DSLR Video Revolution
Overview
The convergence of still photography and video recording in DSLR cameras fundamentally transformed underwater imaging beginning in late 2008. For the first time, photographers could capture professional-quality stills and HD video with a single camera body in a single housing — eliminating the need to choose between a still camera system and a dedicated video rig.
Key milestones
2008: The beginning
- August 2008: Nikon D90 announced as the first DSLR with video recording (720p). While limited, it proved the concept was viable. ([1])
- September 2008: Canon EOS 5D Mark II announced with 21MP full-frame sensor and 1080p Full HD video — the true catalyst for the revolution. ([2])
- August 2008: Olympus and Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds standard; Eric Cheng calls it a potential “Nikonos V replacement.” ([3])
2009: Rapid adoption
- May 2009: First known underwater video shot with Canon 5D Mark II by Fergus Kennedy in Egyptian Red Sea. ([4])
- May 2009: Canon releases 5D Mark II firmware adding manual video exposure controls — resolves the biggest criticism. ([5])
- May 2009: Panasonic DMC-GH1 released with full manual HD video controls — Drew Wong coins the term “ViDSLR” on Wetpixel. ([6])
- 2009: Six+ housing manufacturers release Canon 5D Mark II housings, making it the most-housed hybrid camera.
Impact on underwater photography
The DSLR video revolution:
- Eliminated the need for separate still and video systems
- Made cinematic-quality video accessible to still photographers
- Created demand for video lights, monitors, and hybrid housing features
- Accelerated the decline of dedicated consumer video cameras underwater
- Preceded and enabled the later mirrorless revolution
Predecessors
Before DSLRs gained video capability, HD video underwater required dedicated camcorders from Sony, Canon, and Panasonic in specialized video housings from Gates, Light & Motion, Amphibico, and others. This market thrived from 2005–2009 with products like the Sony FX1/Z1U, Canon HV10/XH G1, and Sony PMW-EX1.
References
Sources
- Wetpixel article, Aug 29, 2008: Nikon Announces D90 Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Sep 17, 2008: Canon Announces Eos 5d Mark Ii Slr ↩
- Wetpixel article, Aug 5, 2008: Olympus And Panasonic Announce Micro Four Thirds ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 13, 2009: Underwater Video Taken With The Canon 5d Mk Ii ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 27, 2009: Canon 5d Mark Ii Gets Manual Exposure Controls In Firmware Update1 ↩
- Wetpixel article, May 21, 2009: Panasonic Dmc Gh1 Continues The Vidslr Revolution ↩
- Nikon D90 announcement (article) ↩
- Canon 5D Mark II announcement (article) ↩
- Micro Four Thirds announcement (article) ↩
- First UW 5D MkII video (article) ↩
- Panasonic GH1 “ViDSLR” (article) ↩