Best DSLR for Video on a budget

[Randalls]

I would like to shoot some short videos with a local band. For decent quality I was thinking of upgrading from my XTi to a DSLR that does video. The Canon store has a T3 refurb for $376 with 2 lenses. It does 720p and .mov files and has a longer battery life than the T3i. I would miss the swing out LCD and stereo input on an extrernal mic. I have the Tascam stereo recorder that was just on sale so I could drop in the sound when editing. Any other suggestions on which camera could get me decent video?

[anonymouse1]

From what i recall, the -i Canon SLRs are worth the extra money.

For what you want to do, you may do better with a deal on a dedicated video cam.

How much is the Nikon d3100 going for these days? Does it have the video capacity you want?

For what you want, these may be better:

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/94012/eb...efurbished

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/93722/eb...efurbished

[Ombligo]

I know several professionals using Panasonic Lumix dSLR's for video. They have said the quality is equal too or better than Nikon/Canon at a much lower cost.

They are at least worth investigating.

[Randalls]

Thanks for the heads up. Great price on the 3100 ($299) and I will check out the 3200 also, as well as the Panasonics. I have 2 point and shoot Lumix cameras in the family and they have always done a good job.

[pRICE cUBE]

The T2i and T3i can have the Magiclantern firmware added to give many more camcorder-like features.

I have read about the codec on the Panasonic GH1 and Gh2 being hacked to give higher quality results. I have actually been looking into this system until that Blackmagic pocketcamera was introduced but that is $999.

[DRR]

pRICE cUBE wrote:
The T2i and T3i can have the Magiclantern firmware added to give many more camcorder-like features.

I have read about the codec on the Panasonic GH1 and Gh2 being hacked to give higher quality results. I have actually been looking into this system until that Blackmagic pocketcamera was introduced but that is $999.

Agree, the T2i and T3i would be worth the extra upgrade price.

GH1 and GH2 likewise will give you better results than a 5DM2. I know a number of pros who went with the Panasonic setup versus the Canon.

Main question is, what kind of focus ability do you want. You'll need to step up in price range to get a DSLR that will focus while recording. If you plan on setting up a tripod, setting a shot, getting it in focus, and then recording (and then not moving the camera until you hit stop) then this isn't an issue. For example if you wanted a wide shot of the entire stage during a live performance. If you expect to be moving and zooming while recording, you'll need something that autofocuses while recording.

[DRR]

Honestly I would worry less about features and more about usability, and lighting. Are you filming dark clubs? A sunny outdoor venue? The latter is going to be much more forgiving. DSLRs can give you great picture quality but it comes at the expense of ease of use. You may want to borrow a DSLR that does video from a friend, so you can get a sense for how it works. In my experience it takes a lot of work to get good shots out of a DSLR.

[pRICE cUBE]

BTW, the Nikon D3100, D5000 do not have the ability to control exposure via manual mode for video. That was added in the D3200 and D5100.

[Randalls]

OK, appreciate the heads up on the details. I will check out various models before buying. We plan to shoot chapters with a variety of indoor and outdoor venues for both songs and interviews. Work arounds for fixed focus can be planned but it would be great to be able to pull focus and have manual adjustments as well as a wireless control. Thanks for the info everyone.