This is why I like the idea of video in a DSLR

[ATJ]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22898788@N04/4033409801/

I you already have a DSLR in a housing, it is so simple to take some video grabs showing behaviour that still shots would just not do justice.

[Mr Darcy]

I agree Andrew.
Also, when we were at Sublime Point the other morning, I felt that a Video would have been good the record the changing light.

[photohiker]

Spare body with intervalometer will record the changing light very effectively. I've even managed to capture the odd lightening flash that way.

Michael

[aim54x]

Spare body with intervalometer will record the changing light very effectively. I've even managed to capture the odd lightening flash that way.

Michael

A D200 would do the trick there...or a D300.

[surenj]

Andrew,

I can think of many uses for high quality video from a DSLR. Sure, and intervelometer may help certain applications but video is different is better for other applications.

The lighting is going to be a problem though. Do you guys carry constant lights down in the depths? [or you can crank up to ISO 1000000000000000000000 in about 5 years time ] and light with low wattage lightweight LED constant lights

[ATJ]

The lighting is going to be a problem though. Do you guys carry constant lights down in the depths? [or you can crank up to ISO 1000000000000000000000 in about 5 years time ] and light with low wattage lightweight LED constant lights

I've shot available light down to 18 metres at ISO 200. White balance can be a problem, but being able to capture behaviour overrides the disadvantages of poor white balance, in my opinion.

This shot was taken at a depth of nearly 15 metres, off Sydney:


In shallower water, and in the tropics, light will be less of an issue.

[surenj]

Thanks Andrew,

I didn't realise that there was that much light at 15m! Fancy you getting a fairly sharp picture at 1/60.

[aim54x]

I watched the sequence...and a D300s with video would have been great for you there!

[ATJ]

Fancy you getting a fairly sharp picture at 1/60.

Well, the lens was at 12mm, so in theory I could handhold to 1/12s. Having a large housing in water also tends to reduce camera shake.

[gstark]

Having a large housing in water also tends to reduce camera shake.

Camera float?

Camera sink?

[DebT]

OK Iv'e never even considered video on my SLR but am starting to think about it - quick question ...If I choose to take a still from the video what is the quality like c/w the same still taken as a still ?
DebT

[surenj]

If I choose to take a still from the video what is the quality like c/w the same still taken as a still ?

Deb, it will be normal quality but you get a gap in the video.

[DebT]

So if I take a video , get home and want to isolate and print 1 frame it will be quite usable ?
Deb

[surenj]

Sorry Deb, Didn't understand your question earlier.

In your case, you will get a photo at 1980X1080. The noise characteristics and color will be still better than your consumer type of camcorder.

[aim54x]

If I choose to take a still from the video what is the quality like c/w the same still taken as a still ?

Deb, it will be normal quality but you get a gap in the video.

So if I take a video , get home and want to isolate and print 1 frame it will be quite usable ?
Deb

you will get a roughly 2mp still image (from a Canon DSLR), so it will be small but printable.