Opinions on inexpensive DSLR's

[ericjkelly]

Hey friends!

So I need a little advice. I have been shooting photos on a Rebel XT which I have loved. I havent spent enough time learning all of the features but love what a novice can do.

I think I want to be able to also shoot video with a DSLR so I am thinking of a little upgrade. I am pondering the SL1, or T3I, maybe T5 or T5i.

Anyone have some initial thoughts? Do I scrap the idea and buy a $300 handheld camcorder? The SL1 is around $300 same with the T5.

Thoughts on video with a DSLR?

 

[Taylor Wright]

I experimented with my Nikon D3300 this year for video and did not like it. There's no stabilization, and the functionality of video on a DSLR is very low. The case may be different for Canon, but if you're interested in mainly video, I definitely would get a handheld with some sort of stabilizer in it. You can still take high quality stills from 1080p video as well. Stills are great, but video is much more fun to watch.

 

[Ethan Schisler]

I personally would buy a regular camcorder over using a DSLR for video. They can produce great sharp video, but even with the lens stabilization, a tripod is needed most times for optimal results. I've found that with a dedicated camcorder, you get much more steady and clear video. I purchased a Panasonic HC_VX870K 4k Camcorder last July and even without considering the 4k perspective of it, its much steadier and clear than I could ever shoot with my DSLR. I've also found in recent years that its fairly hard to shoot both photos and video and get prime results for both, so I tend to stick to either one or the other, typically photographs.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I bought a Nikon D3100 quite a few years ago during a Cyber Monday deal... I think I paid $1,000 back then but got a crap load with the bundle. The camera is great and really takes good photos. I think it could easily be used by pros - it is the lenses that really make a difference and many of them are going to be way more than the actual camera is in terms of cost.

 

[John Wetter]

Using a DSLR for video is "ok" in my opinion, but it isn't a great experience. I went to all DSLR with a Nikon D7100 and LOVE the camera, but don't like needing to switch back and forth from video to pictures, it's just too distracting for me.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Yeah if you are looking for video, stick with buying a camcorder. Use DSLR for photos or tripoded video, not for shoot-and-run chasing shots like we're so accustomed to.

 

[Nina Brady]

I got a Nikon D3300 a few months ago and I love it. In my opinion, it is the best entry level DSLR on the market currently. Its capabilities, features, and specs are far closer to mid-range DSLRs than any Canon in your price range. Lenses are more important than the body, so I would highly recommend getting the D3300 with the surprisingly good 18-55mm kit lens, and then buying a good wide angle lens, and then building your glass collection as you go. The video quality is pretty good on the D3300, but it's hard to find ANY DSLR that records great video, unless you're prepared to spend at least $1500 (realistically, much more) for the body. I prefer to use my iPhone 6s for video, because it records 4k, and then if I want to use different lenses or features, I use my D3300. If you plan to use a tripod, stabilization isn't an issue. And most of the newer D3300-compatible lenses have image stabilization (they call it vibration reduction) in them, even though the body itself doesn't have it. All in all, if all you want to do is shoot video, get a decent camcorder--try factory refurbished for the best deal. If you want to be able to shoot high-quality photos in addition to video, go with something like the D3300 and maybe a cheap used camcorder for situations in which you need a dedicated camcorder that's smaller and more manageable than the DSLR.

**Just thought of something else--have you looked into mirrorless at all? Those are actually pretty great for your purposes. Fujifilm, Sony, Olympus...they all have good options available.

 

[Brian Rose]

I would go with another video camera, the reason being you will have to get into the higher end DSLR that's geared to the video side Sony A7s, Canon 7DMarkII, Canon EOS 70D, Nikon D610, the Pentax K3 is a more affordable option for video from the DSLR platform.
I have been looking at the Canon Vixia HF R600 for this season for video, Panasonic V550 is in the same price range short of $300.00. A few more are the Canon Vixia HF G20, Sony HDR CX 240B and may be someday step up to more of a pro video camera like the Panasonic AG-DUX100 alot of camera for the money.
Hope this helps some and good luck with your purchase!

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

I've tried my dslr as handheld/mobile video. Yeah there's a video, but it's terrible. Tripod ok, but still not great. I've just started taking vid, so experimenting this season with other options. Well see. My Eads footage turned out ok, but dslr autofocus is sketchy (nikon d5200), so a lot was terrible focus or me trying to adjust.

I say if you want vid, go vid equipment.

 

[TJKLECKNER]

Yeah, I'm going with a camcorder over DSLR, hard part, finds a really nice one, under $500 with a manual focus knob.

 

[ericjkelly]

Thanks all for the advice. Its super helpful! Yea...now to find a good camcorder for under $300

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

Thanks all for the advice. Its super helpful! Yea...now to find a good camcorder for under $300

Ebay. I have not bought a camcorder new since 2007. Always great deals out there, especially if you dont rush it.

 

[Matt Hunt]

My Nikon D5100 takes great video... beats the crap out of my camcorder. As far as IS goes, well 99% of storm chasers don't have a steady hand at all, so even with it their video looks like crap. To me, the weight of the DSLR makes it easier to keep steady. Either way you go, your best bet is to use a tripod, windshield mount, or some other kind of mount to keep the camera still. If you have to go handheld, just don't zoom in, keep it wide angle. Any tiny little movement is magnified when zoomed in. Drives me crazy when watching tornado videos.