aquaterra 0 Posted November 28, 2016 I was wondering if it is worth buying a housing for my camcorder ( Sony AX33 ) for video shooting or should I stick with my DSLR ( Nikon D7100 ). I know with the DSLR I have a variety of lens options and I can switch from video to stills easily etc.... Would taking an actual system designed for video be the better option? I know the auto stabilization feature on the AX33 is better than the DSLR which is a big advantage but again worth the housing investment? Thank you in advance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 146 Posted November 29, 2016 Now I'm shooting video with a "stills" camera (Panasonic GH4), these are some features I miss on my previous designated video cameras: 1. Wide range of focal lengths in one zoom lens 2. Better auto-focus 3. Longer depth of field (unless I specifically want a shallow DOF) 4. Flippable color-correction filter 5. Flippable ND filter (or at least an auto ND filter) 6. Smooth aperture adjustment (not in steps) 7. Simpler menu and controls 8. Better ergonomics for video You potentially have most of those advantage in the AX33 over the D7100 (but probably not #5) and #4 would depend on the housing. As a very general statement, designated video cameras are good for wide angle, underwater "run and gun" style shooting when you don't have much time. DSLRs etc. are good where you have time to set up a shot, such as benthic macro. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aquaterra 0 Posted November 29, 2016 Cool, thank you. I do mostly photography but have been getting requests for videos so I wanted to ask and research before just jumping in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pete L 48 Posted December 22, 2016 Ergonomics of a dedicated video system will surpass that of an DSLR, plus as Nick said, ND's, Flip Filters, better auto focus, smoother transition of Arpeture etc all make a dedicated video system a better choice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timccr 10 Posted December 25, 2016 I am just wondering about Nick's comments, particularly regarding depth of field. I am eagerly awaiting the GH5 because I want a hybrid camera and thought a m43 sensor was probably a good size for a hybrid, probably better than APSC for documentary style shooting anyway. 35mm for cinema has a frame size of 24 x 18mm I think while the m43 frame size is 18 x 13.5mm and for 16mm is 10.26 x 7.49mm. Obviously a hybrid is going to involve compromises and m43 seems like a reasonable compromise in theory. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nick Hope 146 Posted December 26, 2016 Agreed Timccr, I think it is a good size for a hybrid. Sometimes I miss being able to get a longer depth of field like my old video cameras, but sometimes I also wish I could get more of bokeh look like those full frame cameras (5D etc.). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Timccr 10 Posted December 27, 2016 Thanks for the response Nick which is much appreciated. I'll keep saving for the GH5. And fast lenses! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
