DSLR vs HD ProsumerCamcorders

[EMA747]

Just a question mainly out of curiosity really but I was interested to know how modern DSLRs like the 7D, and 1DmkIV fair in terms of video quality over prosumer HD camcorders like the Canon XH-A1 (http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/camcorders/high_definition_hd/XH_A1/index.asp).

What are the main differences? One I can see is the DSLRs don't have full-time AF so filming moving things like cars/planes etc would be quite difficult on a DSLR I guess.

 

[itsdavedotnet]

what kind of thing do you want to film? For properly produced, properly mounted video, dslrs are good, the quality, range of lenses and sensor size will blow you away. However, the handling sucks, as do the connections for audio etc. 5d2 has a 12min video limit too, others might too.

For a camcorder usage, the camcorders are good. The handling, autofocus, connections etc are fantastic, especially on the 'prosumer' ones like the (industry standard) sony Z1 or canon/panasonic/jvc equivalents, or the newer solid state alternatives.

 

[EMA747]

I really want to film aviation, mainly inside the cockpit of small planes like Cessnas. Wide angle would be a big must.

 

[RicherSea]

Got to be a video cam then, the current batch of DSLRs make great footage, but you have to work incredibly hard to get it compares to something that's designed for video.

 

[photosensitive]

The 550d, 7d and 5dmk2 are all fantastic. The biggest issue with them is focus. If your doing set shots with a static camera then the DSLRs are the way to go but if you want something just to walk around with then go for a HD camcorder. You have to manually focus on the DSLRs and If your only using the focus ring looking at the screen in live view its very hard going. Ideally to make a DSLR friendly you need something like a z-finder to go over the screen and a rig with a follow focus. The only downside with a camcorder is how wide the lens is