Re: DSLR + HD VIDEO - which one to choose?

Gareth,

I think you're missing the main point of my post.

The reason the 5d Mk ii is so hot right now, is that a whole professional video ECOLOGY is developing around it. This ecology started with folks who just wanted a full-frame 35mm size sensor and the ability to shoot 1920 x 1080 30fps video for under $3500. And yes, there were significant compromises at first between the 5d and a video camera workflow. You mentioned the inability to adjust focus and exposure as two big ones. BUT those aspects were specifically FIXED in a new firmware upgrade about a month ago - precisely because CANON saw what users wanted to do with this particular "still camera" and RESPONDED to that.

Now accessory makers are scrambling to market with everything from mechanical shoulder rigs, to enhanced viewfinders and matte boxes - precisely because they've realized that the market is seeing this as much as a VIDEO tool - as the STILL image tool it was originally designed as.

To me it's reminiscent of how folks started using Hi-8 or DV camcorders for business videos back when business video meant shooting on Beta SP. Or how the early guys said a Laserwriter wasn't good enough for typesetting - you needed a Linotronic to set quality type. Nobody listened to that segment and people used the tools they could afford and made a LOT of money while the late adopters dragged their feet and kept holding on to the traditions.

Things are changing faster than ever.

In my experience, shooting video on a 35mm full frame inexpensive camera is FUN. And I was missing some of the fun of this business. I've owned a LOT of video cameras over my career. Now I'm excited to make video on something different.

YMMV, of course.