I don't have a DSLR yet (though Im planning on it). I recently read an article in Filmmaker Magazine about people shooting films on these cameras. The consensus was that these cameras are what filmmakers have been waiting for. The shallow depth of field is what gives that film look.

The only downfall is that these cameras dont seem to have the stabilzer feature...so the image shakes if you just barely tough the camera.

My friends recently shot a TV commercial on the Mark V: http://thebuibrothers.com/blog/2009/07/the-first-us-tv-commercial-shot-on-a-canon-5d-mark-ii-part-1-jinx-clothing/

Basically, you'd be a pioneer and people will look to you for answers.

I shoot most of my videos now withe the Lumix GH1. I have found that the stabilizer works very well and considering that you can zoom and autofocus during your shoot it is a pleasure to use. One major advantage of the GH1 is that you can brace the camera against your face and look through the viewfinder while shooting, zooming, etc. This makes for a much much steadier platform rather than holding it away from you so you can see the rear LCD screen. I can't stress this enough.

The sound is great with the the built-in mic. Hear for yourself with some picture and sound shot under adverse coniditions. By the way, I always shoot alone, no assistant or sound person.

http://www.pineplainsviews.com/history/that-old-house

Please see my answer at http://videowtf.com/questions/95/digital-slr-that-records-hd-video/133#133

The short version:

• sound is not that good
• manual focus requires another person, or limits scenes that can be shot
• short duration caps places a limit on the kinds of situations you can record
• interchangeable lenses and good sensor makes for quality output

Summary judgment:

• probably not the best equipment for anyone trying to record video...
• ...unless you have no other equipment, have a team helping you, or really want to be a trailblazer and want to suffer through the limitations

I record all the videos in my videoblog with a Panasonic Lumix FX35, that records in HD720. Fantastic camera, but it is what it is: no microphone jack, no zoom while recording and some limitations. But very small and excellent video quality.