By Niclas Mika
AMSTERDAM, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Watch a video recorded by an average digital photo camera on a big-screen television, and you're often in for a disappointment -- grainy, jerky, and poor sound to boot.
Camera makers such as Nikon Corp <7731.T> and Canon Inc <7751.T> are trying to change this by adding high-definition video capabilities to their digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.
While the new DSLR cameras lack some crucial features of a camcorder, they have chips for large, high-resolution imaging and can shoot video that looks good on a large TV screen. They also allow videographers to pick from a wide variety of lenses from fisheye to telephoto.
Some recent DSLR models that offer high-definition (HD) video include Nikon's D90 and Canon's 5D Mark II. Manufacturers such as Fujifilm <4901.T> are also offering compact cameras with HD video.
Ambitious amateur photographers have long been attracted to DSLR cameras, which -- although bulkier than compact cameras -- offer more flexibility with interchangeable lenses and higher degree of control over the technical aspects of taking a picture.
Photographers can, for instance, manipulate the so-called depth of field, keeping only the subject in focus before a hazy background, or choose a shutter speed that slightly blurs a moving object to show motion.
Some of these techniques translate well to shooting video.
A Nikon D90 is capable of effects that are hard to re-create with consumer-grade video cameras, such as shifting focus from an object close to the camera to one further away while filming.
In other respects, however, it is no threat to camcorders. The D90's auto-focus does not work while filming, zoom is manual and the built-in microphone is mono only.
Canon offers a compromise in the form of a compact camera, the PowerShot SX1 IS. It also shoots HD video, records stereo sound and offers a power zoom, but lacks the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
The Powershot sells for about 550 euros ($750) in Europe, while Nikon's D90 costs about 1,000 euros with a multipurpose lens. Canon's 5D Mark II tops the list at around 2,500 euros without a lens.
Reviewing the D90's video capabilities, photographer Michael Reichmann on his website www.luminous-landscape.com said the D90 was no replacement for a camcorder.
"But, put it on a tripod, do all manual settings, add a terrific Nikon lens between fish eye and super telephoto, and you may have a useful add-on tool to the (independent) and creative film maker," he said.
Canon made a similar argument for its high-end DSLR.
"It's entirely possible that creative potential of EOS 5D Mark II will attract a new group of videographers, from students to professionals," a Canon spokeswoman said.
"The large, high resolution sensor, lens options, fine depth of field and low light performance of 5D Mark II mean that it could certainly provide a viable alternative for users who do not have the tens of thousands of pounds required to set up a functional 'high-end', file-based video workflow," she added.
But neither Nikon nor Canon see these cameras as a threat to camcorders made by Sony Corp <6758.T>, Panasonic Corp <6752.T> or Canon.
"We're not making traditional movie cameras. The Internet causes movies to change. Many customers just need a clip, a few minutes," Makoto Kimura, head of Nikon's imaging business, told Reuters.
To get an idea of what kind of movies professionals can produce with a camera as the Canon 5D, click on http://www.vimeo.com/2681050. ($1=.7318 Euro)