Canon DSLR Video Questions

[Steelsun]

Instead of buying a camcorder for my work needs, I am considering getting one of the Rebel DSLRs that do video (like the T1i or T2i). Video I have seen from them seems to be superior to most sub $1000 Camcorders, and I already have a whole crap load of lenses( including a 100-400L, which I will use for it's main application - investigative surveillance).

I have 2 primary questions:

1) Time limits of video - I have read else where that a single episode is limited in length to about 5 minutes? Anyone experience this?
This is not really too much of an issue for me, since it is seldom that you film more than 5 minutes at a time in surveillance work, and stopping & starting are no problem.

2)The biggie is date/time stamping the video. I believe the date & time is saved internally in the video, like EXIF does for images. Does the accompanying software allow the date/time to be placed visually on the video so when viewed you see it? (like in the old days)
If not, does anyone know of software compatible with the Canon video that easily does this (i.e. pulls it from the EXIF and automatically places it on the video)?
(This is kinda vital for some clients - they insist on time/data stamps).

Thanks & Regards

[soymilk]

Honestly, for the line of work you do... Get a camcorder. Making videos with a Dslr is not a run and gun sorta thing.

#1) you don't have autofocus, and if your camera does... It sucks. The best autofocus Dslr type camera is the Sony A33/A55. For canon, autofocus sucks. You'd have to manually focus.

#2) cumbersome. It's not very ergonomical. Yes video quality CAN be better but not without tons of support gear. Almost all the shots you see with a Dslr was while it was on a tripod, or some other elaborate support system.

#3). No way to add time stamp on raw footage, only after with software. Recording in 720p will allow you to have longer clips.

You're better off with a camcorder, but if you're willing to deal with all that then go for it. I think he feature might come in handy if you were to upgrade your Dslr and it's a side bonus. But I wouldn't buy a new Dslr for just video.

[spluloacle]

You have to manually focus with video on the T1i so not sure you could use that. I am also not sure about time limits but will say the file sizes are HUGE. A 3 second video was like 20MB or something like that when I looked at it last. That was an accidental video.

[kuyatwo]

I own a canon 60d and I can shoot 15 min clips no problem. If you own those big of lenses and need to cover that distance I don't think a camcorder won't work. It isn't hard to focus manually plus on 60d plus there is face recognition so it will auto focus

Here is YouTube video on face detection and autofocus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51MmrsKeC7U&feature=youtube_gdata_player


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[Steelsun]

Thanks all.

Due to the situations of PI surveillance, you end up using manual focus 95% of the time anyways (due to low light and shooting through car windows, chain link fences, etc).
Plus low light SUX on most camcorders.

I'll borrow a friend's camera and try it on a few test cases to see how it works before I bite the bullet.

And most good surveillance shots, even from inside a car, is done with at least a monopod - shaky camcorder footage does not look good to a client.