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There are now many device, and soon many cameras, that record GPS data. Do you utilize GPS data in your photography? If you do how does it help in your work? If not, would you consider using it if you knew there were easy, viable ways to automatically track location using software?

Submitted by Editor



Briefly comment on how you use GPS data in your photography, or how you might use it if you had the gear and software.
Choose One	Yes, I use GPS now.  No, I have never used GPS data and am really not interested.  I need to learn more about it.
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Video has become a standard feature on many new D-SLR cameras. Does inclusion of this feature sway you towards a D-SLR over anther that lacks it?

Submitted by Editor, May 14 2009



Please comment briefly on your thoughts on video and still combination D-SLR cameras.

Yes, I really like the convenience of having video in my D-SLR.: 17%
No, I could care less about video in my still camera. : 67%
Maybe, but price and overall performance features would be more important to me. : 15%



I shoot weddings. I have long wanted to be able to offer my customers short video clips along with their still images when they order DVDs or other multi-media capable products, but I simply refused to carry a camcorder in addition to my cameras. Camcorders that also shot stills never lived up to the hype, in large part due to the much smaller imaging chips used in them. Now cameras, with their huge chip, that can produce 3, 5, 10 minutes or more of live action video clips just makes a lot more sense. My next DSLR upgrade will have this feature. It's a done deal.
—*Donnie G.*

I am thankful that my camera has a video feature. I can take photos and video easily using the same camera.
—*Jessica B.*

I have a Canon 5D Mark II and really like the video feature. And, with the firmware update just announced (6/1/09) it will be even more useful.
—*Bob Sutton*

It all started with the ability to shoot a short little video on a P&S, and that was kind of a neat feature. Then cell phones had that capability as well - which is ok. However, I believe that Nikon, Canon, et al, added this to their DSLR's just to get to the segment of the consumer market that likes that sort of thing. I suppose it was a good marketing idea. But being a professional videographer as well as a photographer, I believe that on a pro level (and for the staunch purist photographer out there) I'd rather keep the two formats separate.
—*Pete Ramondetta*

Having said no I have two (Canon 5D MkII and Canon T1i) The performance of either falls short of even a poor quality(small sensor-cheapie lens)movie camera. Maybe an occassion will occur when one is pressed into service as a movie camera but it hasn't happened yet.
—*Lawrence Beasley*

I can photograph some things that can only be truly appreciated by using video, so I can imagine using it sometimes. Most things can be better appreciated by being captured at a moment of time stilled by a photograph for further inspection of detail. The only thing most people hate more than having their photo taken is to appear in a video.
—*Les Martzall*

I would rather the companies concentrate on expanding dynamic range, lowering noise without losing sharpness, and other general performance upgrades. If I want video, I'll bring my HD video camera along. I have alot more control with it.
—*Jim Little*

I prefer more power in the DSLR. If I need video I would use a cam-corder of some type. Simpler is better!!!!
—*Daniel R.*

I really don't care about mixing video with still. I think each is designed for specific purpose. Combining video and still photography is seemingly a sales gimic and won't give the best of either. No one camera can do it all as no one lens can do it all.
—*J. McEwen*

After abandoning my broken S1IS, I quickly bought the new XSi, which I sold after 9 months to get the new T1i, to get HDMI along with HDvideo. HDMI allows stunning slide shows and I can use the same camera for video.
—*Gary K.*

By the way...the expression is "I COULDN'T care less...!" But anyway, if I want to shoot movies then I'll get a camcorder. I'm a photographer, that means I take photos!
—*R. Johnson*

I want a camera that takes good stills. If I want to do video I will get a dedicated video camera.
—*M. K. Coffman*

I have the new 5D MarkII and have yet to see how to use this feature.
—*Sharon Geigel*

If I want video I use my camcorder. I want a reasonably priced camera that has features that will allow me to take better photos.
—*Ron Slauson*

I feel camera (D-SLR) manufacturers should concentrate on high quality still images! They should not search for features for the sake of more features.
—*Sam Ostrander*

Yes, because I am a filmmaker AND a photographer. It would be great to use the same high quality lenses for both kinds of shooting. It's also VERY expensive and difficult to get high quality, shallow depth of field images in HD video with regular HD cameras and their tiny sensors. DSLRs with HD represent an amazing breakthrough in quality for filmmakers. I shoot Pentax and am ready to buy a Pentax K7 because of the HD shooting. I only wish DSLR makers would fix two things -- solve the "rolling shutter" issue and provide switchable 24-frames-per-second and 30-frames-per-second video. Real film making is done at 24-frames-per-second.
—*David W. Scott*

I don't need video. That expence should go to the still DSLR.
—*Tom Bryant*

Not for me. Adds complexity which usually affects reliability and performance. I still believe in the KISS priciple.
—*Allen Harry*

Most still photographers I know do not shoot videos, and I know that if I ever became interested in video, I would not compromise; I would buy a decent single purpose video camera.
—*fotospinner*

35mm is camera is a camera not Video camera, I could understand a video camera being able to take single shots but leave the 35mm camera alone !!!!!
—*Lauren MacIntosh*

Price is a consideration but not video. It does not work very well anyway. I have a separate video camera for that purpose.
—*James Lewicki*

If I wanted video, I'd buy a HD capable video camera. I choose to use my Nikon only for digital still photos, nothing more.
—*Carl Parker*

Still Photography is still phptography and video is moving picture. It would seem if a person was into one or the other more than he/she would have a camera or a video camera. Just my opinion.
—*Tim Atkins*

Still capture image quality is #1 for me. Low noise in low light is also more important to me than video. Video is a nice bonus and will probably continue to be added to more and more Digital cameras in the near future.
—*Oregon Jeff*

I've done both film and stills. It's two different arts, requiring two different mindsets and philosophies.
—*John Mann*

If I wanted a movie camera I would but one! Combos almost always compromise on some features, either give me a camera or a movie (video) camera.
—*Ray Fish*

I would much prefer the engineering and cost be put to improving the photo capabilities of a camera rather than adding video. I am not anti-video, but I would buy a video camera for that. I want the best quality and features for my camera for taking photographs.
—*Mark Brown*

What do an SLR and a video camera have in common? When do still photographers need a video camera?
—*Ed Cohen*

I don't do video, and I don't use my phone to take pictures. We need to reexamine what it is we need our toys to do.
—*Robert*

Video and phone service should be left off DSLR cameras of quality. It is good to have nine- or ten-frame exposures that capture limited motion -- in separate clear stills! -- but anything more makes no sense.
—*Bill Eger*

I'd rather the money and design considerations be allocated solely to stills. If i wanted to do video I'd buy a video camera.
—*John*

Combinations rarely, if at all, live up to a stand alone componant.
—*John Van Proeyen*

If I want to shot video I will buy a video camera, keep the 2 seperate!
—*Rick*

Recently bought a camera with this feature and I considered it a toy-an add-on I will likely never use.
—*Richard B. Whiting*

A long time ago, I was told that, if I keep at it, someday my photography could be half as good as Ansel Adams. No has ever dared to compare me to Spielberg, Lucas, et al.
—*William Huebsch*

I would rather see a full frame DSLR in the 10-15MP range with low noise at higher ISOs for under $1000. If I wanted video I'd buy a video camera.
—*Steven Everhart*

I do not want to pay for this feature. The D90 is so high because of this. Make the body stronger and more megabities. If I want viedo I will buy a viedo camera.
—*Debbie*

Only reason to get this addition is to be a paparazzo and chase Britney Spears around town. It may be a great idea for tourist shots, but series shooters, I think, want serious equipment. It may help the paps who like to peddle their ambushes to stalker video outlets. The unsuspecting victims might only think they are being nabbed by a still camera. If they knew there was a videographer afoot, he would get a punch in the nose.
—*Frank Swertlow*

I didn't buy my DSLR for a video camera. Its more crap added that is not needed for a DSLR.
—*John C. Driskill*

I believe once perfected a video in an D-SLR would be great but as for now I'll wait for a better video system in my brand of camera. Cost is also a factor, too high and I'd rather go without.
—*Rex Jordan*

If I wanted video I would purchase a video camera. I would rather have other features such as a mirror lock-up button ON my D-SLR instead.
—*John English*

Continue making excellent SLR Cameras and Video Cameras but keep them separate.
—*Andrew Parisi*

I would like manufactures to concentrate on making good still image cameras with less bells and whistles and better performance. Less megapixels, no video, weather proof, longer battery life, better low light performance, better dynamic range, durability, better autofocus. Those are things I want in my camera.
—*David*

Video is a plus but not the main feature; other camrea enhancements are much more important to me. If I wanted video, I buy a camcorder.
—*Robert Bua*

I have a Canon 5D Mark II, which has the video. I doubt if I will ever use it. I got the camera because I'm interested in quality still pix.
—*Harry Boyd*

If I want video, I'll use a video camera. Adding video functionality only increases the price for a less than optimal capability.
—*Ed B.*

For the same reason I prefer a cell phone and an iPod as separate devices, I want my SLR and my video camera to be separate. I really want the manufacturers to focus on doing their primary job extremely well instead of tossing in additional functionality.
—*Jim*

The video just drives the price up for unwanted "features". I was set to buy a Nikon D90 last year but when the camera was introduced and had the video and a higher price than I wanted to pay I just decided to stick with my D70s. When will manufactures learn that a new model should be a significant up grade to the previous camera, not a place to load up on useless features. PS: I do not own a an iPod. My old Mackintosh sounds just great.
—*R.D. Firkins*

Never been interested in video. Still not. Better to target still cameras for still photography and video cameras for video.
—*Bill Lindner*

I have a point and shoot Koday Z812IS with video and find it very convienent. I have been looking at D-SLR and must admit I like the video feature on some and it could effect my decision.
—*Ralph*

Does not interest me at all.
—*John Frenzel*

Just a die-hard still camera buff. Those are two distinct fields and should remain separate.
—*Jonathan*

I am an amateur and would like the option of still or video without carrying two cameras.
—*D Hopkins*

The future of the digital image is not in the print, but in the multimedia presentation on the TV, wed, or phone. The brief video with slide presentation is a perfect melding of the digital image world of the future.
—*Steve Petro*

Just don't care for the combination and it is a turn off for me. Would probably have the D-90 if it didn't have both.
—*Ron*

It is a feature that I would never use that only serves to drive up the initial cost of the camera.
—*Steve M.*

When I go out on a shoot or I am taking photos for personal use, I will take anywhere from 800 to 1500 in about three days - I dont want video stealing space from my DSLR!
—*S. Stottmann*

Dump the video capability and lower the cost of the DSLRs or make the same model with and without video. Lower the cost of the model without video and let public have that choice.
—*Dan Bitar, Sr.*

I have always liked the "decisive moment" in terms of a creative process. Video hardly seems like creative photography to me.
—*Dave Hammond*

I am a Still Photographer. If I wish to take Video, I will use a Professional Video Camera. The added price for Video in a still camera, may steer me away from product.
—*Boyd van der Laan*

Fascination for all the weekend warriors at weddings with above average cameras but in my opinion the video's "junk" video.
—*Rich Allison*

Put geotagging capability in instead - if you want video, use a camcorder.
—*John*

To me a photograph is capturing an image at a moment of time and being able to study it and enjoy it forever. If I want videos I would by a video camera designed to take only videos.
—*Bruce Roller*

I have a Nikon D90 and have never used the video option.
—*Jerry Guba*

I fear the video aspect of a still camera will have as many shortcomings as the still photo aspect of a video camera. The price of very decent video camera is so low at this point I vote for separate entities for any one taking more than point and shoot photos.
—*Peter A*

I think this is a gimmick to get people that would not otherwise buy a DSLR to jump into the market.
—*Bob*

For me other factors are much more important than video such as widening the density range that camera can take or improving the signal/noise ratio in high ISO settings.
—*Claude Humeau*

I don't want to pay more for a more complex product than I need. I want maximum quality still images in my DSLR's.
—*Ed Castlberry*

If it is a good feature, you wouldn't have to buy an expensive video camera.
—*Ronald McCullah*

If i want to take video, i would use a video camera. It provides longer filming time and better picture quality.
—*Nick*

A DSLR with video capability would steer me away from choosing that camera. I'm a still photographer. If I wanted to do video I'd purchase a video camera. I don't like having a lot of features I will never use packed into a camera that I use for a particular purpose. I feel this detracts rather than adds to the camera's functionality and I don't like having to pay for features I don't want. This goes for other features such as GPS as well.
—*David*

I shoot Canon and would wish they would not include it in their system and reduce the price of the camera.
—*Bob Humphrey*

I wouldn't avoid a DLSR with video capability, but in all probability it would not get used.
—*C. Kelley*

For me, video in a D-SLR smacks too much of sales candy. I'd prefer my still camera without gimmicks but with great glass and ergonomics.
—*Tracy Deichmann*

I would probably do the opposite - shy away from a camera that has video. The last thing I need is another post-production workflow sequence to worry about.
—*Bob Brown*

I chose to be a photographer, not a videographer.
—*Tom D.*

I will choose my next D-SLR (soon) based on whether it also takes video. Presently I carry a 2nd pocket-sized compact digital camera for its video capabilities. I don't use the feature regularly, but want the feature available when the situation presents itself.
—*Joe Crozet*

I prefer quality over convenience. Therefore, I use a video camera for video and D-SLR for photos.
—*Michael Watts*

Not much interested in video in my D-SLR. I like to have the correct tool for the job at hand, if it requires video I will use that camera.
—*Carl*

I take photographs, I have no need of the video feature.
—*Bill Porter*

Don't waste my money & resources on viedo. If I want to shoot viedo I'll buy a veido camera. All thest useless features are costing me money that I'd rather not spend.
—*Mike Stelmack*

I do not and will not buy a camera with "built-in-video". If I want a video camera , I'll buy one- separately !
—*Billy Payne*

This is not a yes or no question. It depends on your position in photography. For the casual photographer it may be a nice addition. As a working pro whose only business is aerial photography I no need for it. However, it will not be a suprise if it works it's way in my world in the future.
—*D. Lynn Justis*

This technology adds unnecessary cost and possible weight to a camera - a big detraction in my opinion.
—*Charlie Wallace*

For the purchase my first DSLR a couple of months ago, my wife was glad to see the feature when I bought a Nikon D-90. But I bought the camera b/c I thought its other features would make a great step up between amateur and potential professional. (But I still won't stop taking pictures and videos of our kiddoes on outings though!)
—*Joe*

With the addition of video clips for stock imaging, I see a great advantage to having this feature on my DSLR.
—*Wendy*

Put the money, for better quality elswhere in the camera.
—*Kevin DeHaan*

Save the video for the point and shoots. If i am going to buy a D-SLR, still photos are what I'm after.
—*George F.*

As an amateur photographer who started with a NIKKORMAT FT in 1967 struggling with F-stops, apertures and manual focusing, digital photography, while revolutionary, has taken away some of the challenge and satisfaction that I used to derive from "the hunt". To me, photography is still photography and I have little use for video. It is time-consuming to watch and it becomes voluminous to store.
—*Steve S.*

I recently purchased a Canon 5D mark II to use as a still camera only I have a video camera for shooting videos the camera has limited shooting time which requires more editing time plus it uses a lot of memory cards. But as a still camera I'm in love
—*W.L. Freeman Jr*

Having used my D90 for several months now, I have never used the video capabilities. I doubt that I will.
—*Wayne Winter*

I would much rather have more still features for the price rather than video capture. The video capture isn't that great anyway. I will use my video camera if I want to record video.
—*Jeremy Wallace*

I prefer to have 2 seprate cameras for still and video. I am not in favor of an all in one.
—*Monica Jo*

I own 2 D-SLR's. Cameras 1 the is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W200 12.1-Megapixel Pocket Camera. And the other is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H50 Black Digital Camera I love them both.
—*Bill*

I you want to shoot video, buy a video camera.
—*BigMo007*

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