Just the other day Nikon introduced its upgraded D5100 (initial review), which got me thinking.  Besides many upgrades to its photo-taking capabilities, it appears that the video has been significantly improved.  My question / thoughts are along this line - Can a DSLR be just as effective as a HD camcorder?  What would be the pros and cons of each?  I've never used DSLR for video (I still have a D80 and a HV30), but with a DSLR would access to all your lens be a benefit?

Yes, a DLSR can be as effective if not MORE effective as an HD camcorder, especially for anything web and real estate - Being able to use difference lens makes the difference for interior work.

Where the DLSR falls sort is in the audio department, but their are work arounds.

All my  architectural work is now done with a Nikon D7000 - here's an example: http://www.wellcomemat.com/video/9002C30C15

 If you do photos AND video, it's a huge time saver.  Plus, DSLR's do far better in low light than most traditional camcorders, and you have access to much wider lenses.

I use the Canon 5D and 7D exclusively for every single video.  Wouldn't do it any other way. 

Any thoughts on auto-focusing?  I have been looking at some footage shot with a nikon d7000.  Video appeared very sharp, when in focus, but there was flucuations as camera looked to focus on objects. Aaron, I did take a look at the video you attached with the d7000 and did not see any of the focusing issues.

btw, did you use external lighting in that video - looked great!

DLSR are no good for focusing at the moment. You have to plan your shot and pre-focus. - which works fine when doing small clips and your work out your depth of field.

I sometimes use hot lights, but not too often any more as it takes time to set up and at my current price point, it would take me way too long. But this is where DLSR's come in, if you get a fast, wide  2.8 lens - working with ambient light is very do-able in most situations and your noise on these cameras are minimum with amazing high ISO capabilities.

Hope this helps.

Auto focus is a non issue with DSLRs.  You need a wide angle lens for real estate, and with a wide angle, everything is always in focus.  Low light capability is amazing (I shot a house last night 2 hours past sunset and it's beautiful - all with natural light).  

Hi Laura & Michael,

I just started using the Canon 60D that I purchased just for the movie capabilities. I also started to use a steadicam which makes a world of difference. Actually after reading alot of Fred Light's posts I jumped into doing my own videos. The reticulationg screen was what sold me on the 60D. From any angle I can see the screen without bending or twisting too much. The drawback although is every change to the screen angle or direction you need to rebalance the stabilizer.  I am in the New york metro area so I was fortunate enough to go to ICP for a DSLR for Videos class. It was a great class taught by Gabrielle Motola a professional photographer and videographer from London. Here is a link to one of my first videos I did, I am up to about 6 at this point and hopefully will get better at it.

http://youtu.be/kr_K4fFQ9XI?hd=1

Good Luck,

Dave Green

RE/MAX at The Shore