Creating cinema the DSLR way – with a digital SLR camera
Zacuto is running a 3 episode series on HDSLR cameras: the Canon 5D, 7D, 1D, the Nikon D3s, Panasonic GH1. The last episode checks out low light / high ISO scenes. They even test Hyper-ISO in the “BIC lighter scene”: 640, 1250, 2500, 5000, 10000, 25650, 51200 and 102.000 ISO!!
It is clear that low light (under 1 foot-candle) conditions is where HDSLR cameras shine. They certainly say a lot of positive things about the Nikon D3s, that can film at the unreal 102.000 ISO.
DigitalPhotoPro gives us an overview of the HDSLR market place today: while one year ago, there was only the Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D Mk II, they now talk about 10 cameras in the market. If you allow for cameras that have HD recording, but are not technically SLR cameras (they don’t have the ‘reflex’ part, the optical viewfinder with mirror), we now count 14 digital photo cameras that support HD video capture:
If you only want Full HD (1080p), these are the options:
with prices between $6200 (Canon 1D MkII) and $650 (Canon 500D). Not counting decent lenses 
Via dpreview.com:
The D3S delivers a new look and feel to the emerging trend of DSLR movie capture and exploits the creative depth-of-field effects offered by the large FX-format sensor (full-frame/35mm) and the benefits of wide aperture NIKKOR lenses.
This is the second full-frame DSLR on the market, after the Canon EOS 5D MkII. Unfortunately it does not support FullHD/1080p, only 720p24.
Via dpreview.com
In a move that won’t surprise anyone that has been listening out for rumors, Nikon has launched the D300S, a refreshed version of its successful mid-level DSLR. Compared to the D300, It offers full 720p HD video recording, a faster 7 fps continuous shooting and Dual CF and SD card slots. It also sees an addition of a new Quiet drive mode and a dedicated Live View and Info button. The camera’s recommended selling price is $1799.
via dpreview.com
The D90 is the first mid-class D-SLR to offer a movie function, allowing you to capture creative movie clips in motion JPEG at superb quality levels. Compared to the average camcorder, the far larger image sensor on the D90 offers higher image quality, a shallow depth of field and exceptional ISO performance while recording in low-light conditions. NIKKOR’s wide range of lenses offers great variety from fisheye to wide-angle to super-telephoto, adding more scope for creativity and emotional impact to your movies. Movies can even be played on the camera with sound, thanks to its uniquely powerful speaker / microphone system.
It’s not ready for digital cinema (1080p), maybe, but this is an important first step! Let’s see how Canon responds!
