Consumer still cameras have had the capability to shoot sound video for quite some time now. The video was rather noisy and a far cry from camcorder quality. It was more a novelty than a way to save memories, certainly a far cry from real filmmaking.

As of this writing, consumer level cameras now have the capability to shoot high definition (HD) video. Though the resolution is greater, the video is still not camcorder quality because of sensor and lens limitations.

Recently, HD video capability has been added to professional still cameras (aka, DSLR Cameras), which cost $750 to $3,000. Because these camera feature extremely high quality sensors and lenses, the resulting video quality is nothing short of astounding.

For example, one of the finest camcorders is the Red One, by Red Digital Cinema, discussed in our recent posts. It features a .96 inch, 12 megapixel CMOS sensor. By contrast, Canon’s 50D features a .87 inch, 15 megapixel CMOS sensor. Tests show that the Canon 50Ds video is every bit as nice as the Red One’s.

The Canon, however, costs $900 while the Red One costs $15,000. Wow! Big difference. Same story with the Nikon D90, which sells for $1100. One of the most expensive DSLRs, the Sony A900, is $2700. That’s 5 times cheaper than the Red camera, yet it features a massive 1.4 inch, 24 megapixel CMOS sensor.

Another important benefit of DSLR cameras is that the large sensor and interchangeable lenses allow unparalleled control of depth of field. This enables you to isolate the subject in the frame for a more “filmic” look.

Because of the “bigger bang for the buck,” low budget filmmakers are seriously looking at DSLR cameras, or at least questioning the relative cost of camcorders.

So, are DSLR better than camcorders?

Here’s the bottom line:

Even though DSLRs have equal if not better image quality and are much cheaper, they are prone to the rolling shutter effect (aka, “jello effect”). This is image distortion that occurs with certain types of swift movement.

If you have never seen the jello effect, examples can be readily found on YouTube. Needless to say, you would not want have a day’s shooting ruined by this. As any filmmaker worth his salt knows, such a disaster can easily offset savings in camera costs.

Until this problem is solved, DSLRs are best suited for specialized shooting. Specifically, where high quality, shallow depth of field is required.

If you are willing to risk the jello effect, you should also consider the following features which are standard and essential on a camcorder, but not present on DSLR.

1. Articulating Video Monitor

2. Electronic Viewfinder

3. Power Zoom

4. Zebra Stripes (for monitoring exposure)

5. Multiple Resolutions

6. Multiple Frame Rates

7. Time Code

8. Stereo Sound

9. XLR Audio Inputs

10. Multi Channel Audio Input

11. Manual Audio Controls

12. Audio Monitoring

That’s a lot of missing stuff, huh? Call them the dirty dozen–features you take for granted on even the cheapest camcorders but not available on DSLR cameras.

While DSLRs will certainly become a great filmmaking tool, it may be awhile before they can suitably replace a camcorders. Perhaps by virtue of the market they are designed for, they never will: