Looking to upgrade my rig. DSLR's and HD video cam technology is converging. The thing I like most about my current point-and-shoot is that I can do both stills and video easily. The most common subjects I shoot are sharks, other large pelagics, and wrecks. Second is macro life. My current P&S has bayonet lenses which I can change underwater - pop on the dome for super wide-angle, take it off for medium or zooming in, and put on a macro magnifier for close ups. This has been a major plus. Here are 2 vastly different setups I am considering. Strobes/lights and housing are TBD. I have tested both, granted non-scientifically, and both delivered outstanding results. I have not had the opportunity to take either one underwater.
Sony HDR-CX520V (specs here) 1080p HD video and 12.1 megapixel still images.
OR
Canon EOS Rebel T1i EF-S (specs here) 15.1 megapixel and 720p/1080p video
What is your opinion/experience with DSLR video? How about video cams with still capability? What direction would you go? Alternative suggestions?
Most important is image quality, followed by future expansion capability (non-obsolete), and then cost. I would rather spend some extra $$$ to get the "right" base setup now rather than cut corners and have to rebuild from the ground up later.
The July 2009 issue of Popular Photography contains an article entitled "The Truth About DSLR Video" which discusses the advances and benefits of DSLR video. One filmmaker, currently shooting a feature length film with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, going as far as saying that "the DSLR - not the video camera - is the future of independent cinema." Right? Wrong? Who knows, but certainly an interesting thought.