Digital still cameras have had rudimentary video capabilities for some time. However recent advances in high end models such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1k, Nikon D90, and the Canon 5d mark II have made the idea of creating high-quality video content on a still camera a reality.

For the first time in it’s history Videomaker will review a still camera (Canon 5D mkII) in it’s pages, and we will add the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) as a new category of camcorder henceforth. As you would expect, the focus on the review will be on the video capabilities of the camera, with a brief overview of its still photo functions.

We will focus on using the DSLR in real world shooting conditions, in terms of capacity battery life, audio capabilities and other practical tests. The footage that we’ve seen so far is very impressive, but there are some real limitations to capturing video with DSLR’s at this stage.

In broad strokes, some of the advantages of the DSLR video format are:

• Full Frame 35mm Sensors create a shallower Depth of Field
• High quality and relatively inexpensive lenses
• Integral “film look”

Some of the disadvantages are:

• Limited record times
• Poor audio capability
• Limited video controls
• Lens zoom and focus not designed for motion pictures, only stills

While still very much in their infancy, I expect that DSLR’s will make great strides in the near future in terms of video capabilities, and will be viable digital cinema cameras after a few versions.