When I was asked to research video cameras for an upcoming office purchase, I was surprised to discover how far DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras have come since the first fully digital SLR camera was introduced by Kodak in 1991. Their 1.3 mega-pixel DCS-100, was only available to professionals at a cost of $30,000! Over the next nine years a number of companies began developing their own DSLR cameras. In January of 2000, Fujifilm introduced the FinePix S1 Pro, the first DSLR camera marketed to the non-professional. It was the beginning of the end for the 35 mm market. Shortly thereafter, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic and others began releasing DSLR cameras with higher resolution and lower prices. In 2003 Canon's 6.3 mega-pixel EOS 300D SLR, commonly known as the Digital Rebel was introduced to the consumer market at $999. Other manufacturer's encouraged by it's popularity, stepped up production of affordable digital SLR cameras allowing greater numbers of amateur photographers to make DSLR purchases. More innovation quickly followed. In 2004, as Kodak ceased production of film cameras, Konica Minolta released the Maxxum 7D, the first DSLR camera to include in-body image stabilization. The following year Canon and Nikon unveiled competing full-frame digital SLR cameras priced for consumers. By 2008, the stage was set for the next big advancement-HD video. Nikon delivered the first HDSLR with the D90, capturing video at 720p24 (1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames/sec.). Not to be outdone, Canon quickly released the competing EOS 5D Mark II, capturing video at 1080p30(1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 frames/sec.). By 2009, consumer versions of both cameras hit the market. Virtually every DSLR camera produced after that would have HD video capability. For the professional (and amateur) movie maker there are now a number of HDSLR cameras that can shoot in standard/broadcast compliant resolution and frame rates. This includes the Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon EOS 60D, Canon Rebel T3i and Nikon D5100 among others. For the beginner, Sony, Pentax and Olympus offer entry level HDSLR cameras. For those wanting something slightly different, Canon EOS Rebel T3i vs Nikon D5100, Panasonic has developed a Micro 4/3 camera, the Lumix GH2. It looks and operates the same as a DSLR camera with one difference. DSLR cameras use a moveable mirror as part of the image sensor whereas the Lumix GH2 uses a solid state chip. What does that mean? Well, DSLR cameras seem to have the advantage when it comes to still photos, but Micro 4/3 cameras may have better video quality. Also, the GH2 has an important feature DSLR cameras do not- it never overheats. DSLR cameras can only shoot video for about 10-12 minutes before they overheat and must be shut off to cool. The GH2 will stay cool and can shoot video until the battery goes dead or it runs out of memory.