DSLR or videocam?

Hi,

In this forum I read that many of you use a DSLR camera and not a camcorder.

I am a beginner and use a camcorder (Canon HFS20). I can see mainly the difference in depth of field when a DSLR is used. On the other hand I read about the 12 minutes max recording time of a DSLR.

Is the 12 minutes max a real problem? I would like to hear your opinion. Also I would appreciate your advice on using a DSLR in general?

And I have the following questions:
1. can you record more then 12 minutes in different clips?
2. what DSLR-camera do you recommend? please note that I am a beginner
3. is there a good online school where you can learn using a DSLR for video?

Thanks for your help!

MBF

DSLRs do present some challenges.
Audio: generally not very good preamps but there are solutions ranging from Juicedlink,Tascam attached recorder, Zoom 4N or even a Rode shotgun mic for DSLR.

Canon DSLRs with the free Magic Lantern firmware get around the record duration limit for several of their cameras.

The Lumix GH3 doesn't have a record limit. It's a micro 4/3 sensor (close to super 16) rather than APS-C (close to super 35 which has potentially shallower depth of field).

I believe there's a hack for Nikon cameras to open up the record limit.

The other issue is that there's a desire to record a "clean" HDMI out signal to an external recorder to get around the limitations of the H.264 codec (impacts grading for example). Each of the above cameras have a way around that. Some Nikon models now have clean out for example.

Which DSLR to buy really depends on budget and desired feature vs limitations.

There are large sensor (shallow depth of field) video cameras coming in a range of prices. One example would be the soon to be released (promised) Blackmagic pocket cinema camera (like super 16 and $995). For more money there's cameras like the Sony FS100, Canon C100 or the venerable Panasonic AF100 as well as the promised Blackmagic Production Camera. These cameras are in the $4000-$6000 price range give or take.

Check out the new direction cameras are going ....

Don't tell me you're still thinking about 4K... that is so last week.

Everyone's onto 8K now.

www.redsharknews.com/technology/item/753...hi’s-8k-hevc-encoder

Will it ever end?
They can slow down with all the multiple K's, I'd settle for a decent full frame camera with all the features we need.