Are you planning to get a DSLR or a camcorder and wondering which one is best for video making and more? Then we will help you with the complete details of what’s a camcorder and a DSLR. With every passing day and year, DSLRs are doing well, and with the passing time, camcorders are also now available having DSLR like features. Dig in now to find out the details of camcorder vs. DSLR.
A DSLR, also known as digital SLR, is mainly designed for people who have a passion for still photography. Moreover, it comes with interchangeable lenses.
Plus, a mirror which results in image reflection up over the viewfinder then flips up and backs out the eyepiece wherever you take a picture. So if you plan to shoot a video using a DSLR, you need to utilize the Live View over the main screen.
On the other hand, DSLRs come with bigger sensors, which means they allow you to shoot videos and perform photography in low light settings. Not only this, big sensors come with shallow depth of field, so using the same aperture allows it to stay in focus, giving a cinematic feel.
Get the most using a fitting wide aperture non-zooming lens. Plus, you can also pull focus to change focus from one image to another while filming.
On the other hand, Camcorders are handy devices that offer enough stabilization and come at cheaper rates. Moreover, they offer enough storage and have inbuilt filters and microphones.
Camcorders are designed in such a way that they offer simple ergonomics and they are designed to shoot videos. For quick panning, zooming, focusing, and tracking the subject, camcorders excel in all terms allowing immediate control of fingertips.
Now, let’s dive in further to find more about camcorder vs. DSLR:
Cost:
Camcorders are primarily meant for shooting videos. Camcorders are cheaper in comparison to DSLR cameras.
DSLR videos do look great, but such cameras are not cheap.
Storage:
camcorders record videos on built-in hard drives, so if you use the camera and there is a lack of storage, you might need spare memory cards for enough storage. For a DSLR, you need to invest in memory cards.
Microphones:
Camcorders come with built-in microphones that can go in several directions and record the surrounding sounds. Moreover, they also come in with strong audio outputs.
Camcorders come with built-in zoom lenses plus swivel and tilt screens. If you plan to invest more, you can get your hands on the camcorders that come with built-in microphones plus professional XLR audio inputs. Moreover, the camcorders are not great if you plan on purchasing them for still photography.
Most DSLR cameras lack headphone sockets, so they won’t be able to record audio even using an individual microphone.
Steady hold with these cameras:
These cameras can be awkward to hold steady and to move smoothly for video shots. You may need a tripod, a monopod, or a special rig. Most camcorders have good image stabilization, so they’re easier to use handheld. Camcorders have better image stabilization in comparison to DSLRs.
DSLRs are awkward to hold for video shots steadily. It would help if you had a monopod, tripod, or a unique ring for image stabilization.
Use of camcorders and DSLR:
Camcorders are meant for recording exceptional video quality, which ranges from high to ultra-high definition. The zooming power with this camcorder is stunning and comes with special calibrated, built-in zoom lenses with better focus.
DSLRs are designed in a way that they shoot high-resolution stills. Most cameras come with 18 megapixels—some cameras record videos with line skipping, resulting in a distraction interference pattern known as aliasing. Most DSLR videos are not recorded using the whole sensor immediately. Instead, they scan down using a sensor. This results in rolling shutter distortion as soon as you move the camera in sideway directions.
Size:
DSLRs are more extensive, and you need to buy additional accessories to make the entire picture and video quality stand out. You are right to get going with the camcorder straight away; you don’t need to invest in additional accessories. They are small and handy, which makes them easy to use.
Sensors:
The large sensors in DSLR help capture high quality, better videos in low light, plus still photography. Most DSLRs come with the storage of data on memory cards. DSLRs come with lenses that are inappropriate for recording videos.
Camcorders come with fixed zoom lenses plus minor sensors, which are not great for low light photography or shooting videos.
Recording time:
camcorders are a perfect win when we talk about the recording time. They can capture around one hour of recording, and till the time the battery of the camera runs out. DSLRs, on the other hand, have a shorter record time, which is around 30 minutes. Moreover, the time might seem more concise if you are capturing 4k videos.
Focus:
Focus is also another consideration when we talk about cameras. When buying a DSLR, choose the type of autofocus featured in the camera during the Live View mode. The phase-detection system seems well for recording videos, while the contrast detection autofocus does not work well and results in distraction during video recording. DSLRs offer the buyers control manual focus, but professional photographers need proper control on focus.
You cannot view focus over the live view screen as it’s slow. You have to magnify the image using a loupe or separate viewfinder. It’s a nuisance for moving subjects to use a DSLR if you consider the field’s shallow depth. DSLRs come with fast autofocus when taking stills. However, the live view autofocus having mirror up will be slower.
Filters:
For video shooting, the shutter’s speed matches well with the frame rate resulting in less wired footage. If the shutter speed is quite low, it might result in a problematic shooting experience in sunlight. Camcorders come with built-in, neutral density filters for proper exposure during video shooting on bright days while utilizing appropriate shutter speeds. On the other hand, DSLRs lack the built-in feature, so you need to invest in a filter kit as you might find challenges with overly exposed and bright videos.
Final Verdict:
So let’s wrap it and say that DSLRs and camcorders are both perfect. With DSLR, you can get high quality and shallow focus images; however, it’s best to get hands-on semi-professional camcorders for shooting videos at events. They are quicker and easier to use. DSLRs are better for closeups, while camcorders are best for master shots.
It’s best advised for the film-like image to use DSLR cameras to capture high-quality stills plus videos. For capturing news or events, it’s better to invest in camcorders. The audio in such cameras is more effortless, plus you need to pick up and get ready to shoot.
Camcorders are the traditional options as they come with several benefits, including in-built filters, comfortable ergonomics, long recording times, and more. On the other hand, DSLRs come with large sensors and a low price point compared to advanced camcorders.
Last but not least, it’s a matter of personal preference to choose between a camcorder and a DSLR.