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It seems like personal electronics are moving towards a point where we have one gadget that does everything, and there is no better example of this than the modern cell phone. It is hard to even call them cell phones anymore since they are more like handheld computers that can fit in your pocket.

I was thinking about this because lately the biggest development in new digital cameras is to integrate HD video and still capability into one product. It is true that point-and-shoot cameras have had the ability to shoot short video clips for quite some time now, but recently DSLR manufacturers have been developing new camera models that take this integration of photos and video to a whole new level.

Starting with the Nikon D90 a number of DSLR cameras now have the ability to shoot HD video along with their unmatched still image quality. Canon shortly after took the lead in this field with the professional model Canon 5D mark II, and hasn’t relinquished that lead ever since. In fact with the release of the Canon 7D last fall they have taken this type of camera to a whole new level of integrating high quality HD video with the ability to capture the best possible still images.

There are a number of advantages to shooting video with a DSLR still camera, and the biggest advantage in my mind is that the sensor is significantly larger than the sensor on a point-and-shoot camera or a camcorder. A larger sensor will produce much better quality photos and video, and will also allow you to shoot both in much less light. The next advantage I see is that with a camcorder you are limited to the lens that the manufacturer puts on the camcorder (unless you have the money for a true professional camcorder), while with a DSLR you have the ability to pick and choose the lens that works best for your needs.

Some people are referring to this new type of DSLR as a VSLR, and this type of camera was initially released in advanced amateur and professional level models. Manufacturers have seen the need for this type of camera with the typical user, and in the last year have released a number of entry level VSLR cameras that incorporate HD video in a more affordable body. A good example of this is the new Canon Rebel T2i that was recently released, which unlike most other entry level VSLR camera this camera captures true 1080p in multiple frame rates.

I can see this type of product being invaluable to a family that wants to capture stills and videos of their family and friends. Most families might first look at the price of even an entry level VSLR as out of their budget, but if you combine the price of a medium level point-and-shoot camera with the price of an average camcorder you come very close to the cost of one of these cameras.

In the end it’s your vision and dedication that matters, but the right tools do make a difference!