The DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, a mainstay of the professional photographer for high quality stills, is now an equally remarkable video tool. SLR-type cameras enable photographers to see exactly what’s captured on film or digital media, because shots are composed directly through the lens. DSLRs are also equipped with on-board video features that have expanded and improved exponentially over the last few years — to the point where many videographers prefer them over their larger purpose-built video cameras. The DSLR is small, lightweight, versatile and cost effective, and they include a wealth of benefits for the videographer…In 2008, the designers at Canon got the message, with the introduction of the Canon 5D Mark II — essentially, an HDSLR. Just like its predecessors, the groundbreaking 5D has changed the way a great deal of video is shot today, and launched yet another industry (plus a number of copycats from the major DSLR players). The Canon 5D Mark II employs a remarkable “full frame” image sensor — one that’s the same size as a 35mm film frame (36×24mm). In HD mode, the 5D shoots 1080p video, and the sensor’s total resolution is 5616×3744 pixels (21.1 megapixels)…In fact, an HD image (at 1920×1080) fits nicely inside the sensor’s dimensions — thus providing the videographer with tremendous latitude in composition. Typically, a used 5D sells for between $2K and $3K.
—Paul Berliner, from “Video World,” PLSN, Feb. 2012
