The best D-SLR cameras for shooting still photos aren’t necessarily the best for shooting video. Fortunately, manufacturers are putting more emphasis on videos in their D-SLR cameras now, making it easier to find a solid selection to use for both still shots and video taking. If your camera is five years old or older, consider upgrading to one of these D-SLRs, which are rated among the best for video shooting.
1. Nikon D4
The Nikon D4 is designed to balance resolution with the size of the sensors, image processing, and ISO range. It captures up to 10 fps with full AE/AF performance, and shoots both 720p and 1080p video. It’s also durable and offers a variety of connectivity options, Weighing just 2.6 pounds, it’s easy to transport most anywhere. This 16 megapixel camera shoots 35 millimeter full frame photos. The optical viewfinder makes it ideal for shooting in bright or sunny conditions.
2. Sony Alpha 77
It took Sony four years to develop a professional answer to the consumer level A55, but reviewers were pleased with the results. The Alpha 77 weighs a conservative 1.66 pounds, and looks much like a traditional camera. Yet it features state of the art features and performance, such as 1080p60 movies with autofocus, a built-in dark red autofocus illuminator, and the EVF viewfinder (which is probably what took Sony four years to perfect). It is able to sense the optimal AF point and properly adjust it, and offers 12 fbs continuous shooting. The Alpha 77 comes with a GPS and stereo microphone. At 24 megapixels, it also offers extremely sharp images.
3. Canon EOS 5D Mark III
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III is significantly heavier, at 33.5 pounds. With an optical viewfinder, full frame high-resolution image capture, and 51 point high density reticular AF, and an extended IOS range of 100 to 25600, it works equally well in studio shooting or when working in the field. It shoots EOS HD quality videos, and the Mark III features a firmware upgrade which allows the videographer to transfer uncompressed HDMI video to an external video recorder, while maintaining the functionality of recording on an internal CF or SD card. This feature is ideal for photographers and videographers using tripple play services to maximise their business.
4. Canon EOS 7D
On the lighter end of the scale lies the EOS 7D, which weighs in at just 1.8 pounds. At 18 megapixels, this camera is designed to function well in the most difficult lighting situations. It captures images at up to IOS 12800, and at speeds up to 8.0 fps. It features an all cross type 18 point AF system, as well as a user serviceable AF area service mode selector. It shoots full HD video at 30p, 25p, and 24p. It also offers a great variety of manual controls, including manual exposure during video shooting, and ISO speed selection. Made of magnesium alloy, it is ideal for using in bad weather or in dusty environments. The EOS 7D is compatible with over 60 different EF and EF-S lenses and EOS system accessories.
5. Sony Alpha 65
The Alpha 65 is a second generation Sony SLR design, and the most notable difference between this and the traditional Sony is the superior OLED EVF. It shoots up to 9 frames per second, and offers a super fast autofocus. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, it’s easy to carry anywhere. It is a 24 megapixel camera, capable of shooting both 1080i and 1080p. The Alpha 65 also offers a built in GPS. The only downside to this model is the kit lens, which reviewers felt was inferior to the design and construction of the camera itself. However, at one-fifth the price of some of the other D-SLR selections on this list, the affordability makes it worth considering.
Professional users are well served by the Nikon D4, available for just under $6,000, and cheaper from resellers such as Amazon and eBay. Semi-professional users and hobbyists can make use of the more affordable Sony Alpha 77 or Canon ES 7D for around $1,500. The Canon EOS Mark III lies between these in price, at about $4,000 retail.
Tags: Best Cameras, Video Production
