Moving fr DSLR to Camcorder

First to start with, i was trained as a still photographer 20 years ago. So the past few years i started shooting video because i was moved by the story telling aspect. Was so caught up with trying to do what people were doing with DSLR.

Recently, i saw what the camcorders could do, i.e SONY FS700, HDR-PJ660. The full HD is really amazing.

Am going to get the HDR-PJ660 for footage making. What do you guys think. I hope i haven't overlooked some important parts. :)

Yr feedback appreciated.

DSLRs are great, but they do have limitations. I feel any professional in this business should have both a good DSLR and a capable, more traditional video camera in their arsenal. Both camera styles have their advantages and disadvantages, and shooters that only rely on one or the other probably should rethink their strategy.

DSLRs, for example, are great for low light, interchangeable lenses, shallow DOF, etc. Traditional video cameras generally have more built-in options for audio and video connections, the ability for longform recording, and more important, smooth zooming with nice easy starts and stops (on more expensive models). Also, video cameras are often larger, which can often help getting steadier shots (i.e., shoulder mount), and sometimes larger cameras are just more comfortable to use. After all, video cameras ergonomically designed to shoot video, unlink DSLRs that are "forced" into being video cameras.

Smaller DSLRs can be great for more stealthy shots, but sometimes a larger, more professional looking camcorder can "open doors" and get you more respect from layman on shoots.

About zooming, with more and more people using DSLRs submitting basically only panning and tilting shots, I think that eventually clips that feature slow zoom ins or outs will become more in demand since DSLRs really can't do as well of a job as a "real" video camera.

And the list for both can go on.

I have a Panasonic GH3 and a Panasonic HPX-170, and depending on the production, I've used both. Next year, I plan on selling my 170 and getting a 4K camcorder. We'll see what goodies NAB 2014 holds.

Thanks for the post James. I'm considering going the other direction, that is buying a DSLR, either a GH3 or Mark3. However, with 4k seemingly being around the corner I'm not so sure to make that move now.

Hi 'ODesigns',

Thanks for the reply. Am certainly more sure about it now! :)