One of the more popular questions these days asked by potential clients is the use of photographer cameras as video cameras. These cameras have the ability to shoot photos at 18 mega pixels and full resolution High Definition footage. The resulting HD video is beautiful but has many draw backs to using them as a professional video camera. Here are excerpts from a review written by B&H Photo/Video (the leading NY superstore on professional photo/video equipment)."The 5D Mark II, Canon's first video-enabled DSLR, records beautiful HD footage at exactly 30 frames per second. This is great for producing direct-to-web content, but very difficult to work with on the timeline of a nonlinear editing (NLE) system. The fixed 30fps causes a host of problems. Not the least of which involves poor sound sync and incompatibility with the 29.97fps footage from other dedicated HD/SD video cameras."
One of the reasons why you see such beautiful footage online is that these cameras are perfect for direct-to-web content. However, as the review says, it's cumbersome to work with in the editing process. In order to produce custom films for a client, you must spend a large time in the editing bay. We already spend 40+ hours editing each of our wedding films and any product that adds to this time is a huge drawback.
The future of the industry is the fusion that is created between photography and videography and these cameras may very well have a place in this future but now is not the time. From photo/video storyboards to films infused with your photographers gorgeous photos, this industry is evolving quickly. It's important now, more than ever, to hire a professional Photographer and Videographer with a wealth of experience. Technology is constantly involving and the investment in staying ahead of the curve is enormous. With the economy in a downturn, many amatuers have popped up in the wedding industry trying to pass themselves off as professional photographers/videographers while charging half the cost of a true professional. Don't be fooled by cheap prices because it's true what they say. You get what you pay for.
