Content Creation

DSLR Cameras: The Answer to Your Video Marketing Efforts

CopyPress

December 16, 2013 (Updated: February 9, 2023)

There aren’t many people who know an overwhelming amount about video cameras, types of cameras, and the information needed to successfully traverse the wide-world of high-definition videography. Video has, however, become one of the most powerful and attention-garnering tools that a company can have in its marketing arsenal.

The majority of content that goes viral on the web and resonates with audiences on a colossal scale is video-driven. It’s quite a daunting task for a company to choose between the different types of cameras out there, especially considering the amount of information to be digested, so I’ll bypass those routes and explain the benefits of type of camera I believe to be best – DSLR.

Understanding DSLR is Different

If you’re just starting to incorporate video into your marketing efforts, there’s going to be an incredible amount of information and variables to consider. It’s crucial to understand that when choosing DSLR cameras, they’re unlike traditional video cameras in many ways.

Lenses make a world of difference.

Unlike many traditional video cameras, your DSLR won’t be ready right out of the box; however, there’s a wide variety of lenses available that help you better achieve more specific looks.

Manual focus is your primary option.

New DSLRs do have auto focus, but it’s not an ideal method of focusing. Utilizing a DSLR Follow Focus will give improved pulling accuracy.

Body support helps get a steady shot.

DSLRs are small, handheld cameras, so they’re prone to shakiness in-hand. Camera rigs can be bought and pieced together to form the ultimate steady rig.

Camera gear is wide and ranging in purpose.

DSLR cameras are not created with video as their primary function, so it’s expected that you’ll need to procure some camera accessories to achieve your desired goals.

What Makes DSLR More Appealing than Traditional Camcorders

At first glance, it may seem like traditional camcorders are the better option, especially after considering lenses, auto focus, and additional gear; however, there’s a lot happening below the surface disprove that gut reaction.

Image Quality

The high-definition quality of DSLR cameras is a huge reason for the growing popularity of using DSLRs for video purposes. DSLR cameras have several key features contributing to their excellent video quality that make them more appealing than their expensive, bulky professional camcorder counterparts.

Sensor sizes are very large. 

For quite some time, the average sensor size in a video camera about a half an inch; however, this has changed with the emergence of DSLR in video, as the average DSLR sensor is significantly larger than that.  

Light sensitivity is greatly increased. 

As a result of the large sensors, more light is allowed to travel through the aperture and into the sensor, which enhances the quality of image. It’s much like trying to see outside at midnight compared to at noon.

Field of Views (FOV) like never before.

With such huge sensors, DSLRs are capable of getting so much more in the shot. DSLRs can come with Full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors. On anything smaller than a Full-frame sensor, there will be a crop factor on the image. So for example, a 50mm lens on an APS-C sensor is actually equivalent to 80mm, and even higher for a MFT lens.

Affordability

The average DSLR camera is significantly cheaper than a worthwhile professional video camera. While holding more ready-to-shoot appeal with unexperienced consumers, even low-end professional video cameras are usually more than three times the price of the average DSLR camera.

From largest to smallest, DSLR cameras come in Full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors. I highly recommend APS-C cameras for most video purposes. You get the largest access to lenses and prices are affordable.

Versatility

The last – but perhaps the most important – feature of DSLR cameras is their versatility. By design, professional video cameras are usually created to serve a specific purpose and fall short when used outside of those predetermined limits.

Lens options are plentiful.

Typically, the smaller the camera sensor, the more lenses available for that camera. This is because it’s simply easier to find glass to cover smaller sensors, whereas large sensors are more difficult to cover. Having a variety of lenses, however, gives you the ability to create an infinite amount of shots and FOVs.

ISO ranges enhance visibility.

While lacking an ND filter, paired with a low-aperture lens, good ISO range can be a true game changer when shooting at night or in other low-light situations.

DSLR cameras are excellent tools that can be utilized in video marketing efforts, as they offer incredible quality and versatility at affordable prices. That doesn’t make the world of video any easier to understand, however, but it’s certainly a start in a direction that can have a profound effect on video marketing purposes. I will continue to share my knowledge of videography and video hardware in future posts.

CopyPress

December 16, 2013 (Updated: February 9, 2023)