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Archive 2009 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Gary Eckhardt
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p.1 #1 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Seems like Canon (and Nikon also) are putting all of their development money into the video side of DSLR's. As a still photographer who doesn't care about the video enhancements, I feel that we are paying needlessly for the video enhancements. I think that I will stay with camera bodies that don't do video instead of paying extra for the video features. Anybody else feel this way?

BTW, I have a 5DMk2 and love it but I never use the video capability. I also have the 40D which is just fine without the video features! Maybe buy a 1D3?

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:02 PM

pigbat
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p.1 #2 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I opted for a 50D over the 7D for the same exact reason. I really liked the AF in the 7D and was willing to pay a few hundred more for some of those features but not $700 more. Video just isn't important to me in a DSLR.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:11 PM

saaketham
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p.1 #3 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Hey .. I think once you get the hang of video, shooting HD video using top-notch SLR lenses is a big plus. I tried my hand at video with a 500D, and it came out ok.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:22 PM

globalkiwi
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p.1 #4 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I wonder if Canon or Nikon will make *any* bodies that don't have video going forward? They both seem to have put it in everything released - from P&S to pros series bodies. My guess is it's here to stay in new bodies & so harder to avoid as pre-video bodies (& their other features) age. Of course, you don't have to use it but I think it's going to be hard to buy a new body without it.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:25 PM

n0b0
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p.1 #5 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Any camera with Live View already has video capability, the only difference is that now you can actually capture it, so what's the big deal? And isn't the usual argument "nice to have it, turn it off if you don't need it"?

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:29 PM

saaketham
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p.1 #6 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

How much does video feature add to the cost of a DSLR body? Assuming that you need Live View.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:30 PM

OceanView
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p.1 #7 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Although I agree with you, the manufacturers are adding video to be competitive and to give each camera an edge for those that want video.
Honestly, if adding video adds to the cost of each camera, I too would rather not have it.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:30 PM

bpark42
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p.1 #8 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I don't really think you end up paying that much just for the video features. There is very little in the camera design that is specific to video. I suppose some portion of the overall price may be seen as accounting for the firmware development costs.

Using the 7D as a current example: The 7D is what, $300 or $400 more than the 50D was at launch? The 7D is an upgrade in a lot of ways, so video maybe accounts for a small fraction of the difference in MSRP, but personally I would see the difference coming from the much better AF system, the viewfinder, the new sensor, the dual digic chips etc. etc.

Edited on Nov 04, 2009 at 05:38 PM · View previous versions

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:37 PM

dhphoto
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p.1 #9 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I don't see the appeal of video at all, but them I'm strictly stills.

If I did though I'm sure I would prefer a proper video eyepiece rather than looking at the back of a camera, which either handheld or even on a tripod in sunlight isn't going to be very easy or ergonomic.

I fear it has become a bit of a bandwagon now. I just don't use it, although I really value liveview.

David

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:37 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.1 #10 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I remember when the same thing was said about autofocus. "Extra cost", "unnecessary", "fad", "gimmick", "unprofessional", blah, blah blah.
Sure glad the manufacturers didn't listen to the vocal minority back then either.

Nov 04, 2009 at 05:43 PM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #11 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

dont think ANY dslr will now come without some sort of video. Good thing Bad Thing I dont really care . I doubt now that its been done that much of the budget in development goes solely into the Video aspect of it. Alot of developments from it could make the stills side of a DSLR a better experience. Like better Liveview AF that will undoubtably come and that will mostly be due to the want/need for better video AF from general users (mums & dasds frather the pro film makers).
Better and longer lasting sensors that produce less heat and therefor probably less hi iso noise should be another bonus for still users

Nov 04, 2009 at 06:04 PM

dhphoto
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p.1 #12 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

One side-effect of video I'd like to see are really good LCD viewfinders, possibly doing away with the mirror & prism altogether. You could have superimposed live histo's, very high frame rates and allsorts.

Nov 04, 2009 at 06:13 PM

gotak
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p.1 #13 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I got the 7D specifically for video. If they had a 60D with video I might have been tempted to go that way. That being said the new AF, VF and other stills features are all pluses.

The video are really useful if you ever take the camera on holiday. As I have said various times on number of forums you don't want to carry too much stuff when traveling. At the same time there are things you can't record with just stills. That's where the video part comes in. The fact that it's really high quality video with DOF control just makes it so much better. Now if only the AF would work faster.

I think the way I see it is the way a lot of people would see the video feature on these cameras. You can't very well expect Canon to build something specifically for a narrow market of people who don't want video. Especially when the video is an add on that doesn't cost them much more to do. As such I don't think even if there's no video feature you'll see any drop in pricing.

Nov 04, 2009 at 06:22 PM

h_2_o
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p.1 #14 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

i'd personally rather see them go to full frame or bring up a medium format prosumer camrea than video, but hey that is me.

Nov 04, 2009 at 06:39 PM

tonyliau
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p.1 #15 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Video was a "cool" feature that coerced me into buying the T1i as a back-up camera, but honestly I've only used the video feature once and I wouldn't miss it if it was gone.

Nov 04, 2009 at 06:55 PM

Nick Baker
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p.1 #16 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I think you guys complaining about video are missing the real effect this is/will have on dslrs.

First off, did canon have to spend money on developing video for slrs?...YES.

What you guys are missing is that this money spent is MORE than offset by the increase in number of units sold to people who

1. Are buying for the video capabilities alone.
2. Are able to justify an slr (or an upgrade) based on the fact they can also use it as a camcorder.

More units sold = lower price per unit = more sales = more innovation in both the still and video department.

We all win.

Nov 04, 2009 at 08:26 PM

MacroImaging96
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p.1 #17 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Just a thought... I have been to a few sporting events where Video capture is not allowed but stills is.... with the trend of DSLR's going that way, do you think it might catch up to us and create a blanket coverage of no camera's period?

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:07 PM

Beni
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p.1 #18 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

The 7D/5D mkII seem very well priced for all that they include video. The 1D mk4 however is now listed at the same price as a 1Ds mkIII in the UK and I have little doubt that a whole heck of a lot of that price is due to the video. No doubt the same is true with the very expensive D3s. I don't remember the 1D mkIII being anywhere near that much at release (please correct me if I'm wrong) but if it wasn't then methinks it's the video not the megapixels that are dictating the new entry point to canon's 1D series.

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:34 PM

bpark42
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p.1 #19 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

The 1D3 was $4500 initially. The 1D4 is about 11% more.

How much have the prices on most lenses gone up during the same time frame? Well over 11%

Edit: Talking US prices, but the point is the relative difference

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:38 PM

dasrocket
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p.1 #20 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

MacroImaging96 wrote:
Just a thought... I have been to a few sporting events where Video capture is not allowed but stills is.... with the trend of DSLR's going that way, do you think it might catch up to us and create a blanket coverage of no camera's period?

Interesting thought. I came across that in an event I was at last August. Cameras with video had to be signed for and a release submitted, where as stills only did not. so my DSLR could fire away but my PS could not without authorization.

I think DLSRs will be assumed to have video soon enough and therefore be treated differently than they are now.

Nov 04, 2009 at 09:44 PM

junray
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p.1 #21 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Since I do both Video and Photo as a business. This new DSLR with video are a godsend. There are so much possibility now with these new DSLR. Interchangeable lens you can't find on a camcorder under $4,500. Almost film like effect with really nice bokeh. Awesome.

I'm sure you guys seen this video shot with 5D MKII, http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2667&productID=249&articleTypeID=225

JR

Nov 04, 2009 at 11:48 PM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #22 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Gary Eckhardt wrote:
Seems like Canon (and Nikon also) are putting all of their development money into the video side of DSLR's.

I don'y know about that. The 7D certainly sported a lot of new features beyond HD video, e.g., new AF array & modes, color sensitive metering, LCD overlay in VF, etc. I don't care about video nor have I used it, but I suspect most of the cost is software based and may be recouped across multiple models.

Nov 05, 2009 at 01:57 AM

deeprblue
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p.1 #23 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

I think it's important to also think broader in terms of implications for DSLRs too. It's not like video is a direct print button that just takes up space and doesn't get used.

Much of what video does in DSLRs is software based, hence why the 5DII can receive new features via firmware. This is not likely to be driving up the costs of cameras because of the video features.

The other magic to make video happen in DSLRs is the sensor. A bad sensor will heat up during long exposures, exhibit distracting noise patterns, and create the dread "jello wobble" effect. Because of the interest in video and likely competition from other manufacturers, I think Canon has really stepped up their R&D in sensor technology to create more robust sensors that can shoot longer and with less noise than ever before. This is a development that will help everyone, not just the videographers.

We shouldn't look at video as this "extra" feature that is holding us back as photographers. In fact, it's quite the opposite. It creates newfound demand in large sensor cameras, advances research into better sensors, and generally adds value in a a subset of the cameras' features that was already building toward that end.

Nov 05, 2009 at 04:08 AM

Jos Tesseract
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p.1 #24 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Problem with video in DSLRs is shake factor.

We're all seen Blair Witch... and it made us nauseous.

Nov 05, 2009 at 04:47 AM

WmPat
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p.1 #25 · Pay for video features on DSLR's?

Gary Eckhardt wrote:
Seems like Canon (and Nikon also) are putting all of their development money into the video side of DSLR's. As a still photographer who doesn't care about the video enhancements, I feel that we are paying needlessly for the video enhancements. I think that I will stay with camera bodies that don't do video instead of paying extra for the video features. Anybody else feel this way?

BTW, I have a 5DMk2 and love it but I never use the video capability. I also have the 40D which is just fine without the video features! Maybe buy a 1D3?

I feel the same way about having to pay for 18 megapixels when I have never needed anything more than the 8 Mp of my 20D and MkIIn so far. But I wanted the features (AF, FPS, and high-ISO) of the 7D so I had to get the megapixels. I have very little interest in video but will give it a try in time. It is intriguing because some who are very experienced in video say the 5D and the 7D are very good for the price. My guess is that most of them haven't worked with glass as good as what we take as commonplace.

Nov 05, 2009 at 05:03 AM


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