movies with extraordinary quality. But it's not the perfect all-in-one still and video camera: there are still too many quirks.

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• Nikon D90 Digital Camera Review $999.95

  News coverage of the Nikon D90 introduction focused on the fact that this is the first SLR to shoot video, a feature long available on even low-cost point-and-shoots. After working with the camera for several weeks, though, we're less excited about the video than the D90's strong across-the-board performance when shooting stills. This 12.3-megapixel camera is easy to handle, scored very well in nearly all of our lab tests, and offers effective training-wheel features for newbies without losing any of the hands-on fine-tuning seasoned Nikon shooters expect. The detailed review follows.

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