cheapest way to attach SLR lenses to a camcorder?

[Dooms_day]

i kinda want depth of field in my videos, but am iffy about buying the 5dmk2 yet, although that would solve my problems...

ive seen people with these huge boxes around their canon HD camcorders that hold up like 5 diferent adapters that all contribute to holding a 50mm prime on the end, what are the pricing options for a setup like this? :D

if its cheaper than the 5d2 i am definately going about purchasing it, but if its not...i can get into the modeling business with those 21MP! :p

[CyberDyneSystems]

The Canon XL series of camcorders have a specific adapter to mount EF lenses.
Is this what your thinking of?

Be aware that the X-Factor on a Camcorder is in the neighborhood of 5-7x!

ie, a 100mm lens on a Canon XLs offers the FOV of a 700mm lens on a 35mm camera, (or there about)

[Dooms_day]

yes that's exactly what im talking about but im looking for something HD, and the XL series is prety expensive to get into, heres a link that might give you an idea: http://www.filmstarrentals.com/images/hd_handycam_pg3.jpg

its an extreme example, i cant remember the forum i was on, but it was all about DoF in video cameras

[Matthew Craggs]

Head to Google and search for Brevis and Letus. They are the manufacturers of these adapters.

Keep in mind that you're going to need some rails to support the weight of the lens and adapter as well, unless you have a small camera like a Canon HV20/30/40.

Unfortunately, they are not cheap. Once you get into a camcorder, rails, and adapter, you're pretty much at the cost of a 5DMk2.

That being said, Google will also bring you to a lot of DIY tutorials, like this one here: http://www.jetsetmodels.info/tutorials.htm

[Dooms_day]

thank you that is precisely what i was after, i was afraid it would cost more than the 5d2 but im also exited because now i will just have to invest in one now aren't i?

[Trey T]

XL can be adapted w/ 35mm lens but your sensor is limiting the DoF.

If I were to invest in adapter, I would go w/ Letus. single module and it gives a sharp image and the crop-factor would be about 1.6x. Much wider FoV than Redrock. experienced w/ both, and Letus is better.