A Roadmap to the New Video DSLRs of 2012

When Paleontologists look at the fossil record, they see a period of time (about 530 million years ago) called the Cambrian explosion where the variety of life on Earth evolved suddenly from simple single celled organisms inot all different kinds of complex life forms.

In a few hundred years time, historians may look back at 2012 and call it the DSLR Explosion as all of a sudden lots of camera companies are getting into the video DSLR game.

Before, if you said you shot on DSLR, chances meant you were shooting on a Canon 5D, 7D or one of the Ti Series. Nikon was slow to adopt 1080p and there were a small (but die hard core) of Panasonic GH2 users. But in a year, the options will become far more plentiful.

I’m going to include as many video capable DSLRs on this list as I can – many of these are cameras from manufacturers that just started adding video capability to their lines. Most of these cameras can be used in a production of some form (all capable of video for web). I use the term DSLR rather loosely, there are many cameras here that would not fit the strict definition of a single lens reflex but they could be considered in this discussion.  I will include a few DSLR replacement video cameras that represent where the industry is heading.

Because of the nature of the industry – this article could get outdated the day after it’s published. So don’t treat this as the absolutely end-all-be-all list of new 2012 DSLRs. Any prices posted in this article ARE current as of the publication of this article.

If this is your first time getting into DSLRs – remember that these are only the New Cameras – the older models still shoot great images (and you might be able to get them at good discounts).

Some Technical Terms

Specs are important, but they are not the final word on a camera. We’ve included some of the necessary specs just for reference but don’t let the specs be the only thing you base your camera purchasing decision on.

Megapixel Count

Still cameras are rated by megapixel count. Remember that shooting 1920×1080 is a little over 2 megapixels so the value is the maximum still image capability..

Mirrorless Cameras

Technically speaking, a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) uses a mirror to show the photographer what the camera is seeing. When shooting video, DSLRs lock up the mirror and play back what the sensor is capturing on the back panel. There is a move in the industry to offer mirrorless options (less moving parts).

Full Frame vs. Cropped Sensor

Full Frame sensors are cameras that are roughly equivalent to 35mm still film (not to be confused with Super 35 motion picture film which is smaller). Cropped sensors like APS-C are smaller and will create a more zoomed in image (smaller field of view). This is great for shooting telephoto but can cause some problems with shooting wide.

Here is a chart of the relative sizes of sensors.

For a visual representation of what crop factor does, check out this Field of View Calculator for AbelCine

ISO

Iso refers to how sensitive the sensor is to light. The higher the ISO, the more it can see in low light (though you trade low light performance for noise).

 

Canon

Canon T4i

An great little entry model DSLR – the t4i comes with flip out screen and the ability to focus while recording. Full Specs.

• 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor (1.6x Crop Factor)
• 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touch Screen LCD
• ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
• Movie format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card type: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Frame Rates:
  @ 1920 x 1080 (30, 24, 25 fps)
  @ 1280 x 720: (60, 50 fps)
  @ 640 x 480: (30, 25 fps)
• Price: $748.95 Body Only

Canon EOS M

Canon’s Mirror less Camera which is small and versatile – great for point and shooters: Full Specs

• 18.0MP APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)
• ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600 (H)
• Movie Format: MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Frame Rates:
  @ 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps)
  @ 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps)
  @ 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps)
• Price: $799 (with EF-M Pancake Lens)

Canon 5d MkIII

Canon’s third 5d iteration adds a lot of photo capabilities to the 5D line including a much better auto focus capability. In terms of video there is improvement is it enough to justify the price increase? Read full specs

• 22.3MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor\
• ISO: 100-25600 (High Sensitivity Mode: 50-102400)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Frame Rate:
  @ 1920 x 1080: 30, 25, 24 fps
  @ 1280 x 720: 60, 50 fps
  @ 640 x 480: 30, 25 fps
• Price: $3,459.00 Body Only

Canon 6D

Canon’s new “entry level” full frame DSLR – essentially a 5d MKII replacement (the MkIII is quite a bit more expensive) Full Specs

• 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• Extended ISO Range of 50-102400
• Movies Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Frame Rates
  @ 1920 x 1080: 30, 24, 25 fps
  @ 1280 x 720: 60, 50 fps
  @ 640 x 480: 30, 25 fps
• Price: $2,099.00 (Body Only)

Canon 1DX

Canon’s flagship camera – their top of line DSLR. Full Specs

• 18.1Mp Full Frame CMOS Sensor
• ISO:  100-51200 (Extended Mode: 50-204800)
• Movies Formats: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: Compact Flash (CF)
• Lens Mount: Canon CF
• Frame Rate:
  @ 1920 x 1080: 30, 25, 24 fps
  @ 1280 x 720: 60, 50 fps
  @ 640 x 480: 30, 25 fps
• Price: $6,799.00 Body Only

Canon 1D C

Identical guts to the 1D-X but firmware enables this camera to record in 4K resolution. Full Specs

• 18.1Mp Full Frame CMOS Sensor
• Movies Formats: 4K, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
• Memory Card: Compact Flash (CF)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Resolution:
  4K (4096 x 2160)
  Full HD (1920 x 1080)
• Price: $12,999.00 Body Only

Canon C100

Not a DSLR, but this is the an example of where Canon is trying to go with the large format video cameras. This is the smaller brother to the C300 and the 4k capable C500. Full Specs

• Super 35mm CMOS (Full Frame)
• Lens Mount: Canon EF
• Compression: MPEG-4, AVC/H.264
• File Format: AVCHD
• Color Space: 4:2:0 SD down Conversion: MPEG2
• Memory Card: 2 SDHC/SDXC
• Frame Rates
  24 Mbps LPCM: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25
  24 Mbps: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25
  17 Mbps: 1920 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25
  7 Mbps: 1440 x 1080 at 60i, PF30, PF24, 24p, 50i, PF25
• Price: $6,499.00 Body only

Nikon

Nikon D3200

Nikon’s entry level DSLR but with a huge mega-pixel count for an APS-C camera. Full Specs

• 24.2 MP DX CMOS APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-6400 (High Sensitivity Mode: 100-12800)
• Movies Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Frame Rates
  @ 1920 x 1080: 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps
  @ 1280 x 720: 60 fps, 50 fps
  @ 640 x 424: 30 fps, 25 fps
• Price: $646.95 with 18-55mm Kit Lens

Nikon D600

The smallest and least expensive Nikon Full Frame DSLR, this camera is also popular because it sports a clean uncompressed HDMI out with lets you record to an external recorder. Full Specs.

• 24.3MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor (Full Frame)
• ISO 100-6400 – Expandable to 50-25600
• Movies Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: NIkon F
• Frame Rates:
  @ 1920 x 1080: 30, 25, 24 fps
  @ 1280 x 720: 60, 50, 30 fps, 25 fps
• Price $2,096.95 (Body Only)

Nikon D800

Sporting a huge still image mega pixel count – the D800 is aimed for professionals that want large prints. Video wise, the D800 has a clean HDMI out. Full Specs

• 36.3Mp CMOS FX Format Sensor (Full Frame)
• ISO 100-6400 (High Sensitivity Mode: 50-25600)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Compact Flash (CF)
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 30, 25, 24 fps
  @1280 x 720: 60, 50, 30, 25 fps
  @ 640 x 424 24 fps
• Clean HDMI out
• Price:  $2,999.00 (Body Only)

Nikon D4

One of Nikon’s first offerings this year, the D4 is a top of the line Nikon camera. Video wise, the D4 has a full 1080p output via HDMI. Full Specs.

• 16.2Mp 36.0 x 23.9mm CMOS Sensor (Full Frame)
• ISO: 100-12800 (Extended Mode: 50-204800)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: XQD, Compact Flash (CF)
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080:  30, 25, 24 fps
  @1280 x 720: 60, 50, 30, 25 fps
  @640 x 424 30, 25 fps
• Price: $5,999.95 (Body Only)

Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix GH3

The GH3 is the replacement for the popular GH2 that enthusiasts liked to hack. The most interesting thing about this camera is its capability of recording higher bit rate video than other DSLR cameras. Full Specs

• 16.05MP Digital Live MOS Sensor (Micro 4/3 – 2x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 200-12800 (Extended Mode: 125-25600)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MPEG-4 AVCHD, MOV
  Capable of  bit rates up to 72 Mbps
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 60, 30, 24 fps
  @1280 x 720: 60, 30 fps
  @640 x 480: 30, 25 fps
• Price: $1299.00 (Body Only)

 Sony

Sony Alpha NEX-6 Mirrorless

A small mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses, the Alpha NEX-6 can record 1080p at up to 60 frames a second. Full Specs

• 16.1 MP APS-C Size HD Sensor
• ISO: 100-3200 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
• Movies Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG-Duo
• Lens Mount: Sony E Mount
• Frame Rates
  @1920 x 1080: 60, 24 fps
  @1440 x 1080 30 fps
  @640 x 480: 30 fps
• Price: $848.00 (Body Only)

Sony SLT-A99

This is Sony’s flagship DSLR – sporting a full frame sensor. It also has video friendly option like headphone jack and focus assist peaking.  Full Specs

• 24.3MP Full-Frame Exmor CMOS Sensor
• ISO:  100-6400 (Extended Mode: 100-25600)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD
• Memory Card: Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo, SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Sony Alpha/ Minolta
• Frame Rates
  @ 1920 x 1080: 60, 24 fps
  @ 1440 x 1080: 30 fps
  @ 640 x 480: 30 fps
• Price $2798.00 (Body Only)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1

The DSC-RX1 is a compact mirrorless camera aimed more at photojournalists who require small size but great image quality. Full Specs.

• 24MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
• ISO:  100-3200 (Extended Mode: 3200-25600)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4, MPEG-4 AVCHD
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG-Duo
• Fixed Lens (Non interchangeable Lens): 35mm F/2.0
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 60, 50, 25, 24 fps
  @1440 x 1080: 30, 25 fps
  @1280 x 720: 30 fps
  @640 x 480 30, 25 fps
• Price: $2,798.00 (kit – fixed lens)

Sony NEX-VG900

Not a DSLR but one of the first video camera for with a Full Frame Sensor – a good option to consider if you’re in the price range but don’t need the form factor of a DSLR (this can take some big photos). Full Specs

• 24.3MP FullFrame 35mm Exmor CMOS Sensor
• Movie Format: AVCHD (28Mbs Max)
• Memory Card: Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
• Lens Mount: Sony E-Mount (A Mount with Adapter)
• Uncompressed HDMI output
• Frame Rates:
  HD PS (28Mbps) 1920×1080/60p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/60i
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/60i
  HD HQ (9Mbps) 1440×1080/60i
  HD LP (5Mbps) 1440×1080/60i
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/24p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/24p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/30p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/30p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1280×720/60p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1280×720/60p
  SD/STD HQ (9Mbps) 720×480/60i
• Price: $3,298.00 Body Only

Sony NEX VG-30

Just like the VG 900 only with an APC- Sized sensor. Full Specs

• “Exmor” APS-C HD CMOS Sensore (1.6x Crop)
• ISO: 160 – 5000 in 1/2EV steps or Low, Middle, High (Movie)
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 AVCHD 2.0 format compatible
• Memory Card: Memory Stick, SD/SDHC/SDXC, HXR-FMU128
• Lens Mount: E Mount
• Frame Rates:
  HD PS (28Mbps) 1920×1080/60p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/60i
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/60i
  HD HQ (9Mbps) 1440×1080/60i
  HD LP (5Mbps) 1440×1080/60i
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/24p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/24p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1920×1080/30p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1920×1080/30p
  HD FX (24Mbps) 1280×720/60p
  HD FH (17Mbps) 1280×720/60p
  SD/STD HQ (9Mbps) 720×480/60i
• Price: $1,798.00 (Body Only)

Leica

Leica D-LUX 6

A fixed lens point and shoot – the sensor is closer to the 1/2″ chips of camcorders. Full Specs.

• 10.1MP 1/1.7″ CMOS chip
• ISO: 80-12800
• Movies Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Fixed Lens: EFL: 4.7-17.7 mm (35 mm equivalent: 24-90 mm)
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 60p, 50p, 60i, 50i
  @1280×720: 60p, 50p, 30, 25 fps
  
• Price: $799.00

Leica V-Lux 4

Similar to D-Lux 6, but in a more DSLR style form factor. Also has a fold out screen. Full Specs

• 12.1 MP 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor
• ISO: 100-6400
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Fixed Lens: EFL: 4.5-108 mm (35 mm equivalent: 25-600 mm)
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 60p, 50p, 60i, 50i
  @1280×720: 60p, 50p, 30, 25 fps
• Price: $899.00

Leica M Digital Rangefinder

Aimed at photojournalists who need compact size – this digital version of the classic Leica Rangefinder also shoots full HD video. Full Specs

• 24MP Full Frame CMOS Censor
• ISO:  Pull 100, 200-6400
• Movie Format:Motion JPEG
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Leica M Mount
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x1080: 25, 24 fps
  @1280×720: 25, 24 fps
  @640×480: 30, 25, 24 fps
• Price:  $6,950.00 Body Only

Olympus

Olympus E-PM2

This is one of Olympus’s first entry into the video DSLR camera game. Full Specs

• 16MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds (2x Crop Factor)
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Mirrorless
• ISO: 100-12800
• Movie Format: MPEG 4- H.264, Motion JPEG
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 30fps
  @1280×720: 30fps
  @640×480: 30 fps
• Price: $549.00 Body Only

Olympus E-PL5

Much like the E-PM2 but with a different LCD viewfinder and faster electronic focusing. Full Specs

• 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor (2x Crop Factor)
• Mirrorless
• ISO 200-1600 (High Sensitivity Mode: 1600-25600)
• Movie Format: AVI, MJPEG, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 30 fps
  @1280×720: 30 fps
  @640×480: 30 fps
• Price:  $649.00

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Built around the body of Olympus’s class OM bodies, the OM-D E-M5 is capable of 1080p at 60 frames per second. Full Specs.

• 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor (2x Crop Factor)
• ISO:  200-25600
• Movie Format: AVI, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Memory Card: SD, SDXC
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
• Frame Rates:
  1920×1080: 60 fps
  1280×720: 60, 30 fps
  640×480: 30 fps
• Price: $999.00 Body Only

Samsung

Samsung NX1000

A mirrorless option from Samsung – this small body is also capable of shooting native 2.39 aspect ratio video. Full Specs.

• 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-12800
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
• Lens Mount: Samsung NX
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 30 fps
  @1920×810: 24 fps
  @1280×720: 30 fps
  @640×480: 30 fps
• Price:  $549.00 (with 20-50mm Kit Lens)

Samsung NX210

Similar to the NX1000 but larger and with better electronics. Full Specs

• 20.3MP APS-C CMOS (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO:  100-12800
• Mirrorless
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
• Lens Mount: Samsung NX
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920×1080: 30 fps
  @1920×810: 24 fps
  @1280×720: 30 fps
  @640×480: 30 fps
• Price: $899.00 (with 18-55mm Kit lens)

Samsung NX20

Similar form factor to a traditional DSLR, but mirrorless – this camera is the top of Samsung’s NX line of cameras. Full Specs.

• 20.3 MP APS-C CMOS (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-12800
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
• Lens Mount: Samsung NX
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame rate:
  @1920×1080: 30 fps
  @1920×810: 24 fps
  @1280×720: 30 fps
  @640×480: 30 fps
• Price: $999.00 with 18-55mm kit lens

Pentax

Pentax K-30

A weather sealed mid sized DSLR. Full Specs.

• 16MP APS-C CMOS Image Sensor (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-12800
• Movie Format: AVI, MJPEG, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Lens Mount: Pentax K
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080 30, 25, 24 fps
  @1280 x 720  60, 50, 30, 25, 24 fps
  @640 x 424 30, 25, 24 fps
• Price:  $796.95 (Body Only)

Pentax K-5 II

Pentax’s flagship camera, this camera bay be hampered in video realms by it’s limited frame rate. Full Specs.

• 16.3MP APS-C CMOS Image Sensor (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-12800
• Movie Format: Motion JPEG
• Lens Mount: Pentax K
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 25 fps
  @1280 x 720: 30, 25 fps
  @640 x 480: 30, 25 fps
• Price: $1,199.00 (Body Only) 

Fujifilm

Fujifilm X-E1

A sleek compact mirrorless camera limited to shooting 24p Full Specs.

• 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 100-6400
• Movie Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, MOV
• Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 24p
  @1280 x 720: 24p
• Price: $999.00 (Body Only)

Fujifilm X-Pro1

A slightly thicker and older version of the X-E1. Full Specs

• 16.3 MP APS-C CMOS Image Sensor (1.5x Crop Factor)
• ISO: 200-6400
• Movie Format: MPEG-4, AVC/H.264
• Lens mount: Fujifilm X
• Memory Card: SD, SDHC, SDXC
• Frame Rates:
  @1920 x 1080: 24p
  @1280 x 720: 24p
• Price:  $1,699.00 (Body Only)

Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera

This camera began making quite a few waves when it was announced at NAB 2012. Out of nowhere a company specializing in post production created a camera that could be the bridging gap between DSLRs and traditional cinema cameras. I hesitated on putting this on the list as this is not a “Pick-up-and-shoot” DSLR like the ones above. But if you are considering spending the money of a flagship DSLR for video only, this might be a good alternative as long as you understand the workflow.

• 2.5K CMOS Sensor (About the same size as micro 4/3rds)
• 13 Stops of Dynamic range
• Movie Format:
  2.5K RAW at 2432 x 1366.
  ProRes and DNxHD at 1920 x 1080
• Lens Mount: Canon EF or Micro 4/3rds (two versions available)
• Memory: 2.5″ SSD Card
• Frame Rates: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 29.97p, 30p
• Price: $2,995.00