The Future of DSLR – Updated

Well it’s been a year since I wrote the first “Future of DSLR Video” post and a lot has happened to the DSLR market.
Mainly I am referring to the release of canon’s new line of EOS cameras, the 7D and 1D, which are both capable of shooting stunning footage at 24-60fps (60 is at 720p though). The 5D is still a legit contender; though it feels slightly like a horse waiting to be put back in the race once the firmware update arrives giving it 24-60fps. Where you at canon??
Unfortunately, we are also still waiting with baited breath for the release of Red’s new line of cameras: the Scarlet/Epic. The pre-emptive hype has died down now but the potential seems well worth the wait. In the meantime, Canon’s new EOS DSLR’s are steadily kicking ass and becoming a professtional tool for shooting music videos, advertisements, web series, and even feature length movies. Vincent Laforet’s video “Nocturne” demonstrated the amazing light sensitivity of Canon’s new 1D Mark IV, which was shot at night in ambient light without any added external lighting.
Recently I have been presently surprised to see the 7D being used on webisodes and a few low budget features in the Los Angeles area. The fact that the 7D is affordable, shoots 24p and has a more forgiving Depth of Field then the 5D, makes it the prime candidate for the 2010 Underdog Award that I am just making up as you read this. The main drawback to the 7D is also one of it’s strengths: the smaller chip size. Granting it a easier-to-work-with depth of field but lowering it’s sensitivity to light.
So what are a few of my favorite accessories for the canon’s DSLR video arsenal? Red Rock Micro’s Captain Stubling is a solid portable rig that comes with a follow focus and minimal rails for a affordable price. Redrocks second version of the follow focus is a little gritty (Zacuto’s is smoother) but is well built for the price. The rails and handles feel sturdy and light.

Rode’s Videomic microphone is a inexpensive accessory that mounts onto the top of the camera and is great for run and gun shooting.

I’ll add some more of my favorites soon. In the meantime, let me know what you use!
Tags: 1d mark IV, 24fps, 5D mark 2, 5d mark II, 7d, canon, canon 30d, canon 5d mark 2, captain stubling, dslr, entertainment, epic, firmware, future, high definition, nikon, production, rareform, RED, red one, red rock, redrock, rode, scarlet, social media, update, vincent laforet, web video, youtube, zacuto



