Exciting New Equipment!
Posted 04-07-2009 at 10:07 AM by mscherrah
Many of you know that I am a professional videographer. The equipment I use is pretty much standard for any type of production short of broadcast television. Recently, I have been doing research on a new set of cameras that just may be the future of video production for both pros and amateurs alike. These cameras are the Nikon D90 and the Canon EOS D5 Mark II. It is unbelievable that I am even considering these cameras as replacements for my equipment. First off, they are both DSLR's (Digital Single Lens Reflex), meaning they are still cameras. So why would I consider these two? Let me explain some of the advantages of these cameras.
1. Nikon D90
This camera, ranging in price from $750.00 to $1100.00, shoots HD quality (720p) video that rivals video camcorders that shoot 1080i video. It is light weight and very user friendly. You do not need to be a professional videographer to use the D90 as the automatic features take over in video mode. The D90 is portable and very sturdy. It shoots onto SD cards, making transfer to computers easy as there is no capture time, just drag and drop. The limitations on the D90 lay in two ares: The audio, and the file format.
There is no audio input on the camera body itself, therefore you would need to record audio separately unless you want to use the onboard mono microphone. A solution I have found for this is to record directly onto my laptop while shooting. I simple hand clap can help sync the audio and video.
I had some problems editing the D90's footage on Final Cut Pro, but I found that downloading a simple codec for the software eliminated all problems, and it allowed me to edit easily and quickly.
2. Canon EOS D5 Mark II
This is the camera I am really excited about! Not only is Canon a highly celebrated camera brand, it also makes very high quality camcorders, and eventually, we all knew, they were going to combine the two. The Mark II shoots true HD (1080p) video, and has all of the features of the D90, along with some additional professional goodies. There is a jack on the camera to add an external microphone that attaches to the top of the camera. Also there is an adaptor that goes from 3mm jack to xlr, so you can use boom mics, etc. Ranging in price from $2500.00 (body only) to $3000.00 (body and lens) this camera could replace the need for the heavy camcorders and (if you use them) dof lens adaptor kits. The Mark II also has some editing limitation, but like the D90, a simple codec download, any you're ready to rock.
If I had to choose, I would definitely go for the Canon EOS D5 Mark II, solely for the audio features (the 1080p isn't bad either). But both cameras are huge steps in video production technology, and I am excited to see what comes with later generations.
As I hinted above, both of these cameras are first generation machines. This being said, it may be worth your while to do some research on your own to see if one of these might be right for you.
If you want to learn more about video production or video marketing, visit my blog, Online Video Tips at Online Video Tips
I have also posted this post on my blog.
1. Nikon D90
This camera, ranging in price from $750.00 to $1100.00, shoots HD quality (720p) video that rivals video camcorders that shoot 1080i video. It is light weight and very user friendly. You do not need to be a professional videographer to use the D90 as the automatic features take over in video mode. The D90 is portable and very sturdy. It shoots onto SD cards, making transfer to computers easy as there is no capture time, just drag and drop. The limitations on the D90 lay in two ares: The audio, and the file format.
There is no audio input on the camera body itself, therefore you would need to record audio separately unless you want to use the onboard mono microphone. A solution I have found for this is to record directly onto my laptop while shooting. I simple hand clap can help sync the audio and video.
I had some problems editing the D90's footage on Final Cut Pro, but I found that downloading a simple codec for the software eliminated all problems, and it allowed me to edit easily and quickly.
2. Canon EOS D5 Mark II
This is the camera I am really excited about! Not only is Canon a highly celebrated camera brand, it also makes very high quality camcorders, and eventually, we all knew, they were going to combine the two. The Mark II shoots true HD (1080p) video, and has all of the features of the D90, along with some additional professional goodies. There is a jack on the camera to add an external microphone that attaches to the top of the camera. Also there is an adaptor that goes from 3mm jack to xlr, so you can use boom mics, etc. Ranging in price from $2500.00 (body only) to $3000.00 (body and lens) this camera could replace the need for the heavy camcorders and (if you use them) dof lens adaptor kits. The Mark II also has some editing limitation, but like the D90, a simple codec download, any you're ready to rock.
If I had to choose, I would definitely go for the Canon EOS D5 Mark II, solely for the audio features (the 1080p isn't bad either). But both cameras are huge steps in video production technology, and I am excited to see what comes with later generations.
As I hinted above, both of these cameras are first generation machines. This being said, it may be worth your while to do some research on your own to see if one of these might be right for you.
If you want to learn more about video production or video marketing, visit my blog, Online Video Tips at Online Video Tips
I have also posted this post on my blog.
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