Blog Post #5: DSLR Pros and Cons

Up until this class, I had never used a DSLR camera before. Of course I had heard a lot about them, but I never had the opportunity to use one. As a non-DSLR user, it was good form e to not only realize the many pros this camera has, but it also allowed me to be open to the problems I could potentially run into when using a DSLR camera.

Pros:

1. One of the major pros of the DSLR for me was that it was fairly simple to use. Once I figured out my way around the menu, I thought it was easy having everything so conveniently placed for you. I also found that things that can be difficult on some cameras, such as setting the camera's white balance and, were easily accessible and really efficient when it comes to time usage.
2. Because it is a small, lightweight camera, the DSLR is really accessible in terms of carrying it around. Since it was originally made for still photography, it's the size of your average camera, which can be a lot easier to deal with then lugging a big camera bag around on location. Also, it's a lot easier to shoot a DSLR handheld then it is to shoot other cameras because it is so light, so this could be taken into consideration when deciding what you are shooting.
3. I love the fact that the DSLR allows you to rack your focus so quickly and easily. It is able to create such a shallow depth of field, which can make really interesting and artistic shots. This is something that I would be interested in experimenting with when filming dance.
4. What may be the most popular pro of the DSLR is it's price. For a beginning filmmaker with a low budget, the DSLR is a great option to invest in that still creates good quality shots. 

Cons:

1. One thing that I've noticed about the DSLR is that because of it's ability to create a shallow depth of field, this can mess up your focus during a shot if you're not careful. For example, if you set your focus on the subject and the subject walks towards the camera, chances are they will be out of focus as they get closer to the camera. Because of this, this makes the camera not as efficient to use.
2. While there are perks to having a small, totable camera, the DSLR isn't the most professional looking camera. Since it was originally made for photography, it has the body of a still shot camera then a video camera. If you want to be taken seriously, then a larger camera like the EX3 or even the JVC is more appropriate.
3. Because the camera body is so small and the chip is so large, the DSLRs tend to overheat easily. This could cause your camera to stop working in the middle of a shot or it could possibly damage the camera completely. Because of this, the DSLR isn't the best to use for filming for long periods of time without giving it some time to cool down and rest.
4. To record sound on a DSLR, you are going to have to use a zoom mic. This is because the only mic attached to the camera is extremely small and doesn't pick up much. Using a zoom mic requires extra work in post-production, which is something to think about when you are deciding whether or not to use a DSLR.

Overall, I think the DSLR's are a very convenient camera option. They are easy to use, easy to handle, and they have the ability to create some interesting shots. However, like all cameras, there are some major limitations to using them. That's why it is important to consider your subject and what you are filming before deciding to automatically use the DSLR camera. There is a time and place that is perfect for each camera, so if the opportunity to use a DSLR is there, I can say that I would definitely consider using it.