For conversation (and hopefully a break in the tension) purposes (and I'm bored), I know we have a few photographers here, and probably even more videographers (at least those into filming their hunts). Just curious for those whom do both. What do you prefer and why? I know the question is random, but I have my reasons (there are some things I'm developing for future curriculum, and these response may help).
Nope, just people who do both, or have experience in both fields. Curious to see which they prefer and why.
I'm not thrilled with the picture quality of the photos my camcorder takes, but it's nice to have the ability to snap a pic as well as film. If I'm looking to get a real decent pic, I usually pull a still from the video.
I don't consider myself a photographer, but I like taking pictures in the field. Just helps pass the time by and also I like taking a lot of harvest pictures hoping that I'll get some good ones. I also got into videoing my hunts this past fall. I think Videoing is more "rewarding" but it's frustrating at times. Having my two kills from this year on video makes them that much cooler to me though. I think I answered that how you wanted :D
I guess I do both. Which do I prefer.. I would say video-ing. But.. let me elaborate. I was once a paid photographer for like 6 years. I learned to hate what I so once loved. Even now.. years later.. I still cannot seem to get back into it.. so I'm probably of little help. They both have their pro's and con's really. I just prefer video these days for the added realism. The idea of capturing an entire hunt on film seems to thrill me more than that of just a fleeting moment within that hunt. But.. I do miss the romance a good image can capture. Like some of the images Vito can capture. Hard to duplicate that with the video camera and still keep a captive audience.
Mostly sports related images. Both studio.. and action shots for high schools.. park districts.. some smaller professional orgs. etc. Nothing exciting.. although I did travel around the country quite a bit.. which I do miss. But in those days.. I was lucky if I even got to hunt I worked so much.
I technically do both, but I do prefer the video side. Probably because I feel like I'm better at it. I'd like to be better at photography...but also I believe no matter how good you are it depends a lot on the equipment...and video is what I'm set up for.
Reason I'm asking. I currently teach an intro level Digital Photography class here at the high school level. The kids really take to it, and really enjoy the technical and creative side of things. For me, it's the thing I have the most experience with. I have a decent DSLR and decent lens with it, but with other hobbies and expenses, I haven't gotten around to purchasing anything else, but it suits me. That's what I enjoy about photography. The simplicity. I don't need thirteen different lenses, two bodies, wireless mics, filters, etc, to take great photos. All I need is a knowledge of my equipment and an eye for catching interesting perspectives. With that being said, I know the kids would love an introduction to video production course (Although we have two levels offered through our career and technical department). With the ever growing content-sharing era, it's now easier than ever to share media content, and I think video is gaining popularity amongst many people (heck look at how many guys video their own hunts). I personally feel that I should get a more solid background in the subject before attempting to write and develop a possible course or mini-unit. My problem? There seems to be a lot more requirements, both equipment wise, and time investment in the video format (which is maybe why so many find it so rewarding). I suppose, much like Photography, you can take it as far as you want to, and it's not necessarily a requirement to buy a $4k camera, wireless mics, filters, lenses, etc, to enter into it, but I usually like to invest in something that allows growth in the field. I also would love to film hunts, but since I hunt solo 100% of the time, I know I couldn't fully commit to splitting attention to both the camera and the hunt. So in a sense it's sort of a personal and professional dilemma. It's another avenue I would like to explore, but I'm not sure I'm ready to jump into the water fully, so to speak. Vito, come on now, where are you on this one? We all know you have the time to make a post
Right now, I prefer cinematography but I honestly think that photography is what I am best at. Right now I am excited about cinematography, writing with motion. I've always enjoyed writing and photography, and cinematography is a combination of the two. There's a lot more involved in cinematography than I first thought and it's cool to learn more about that kind of stuff. I love media so much that when I move back to Virginia at the end of the month, I am going to start my own media business. Doing both photography and video is a cool way to share with others the way you view the world.
In 2009 I bought a Sony Handycam because I wanted to video myself shooting a bear. Didn't see a bear that year but In 2010 I did and got the kill on video. Talk about cool stuff videoing yourself and watching the footage later. I've owned many, many cheap digital camera's but I got sick of buying one every other year It seemed so I went out and spent some cash on a good camera. I bought a Nikon D3000. I love taking good quality pictures of animals our group of hunters harvest. Pictures say a thousand words and you sure can't beat quality. Of the two which one do I like best? Neither. They each have there place In hunting for me. I need to sign up for a photography class and learn the tons of features my camera has so I can get those quality pics It's capable of.
Steve, if you ever have any questions regarding the photography side of things, feel free to fire a PM. I'm no expert, but I might be able to help here and there:D As for the video side of things, I'm not sure, aside from hunting videos, what I would video too much of. Rock, I, too, had considered starting a media company on the side. Part of the reason I feel I should dabble in videography some, as well.
Personally, I prefer photography. I feel that images can be absorbed much more quickly and be much more artistic in their simplicity than video can. I can look at an Ansel Adams photo for quite awhile without getting bored of it. On the other hand, I can get quite bored with most "artsy" videography work rather quickly. However, with today's DSLRs taking remarkable HD video and bringing professional-level videography within reach of most consumers there are some very interesting productions coming out. I will admit, I do enjoy watching those and having a DSLR that now takes videos, I'm intrigued by the possibilities. However, I'm still learning photography so for now I'm sticking with that as my favorite.
Funny you mention the DSLRs that take video (as most newer prosumer models today do). I've often been skeptical of that feature being included, but I could very easily upgrade my 30D body (or better yet, relegate that to secondary use) to something along the lines of a 7D, and have HD video recording available to play with in one unit. What body are you using?
I just got a Nikon D3100 that I upgraded from my first DSLR which was a Nikon D40 I picked up in 2007. It doesn't hold a candle to something like the 7D or Mark II when it comes to video, but still does a nice job. Its a whole different world than using a standard video camera, and there's a lot to learn.
Photography is something I'd really like to get more into.. I have a $200 point and shoot right now but I'd like to have a decent DSLR by next fall.
