<p>Digital single-lens reflex cameras are popular among professionals for a reason; they are ideal tools for serious photographers. However, with the word along the grapevine of the communications industry confirming an increased emphasis in multimedia packages, perhaps the camera manufacturers have to step it up.</p>
<p>This certainly seems to be the case, as Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic, all huge names in the DSLR business, are doing just that. A feature first utilized on Nikon's D90 (announced August 2008) and criticized by some sources as unrefined, more and more companies are following suit. Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, Olympus's E-P1, and Panasonic's Lumix GH1 models have all been recently advertised as featuring HD video capabilities. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the first to record in 1080p, and reportedly looks stunning.</p>
<p>However, neither the flagship model for Nikon nor Canon, both seen by professionals as the leading two competitors for the top spot in camera-making, supports HD video recording. While not necessarily a negative point, if the companies want to push HD recording in their products (and make boatloads of money doing it), why not include it on the models that sell for $8,000, like Nikon's D3X, as opposed to $2,300, like Canon's EOS 5D Mark II?</p>