Tricked-Out Canon 7D
Olympus SLR
Removable Lenses
35mm single lens reflex cameras (cameras with the ability to look through a removable lens in the viewfinder) arrived in the 1930's. It wasn't until 1986 that a digital SLR (DSLR) camera appeared.
Kodak DCS-100 Camera Back
Digital Arrives
The Kodak DCS-100 attached to a Nikon F3, giving the user the ability to take 1.3 megapixel digital images. Soon after digital sensors became integrated into the camera, and technological innovation took over.
Nikon D90
Nikon Introduces Video
While image megapixel counts skyrocketed, it wasn't until the Nikon D90 in 2008 that DSLRs were able to capture video. While the D90's video capabilities were rudamentary, the revolution had been started.
Canon 5D Mark II at a sporting event
In 2009, Canon released the EOS 5D Mark II, capturing the attention of amateur and professional filmmakers across the globe. With stunning light sensitivity, 1080p resolution and manual controls, the 5D has since been used to film various short films and most recently the season six finale of House MD. It even prompted the creation of a thriving aftermarket of filmmaking accessories for HD DSLRs. It's truly an exciting time to be an amateur filmmaker with such quality available in a hand-held camera.