It seems we live in the era of the “game-changer.” Excuse the by-now cliche phrase, but it is quite apropos to the recent changes we’ve seen in dSLRs, to wit: dSLRs capturing HD video. Nikon’s new D90, and Canon’s new 5D Mk II, both capture HD video, and while they still have a ways to go before they become truly prosumer videography equipment, they are darn cool.
Some folks scratch their heads and wonder… what’s the use of the video functionality? Well, for one Photojournalists might benefit from short clips of events — especially now that they are being asked to do more multimedia work. Carrying a full frame dSLR with high ISO capabilties, and the ability to shoot HD video clips is pretty nifty. I could see myself using that capability for some documentary or reportage projects for school.
But here’s another cool idea that can end up being a moneymaker for commercial photographers: animated portraits. Recall those animated portraits in the Harry Potter movies (and books)? Those portraits captured the subject not still, but rather with a bit of motion, looking into the camera and smiling, etc. Now imagine a wedding photographer who turns in, along with gorgeous stills, a short animated portrait of the bride turning to face the camera and smiling? Or how about a baby portrait where the kiddo takes a few first steps? Just that mind you. It doesn’t have to be more than a few seconds, but it can loop, say, every ten seconds. Sure you can do that with a video camera, but being able to do it with your dSLR, in HD, and without missing a step of the other shooting…
