Processors

the only thing I was thinking of using the video for was perhaps setting it up pre-focused on a "honey trap" and recording the starlings "fighting" for position. I'm assuming the rules for depth of field are the same?

Yes I think so, at least in terms of the specific lens effects. We have to tell the camera though whether to use 'auto aperture' or 'fixed' - this applies to DA or FA or A series lenses where the camera can change the aperture. If we leave it on auto then the camera will adjust things as it goes, like P mode - for more creative control the 'fixed' would be best and dial in your choice before starting recording. Or with old manual lenses just set what you want on the aperture ring.

This is all set through the custom menus of course ....

Impromptu video can be shot quite happily on a compact. Serious video on a DSLR or anything else means, to me at least, film-making. That requires planning, shooting properly and then editing. If I was doing that I think I'd look at camcorders in the first instance.

Ken knows much more about this than any of us, so I'd quiz him about the subject.

I thinks thats to confuse the actual capturing and eventual output stages - it doesn't really matter what we intend to do with the recordings, if we want good quality, stable, creative HD video, then a DSLR is an excellent choice now, even for impromptu or 'home video' type shooting. Its going to be better than a compact even from a stability point of view - and we benefit from greater DR and exposure latitude with our larger DSLR sensors.

So people - switch to video mode and press record ... just don't forget all those important custom settings

3 good reasons not to bother

I did edit a "video" that Mrs Snap had shot, with a camcorder, of the Royal Visit to Alnwick a few years ago. This was subsequently shown to the ladies of the Newbiggin WI, most of whom appeared in it. It was reported that they thoroughly enjoyed it and it received a round of applause at the end.

Must, Restrain, Myself...

What is the crazy belief that video must solely be shot on traditional handy cam devices? Do you shoot all your stills on small sensor point and shoots? And everything at f22 so it's all constantly in focus? And you have to edit a DSLR clip but not anything else? etc etc

Practically all the same shot considerations as stills come into play with video. Composition, lighting, aperture, ISO, exposure, depth of field, focus etc So all the factors that drive you pick up a Pentax DSLR instead of a point and shoot compact or a cellphone nowadays applies to why you would opt for a DSLR over a traditional digital handycam device. Handycams came first but they've now been joined, and in some cases replaced, by newer technology that has recently become video capable.

Any video clip can be edited, or not; it's irrelevant how that video was captured. Clips from multiple sauces (:winkcan even be merged together.

DSLR's have unique abilities with regards to low light abilities and control over narrow depth of field, neither of which standard video handy cams are particularly capable in. Add to that the wide range of interchangeable lenses, and mechanical stabilisation (on some models) and you start to appreciate the appeal of using these devices for these creative tasks. Which are also the same benefits and strengths for DSLR's in stills work funnily enough...