The Canon EOS 5D Mark II was officially announced this week. You can check out the wonderful specs and features of this cam from dpreview.com.

Image courtesy of dpreview.com

First Canon SLR to ever sport a video function as well. High-def too!

I’m not here to talk about the camera, though. I’m here to talk about the naysayers and the self-proclaimed “purists” in today’s digital photography era.

Currently, the Nikon D90 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II are the only two digital single-lens reflex (dSLR) cameras that offer video recording. It’s a great add-on to have for consumer cameras in my opinion, yet day in and day out, you read comments in forums on different parts of the world saying the same thing – “It’s just a gimmick!”, “Video should not be in serious photographic equipment”, “If I want video, I’ll get a video cam!”.

I have to say something then, IF YOU DON’T WANT IT, DON’T GET IT! Even if you do buy either of these two cameras and hate the video function, then DON’T USE THE VIDEO! It’s so simple yet they love to make a big deal out of it.

The funniest part would be the claim that “video isn’t for photographers”. Since when did being a photographer rob you from the right to shoot videos? Aren’t most video cameras from the 90s capable of capturing stills as well? Aren’t most digital point-and-shoot cameras capable of doing both as well? Since when did electronics have to follow the stigma of being “pure”?

It’s true that you won’t use it much, but do you use your camera in your cellphone often? Do you use your ABS from your car’s brakes often? The whole idea is “it’s there when you need it”.

Neither the D90 nor the 5D Mark II are “professional” line of cameras, they’re aimed for serious hobbyists that shoot most when they travel. People with DSLRs buy a second point-and-shoot for travel so that they can have both video and still images. Prosumer hybrid point-and-shoots like the Canon SxIS series, Panasonic FZ series, etc. sell like hotcakes even if their prices are closing in on entry-level DSLRs already – why? For the FLEXIBILITY and CONVENIENCE.

Now imagine having an EXCELLENT still camera and a decent, if not good, video camera in one body.

If you’re a traveller and taking good photos are part of a good vacation, wouldn’t you prefer to be carrying a DSLR over a point-and-shoot or a video camera that is mediocre for stills? Not only will your photo requirements be covered, you can shoot impromptu videos in high definition as well when the parade passes by.

If you have children and you attend their recital or sporting event, not only will your cam be able to shoot high quality action/low-light stills, you can record and video the moment when the audiences applaud your kid’s performance.

How can that NOT be a good thing to have in a camera?

It’s not as if the video mode robbed or sacrificed any capabilities from the camera, nor did the video add more weight that you have to carry, right?

The price of the new 5D Mark II is almost US$1,000 cheaper than the first EOS 5D during its release. Value-wise, you just got 50% more resolution, faster burst, better dynamic range and noise control, sensor cleaning, better LCD with Live View, HDMI output, HD movie, and a lot more – FOR LESS!

What are you whining about???