I've been researching my next camera and trying to decide if DSLR would work. A lot of reviews of the Panasonic GH2 seem to think it's the best DSLR for video.

Although I'm speaking from what I've read, and not experience (since I've never used a dSLR), I don't think I would use a dSLR for shooting tourist videos involving run'n'gun type work. I would use a more forgiving, proper video camera where settings can be automated more easily and you can flip in ND filters etc.. However I absolutely would use a dSLR where I had time to set up a shot, for example lying on the sea bed in Lembeh with 10 minutes to capture a critter, or shooting pre-planned shots on wrecks.

If you're going to spend the money to house a dSLR then personally I would go for the higher-spec Canon 60D or the t3i over the t2i. Or even the 7D, if you have the budget, so that you get the more robust body and weatherproofing, which is a big advantage for your sort of work. But the body is bigger for small hands (7D = big body, 60D = medium, t*i=small). I'm hoping a 7D mkII comes out at some point, and that it has an articulated display like the others, and then I may well invest in one. I definitely want an articulated display for topside work. Another thing to consider is getting 2 bodies, so you have a spare and can keep one in the housing and one out. For example the cost of a 2nd 60D body is probably not huge when you compare to the housing, lenses, lights etc., but it is the body that is probably most likely to go wrong and kill a trip. A 60D in an Ikelite body should be a pretty cost-effective set up. The Panasonic GH series is definitely worth considering next to the Canons.

Kimberly,

I've been using a Sony EX1 (a traditional high-end HD cam) since it came out about 5 or so years ago. About three months ago, I got my own Canon T3i after playing around a little with my wife's T2i. I count myself as a video enthusiast, but take this hobby quite seriously. I mostly make videos of my family and often do event videos for my daughter's school or for friends.

I'll echo what others have said. For run-and-gun work, the T2i/T3i and DSLRS are no substitute for a traditional video camera. But, it might depend on what you call run-and-gun. Here are my observations (pros/cons) of thinking about this myself for quite a while in terms of considering using only a DLSR vs. a video cam.

The main attractions of the T2i/T3i for me were the potential for better low light performance and the availability of numerous lenses that would allow more control/creativity. With regard to low light ability, I'm not yet convinced in my own shoots that it is significantly better (it doesn't turn night into day!), but the T2i seems at least as good to me with relatively fast lens. With regard to the lenses, this is the real lure for me. For the same cost of my EX1, I can buy a good DLSR body and invest in high-end glass. Since the technology changes fairly quickly, I look at the glass as a long-term investment (perhaps at least 10 years), and I can buy new DSLR bodies (relatively cheap) as new resolutions/chips/processors/codecs/etc become available. And, I can match the lens to the particular shot that I'm taking. Also, since the T2i//T3i are so inexpensive, I can have more than one camera body and actually use mutliple cameras for a given event (now - if I could just clone myself so that both cameras could have an enthusiastic operator...).

In what you've described, I wonder how practical the DLSR would be. Biggest issue that stands out to me is the lack of auto-focus. Having said that, I'm not entirely happy with the auto-focus on my EX1. I only use it when I have to. But, even in manual focus, the EX1 is much friendlier. Still learning on the DLSR, but I'm not yet confident in my ability to engage in live (during recording) focus changes. I've really struggled with the manual focus with one of my T3i lenses and find it not-so-hard with another. So, this might be lens dependent.

As mentioned above, if you have a time to set up a shot and the focus distance is either fixed or forgiving, then the results can be great with the DLSR. After several weekends practicing, I've now gotten pretty quick at setting up the shot: ISO, aperature (which you can have the camera do for you, but I don't usually), choice of lens, and focus. I have never shot underwater, but I doubt it makes any of this any easier, especially the lens selection part. I guess you could get a good zoom lens, but you usually sacrifice some low-light capability (as you might guess, this was a big seller for me). With my EX1, I CAN point and shoot (again, I mostly don't, but I sometimes do) and get very good results (notwithstanding my skills or lack thereof).

Bottom line is: the shooting style can be the same, but you lose the "easy option". I like being in total control of everything for the look of the shot that I want (depth of field, framing, etc.). I think the T2i/T3i gives me more control for the money with the availability of lenses and settings, especially compared to the CX700. But, I simply don't have the option of getting a good shot without doing quite a bit of work/setup. A traditional video cam gives me that option.

Which can provide better video, the Canon T2i/T3i/60D or the CX700?
My own read of the CX700 (I don't have one) is that it is probably is a good camera. One concern I would have compared to a T2i/T3i/60D would be the data rate. The data rate for the Canon's is about 45Mbps at 1080/30p or 1080/24p. I don't see 1080/30p available on the CX700, but the manual states that the data rate for 1080/60p (which the T2i/T3i/60D cannot do) is 27Mbps and either 24Mbps or 17Mbps for 1080/60i or 1080/24p. I also have a Sony DSLR (the a33) that has the same data rate as the CX700. The higher compression or lower data rate is noticeable in a side-by-side comparison. Aside from tech specs, there are the lenses - which I've found do make a difference in certain situations. Together, is all of this noticeable in the real world (or specifically in your situation)? I don't know. But, I think that on a set up shot, there is almost surely more potential for better picture quality from the T2i/T3i. I'm skeptical as to whether translates into better performance for your application, though.

Sorry for the long post. Just my $0.02. Good luck and let us know which path you choose. If you can, try out a T2i/T3i. But, spend a day or two shooting in a style that you would use underwater (even if not underwater). I think that might be the only way to really decide.

Best,
Jason

@JasonATL: just 1 thing: when comparing the data rates it is quite difficult to compare .mov (Canon) data rate and .mts (Sony) data rate just by the numbes.

The Sony media is AVCHD newest version (4.2) and even "High profile" compressed while the Canon media uses another encoding - not nescessarily delivering same/better results despite the higher data rate.

On my CX700 (actually the model CX690 without expensive internal storage) I record 1920 x 1080 50 progressive at 28 Mbps - which, for me at least, is very easy to edit.

@ritsmer: thanks for the clarification. I agree data rates are not necessarily apples to apples. That's why I did as close a comparison as possible in my own tests based on results, not numbers. I preferred the Canon results. But again, I don't claim that this preference was scientific nor would I say that it would be the same for others. Just offering my experience with both.

To further add to this, I had the Sony a33 prior to deciding to invest in the Canon T3i and some lenses. My choice was to invest in Sony vs. Canon. For myriad reasons, including my own subjective evaluation of the Sony's results vs. the Canon's results, I chose the Canon route.

I suspect that the CX700 is quite good, I was just adding some info on my experience with the T2i/T3i.

I would use a more forgiving, proper video camera where settings can be automated more easily and you can flip in ND filters etc.. However I absolutely would use a dSLR where I had time to set up a shot, for example lying on the sea bed in Lembeh with 10 minutes to capture a critter, or shooting pre-planned shots on wrecks.

A huge thank-you to all to took the time to respond. My brother pooh-poohed the dSLR idea too, but that is probably because he is not keen on lending me his lenses!

I had the feeling that the dSLR was not as flexible with regard to auto-focus and overall "dummy" mode shooting. When I shoot for my own pleasure, I have time to set-up the shot. But most of my time is spent shooting our guests and their experiences, allowing very little time to set-up. I shoot the same stuff week after week so I can anticipate the basics, but if I spend too much time fiddling with my rig the action has moved on before I'm ready.

I like the notion of having a smallish housing which enables me to get into smallish spaces. Sony has some nice advanced amatuer and pro-level video cameras, but not sure if I want to tote around the bigger housing, not to mention the expense on the video camera plus the back-up.

Thanks again everyone.

Hi Kim,

Take a look at Sony http://vimeo.com/28519437. I am looking at this camera and FS100 as a pair. This is the second generation and it shoot highend still. I have learn a lesson by buying the newer release when if first comes out. Now I wait for a firm ware update or the second generation to get the kinks out.
From looking at the sample videos and stills this camera is the perfect starter to have.
Highend depth of field images and 24p features set.

Hi Kim.... here is a great demo of the earlier version of this camera.
All video sequences are recorded with the Sony NEX VG-10. Editing with "After Effects" and "Sony Vegas".


http://vimeo.com/groups/nexvg10/videos/23476882

Ah yes, the NEX-VGxx line did indeed catch my eye. I haven't spent much time researching which housing would fit. I'm sure Ikelite has one -- or can make one. There might be choices from other manufacturers too. This camcorder + housing would be at the top of my price range but do-able if I find a housing I like.

Sarcasm rant alert: I guess those who shoot underwater video like this content with a the t2i (of which I own 2 of them) have alot of trouble maintaining DOF.

Seriously guys, S35/APS-C sensors for shooting moving images are becoming the standard now, and they handle low light much better than tiny video camera sensors. And what constitutes a "proper" video camera?

Cliff

I must say I've hardly touched my camcorder (a Sony HVR-Z7U) since I got my APS sensor DSLR. It is just so much better in low light and the image is just so much prettier. All I do is run and gun and the Nikon DSLR is just fine for that. Not bad for a camera that was a tenth the price of the camcorder!

I shoot professionally with a Panasonic HMC-150, HS-700, and a GH-2 camera...

In buying a new video camera I think a lot depends on how much work you are prepared to do in order to achieve the best results. Some people would prefer a more automated camera, where they just pick it up, turn it on, and start shooting. Where most professional shooters want a fully manual camera, where they can choose the best settings based upon what they are shooting. A fully manual camera requires more knowledge/work to shoot with, but the results are often the best.

For low-light work you will probably want to look at the best consumer video cameras ( like the Canon G10, Panasonic TM900, Sony CX700 ), which have a fair bit of manual control, but can still shoot on auto when you are in a pinch. The Canon G10 is the best low-light camera of these three, where the Panasonic TM900 has the best color/sharpest image but is not as good in low-light, and the Sony CX700 is somewhere in the middle of these two.

If you are going to go the DSLR route, then you will probably want to look at the Canon 3Ti, Canon 60D, Panasonic GH-2. Of these three cameras, the Canons are easier to use, but the Panasonic records a sharper image with more detail. Keep in mind that DSLR cameras have a limited zoom range compared to a dedicated video camera, have very limited autofocus when shooting video, and are not as well image-stabilized compared to a dedicated video camera.

If you just want a camera that will produce beautiful images, without a lot of work when shooting, have a great zoom range, and great image stabilization, then you really want to be looking at one of these cameras: Canon G10, Panasonic TM900, Sony CX700

Great information. Thanks for the link to the Backscatter review. I stopped by their booth briefly at the DEMA to buy some floats but did not get a chance to ask about the Canon T2i.

And what constitutes a "proper" video camera?

I meant a more traditional camera designed primarily to shoot video, rather than video as a secondary function to stills. Apart from the features that TheDingo and I already referred to (autofocus, stabilization, zoom range, internal ND filters), I mean a form factor that is optimised for video, whereby the camera is held like a trumpet, with the right thumb operating the record button and the index/middle fingers operating a zoom rocker. Admittedly the form factor is irrelevant for underwater work, but it is for her topside shots.

I've done a lot of the type of work that Kimberley does, and getting the shot is generally more important than small potential improvements in image quality, especially when a lot of it's going to be downscaled to DVD anyway. As I said, I've never actually used a dSLR, so I might be wrong, but from all I've read, a dSLR for Kimberley's sort of work is going to increase the chances of this:

Customer: "Did you get me with the manta ray?"
Videographer: "Yes but it's shaky/out-of-focus/over-exposed."

The Backscatter article you linked to talks about the benefits of a small camera and housing. That's nice for travel, but I get much steadier results with a big housing with loads of inertia and properly trimmed to hang neutral and upright in the water.

Customer: "Did you get me with the manta ray?"

ha ha. ha ha ha.

@HyperMedia:

Take a look at Sony vimeo.com/28519437. I am looking at this camera and FS100 as a pair. This is the second generation and it shoot highend still. I have learn a lesson by buying the newer release when if first comes out. Now I wait for a firm ware update or the second generation to get the kinks out.

I just learned that Amphibico will be offering a housing for the NEX-FS100! Not sure if I will be able to afford either on my low budget : ( but I can dream.

Do you have a link to the US model? I'm only able to find the specs on the UK model.

Regards,

Kimberly