4 Replies Latest reply: May 31, 2013 5:19 PM by Netcommercial RSS

    Hi End MiniDV camera vs $1,000 Nikon for DVD release

    Luvfilm Community Member

      Hello,

      If I shoot a training video with a high end miniDV camera for the end result being a standard DVD, will the final video be better if I used something like a $1,000 DSLR for the same project?  I know that I will have to lower the resolution of the DSLR before encoding.  Will well shot, non downgraded video look better?

      Thank you

        • 1. Re: Hi End MiniDV camera vs $1,000 Nikon for DVD release
          Andrew_S Community Member

          It all depends what you consider acceptable. DV is interlaced video (unless you have a progressive option) and DSLR is progressive. Two different looks. In converting from HD DSLR to SD for the DVD, artifacts can be introduced - it all depends on the material that's being shot. Also audio on DSLR's tends to be worse than a "proper camera" - hence the use of separate audio recorders and then post sync the audio track to the video but again it all depends on what you think is acceptable.

           

          You basically have to try it and see if it meets your expectations.

          • 2. Re: Hi End MiniDV camera vs $1,000 Nikon for DVD release
            JSS1138 CommunityMVP

            I'd probably go for the Nikon, even if only because I've left tape behind and there's no looking back.

            • 3. Re: Hi End MiniDV camera vs $1,000 Nikon for DVD release
              Peru Bob Community Member

              The clips from my wife's $425.00 Canan DSLR (full HD) export much better to DVD resolution than my Sony HDV camcorder.

              • 4. Re: Hi End MiniDV camera vs $1,000 Nikon for DVD release
                Netcommercial Community Member

                What I hate about DSLR is the sound challenge #1 and the auto focus #2. I stopped using tape years back. If you notice the high end News gathering Cameras are 3.MP with a Sensor for each color. RGB. 1\2 there abouts. The nice thing with NG is the options to plug in and outs.  Auto focus is nice for moving stuff. I do however use Manual focus for my short shots... When someone is staying in frame for no more then a foot, in or out. Keeps the auto focus from responding to the lights, etc. It really boils down to prefrence and size. The SD tape will be night and day from a stick with 10 rating. (Never bothered with a HD DV tape, moved right over to flash for import on my WS. 3.0 usb sucks it right up.) As will the Progressive shooting will be to the interlaced. Especially for Slow Mo work.

                I can shoot with the best of em using a consumer grade HD with plenty of control over it's options. Apreture, back light, Shutter speed. MY challenge is the size vs quality. DVD or BluRay 3.0MP shot in 24P or 29i 1920x1080 will be fine. IMO.  I shoot with 3 canon m300's and my stuff is great, so I hear.... those only have 1/2 inch CMOS shared for RGB for $500 a pop.