The letters HD in the camera we've been calling an HDSLR do not stand for high definition; an HDSLR is a Hybrid Digital Lens Reflex Camera. The hybrid was added because these DSLRs were very special. Not only do they take amazing still pictures, but since Nikon's release of the D90, they now shoot incredible video. As with everything hybrid, there are pros and cons to using a camera originally made for shooting still pictures as a video camera.

The first and biggest advantage to using an HDSLR is the ability to change the lens . Being able to use a choice of lenses that changes upon the situation or the shot has been a hallmark of all professional filmmaking. Additionally, some of these cameras are able to shoot in full HD at 1920 x 1080 with your choice of frame rates from the standard 24p, 25p, and 30p. Some also allow you to shoot in 1280 x 720 at 50p or 60p. Although the first DSLR that could shoot video was introduced by Nikon in 2008 with the D90, HDSLRs didn't immediately catch on as video cameras. By 2010, however, film and television productions began embracing HDSLRs as a viable alternative to their 35mm film format. In fact, the seventh season of FOX's House was shot using a Canon 5D Mark II HDSLR camera.

Pros

Sensor Size - One of the best news about choosing to shoot video using an HDSLR is their sensor size. Compared to compact video cameras, an HDSLR has a sensor that can be significantly larger. This larger sensor size improves the signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in a much cleaner image.

Interchangeable Lenses - One of the biggest restrictions of most camcorders is their fixed lens system, preventing the ability to change lenses. A lot of camcorders come with very good lenses, but they lack that all important depth of field ability that good lenses allow you to capture. They also don't give you choices of a better zoom lens or a macro lens for when you want to record your favorite butterfly landing on a leaf shot. Also, interchangeable lenses give you the ability to shoot in lower light since many prime lenses can achieve f-stops as low as 1.2.

Dual Purpose - These HDSLRs are indeed chameleons. They take stunning still pictures and video, and in some cases 1080p video just as well. So now, you no longer have to carry around two cameras to do both. Lugging around multiple cameras with multiple batteries can be a hassle. There are always moments when you have your still camera with you, but wish you could capture a quick short movie or times when you're lugging your video camera when you wish you could take a quality still photo.

Price - Getting a great still camera as well as great video camera sounds like it would cost a lot. To most people's surprise it doesn't. Compared to the standard prices of camcorders, a DSLR holds its own. Being digital you don't have to worry about buying film either, just make sure you have enough of those inexpensive memory cards.

Well Built - Many of these HDSLRs, such as the Canon EOS 1 series cameras, are weather-sealed making them great when you need to shoot in rain or snow (however, you should always aim to keep your camera dry). Others, such as the Nikon D3S, are sometimes compared to a tank because of their in-the-field durability. These cameras can take a pounding and still be reliable.

Cons

Limited Video Recording Time - DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as well as the Nikon D7000 are just a couple of examples of great quality DSLRs that limit your continuous recording time. We have all seen home movies or semi professional videos where the scene seems to go on forever. Rarely do you see long, drawn-out scenes in professional productions, aside from a documentary or interview. So a limited record time means more pre-planning before pressing that record button.

The Build - We know size was listed already as a positive attribute to these cameras, but it works both ways. The build of an HDSLR is typically made for a user who is shooting a single still shot, and not for someone who might be shooting long scenes. HDSLRs aren't ergonomic for video shooting and are harder to hold steady for any length of time. Most users are shooting with a variety of steadying devices like tripods or hand-held stabilizers designed to compensate for HDSLR shooting.

Audio - Since HDSLRs first mission is to capture still images, they are often lacking in options for capturing audio recording. Some HDSLR models also won't record in stereo. There are no XLR inputs for microphones on these cameras, only 1/8-inch inputs, so many users are relying on separate audio recording devices to capture their sound. See our Audio for HDSLRs article for more on audio capturing tips for HDSLRs. Some cameras have auto gain control (AGC), which results in audio that ends up being high and low with little consistency. The AGC problem is no longer an issue on some cameras due to updates, and with the popularity of HDSLRs growing rapidly for video recording, these issues will be addressed in either firmware or hardware upgrades in the near future. You are already seeing more video friendly, less expensive HDSLRs coming on the market. Clearly the advantages these DSLR or HDSLRs have are attracting consumers as well as professionals.