DSLR: Budget Solution to Filmmaking

Besides being portable and convenient DSLR offers many features of a cinema camera, but at affordable price which make it popular among aspiring filmmakers.  

DSLR camera has opened a whole new chapter in film making. Due to its photo and video capability, DSLR is greatly acclaimed by Indie filmmakers, videographers and cinematographers across the globe. Most DSLRs are portable, versatile and efficient tool for aspiring filmmakers and well suited to run and gun situation.  

Shooting video through DSLR has many advantages. Firstly, their large sensors and ability of hosting a variety of lenses give control over depth of field. They can produce videos with shallow depth of field that look more professional. Secondly, they can shoot videos at various frame rates, including academy standard 24fps, can produce cinema like motion blur. Thirdly, a new breed of powerful sensors can shoot in low light conditions. In fact, some cameras, such as Sony a7s Mark II, can virtually see in the dark due to their tremendous ISO sensitivity. Fourthly, the smaller size and weight of these cameras when coupled with appropriate wide angle lenses provide the opportunity to shoot in close-fitting locations. Moreover, most of the DSLRs are far more affordable than the cinema cameras.
  

DSLR cameras have some shortcomings too. Indeed, the lack of heaviness of these cameras yields shaky footages. Next, the CMOS sensor, the common image sensors in DSLRs, can distort images when panned quickly. This alteration of the subjects being filmed is known Rolling Shutter or Jello effect. Further, the sensor often mingles lines of a stripped object, known as Moiré, leaves us with little choice while shooting tight patterns. Additionally, the ability to preserve detail in highlight and shadow areas of an image, known as dynamic range, are limited in most DSLRs.  

Countless gears and techniques are available to make the best use of these DSLRs. For instance, the shaky footage can be cured not only in post production, but also averted by using tripods, stabilizers, sliders and gimbals. More recently, there are electronic 3 axisgimbals available in the market that help to produce smooth cinema like videos out of these DSLRs. Likewise, some third party software, Magic Lantern, can turn some Canon DSLRs into a descent cinema camera. Magic Lantern, when installed on the camera's SD card, adds some features--zebra stripe, time lapse, ISO bracketing, HDR shooting--in DSLR even if they are originally not available that camera.  
  

Depending upon the need and choice, there are several brands, varieties and line of DSLRs to choose from. Some are very affordable while others cost us a fortune. Budding Indie film maker can begin with Canon 550D, with a kit lens is available at less than 50,000 Rupees in Nepalese market. Likewise, Nikon D3200 also falls under similar price range. Both of them can shoot Full HD (1080p) videos, have APS-C sensors in common, are prosumer level cameras. Conversely, for pro-level users, these companies have higher end full frame versions. Nikon D810 hosts a whole bunch of great features needed for skilled hands. On the other hand, Canon's 5D Mark III, still the king of the hill, is widely used by professional cinematographers.

DSLRs are becoming so friendlier to the filmmakers that they've virtually replaced the need of more expensive cinema cameras. Although there are no replacement to the cinema cameras, the DSLRs offer an affordable solution to the creative geniuses who can produce masterpiece. Usually, the indie film makers are low in budget, crew and other gears where DSLRs are perfect to hone on their creative talent in filmmaking. Nevertheless, it's not the shooting device, but a well written story, appropriate camera movements, and skillful post production can harvest visually appealing piece of art. 

However, DSLRs are always good, inexpensive and easier to begin with.