Which DSLR for VIDEO?

My choices as of right now,

Sony SLT a57 vs. Nikon D5100 vs. Canon Rebel T3i

My primary use is video, I need an answer soon because I'm buying it today, however, if there's a camcorder under my $600 budget, than I will consider that. The reason this are my choices is because DSLR's tend to have better video quality nowadays. Please no bias answers thanks.

If your main use is to shoot video, don't buy a D-SLR! You can get a really nice camcorder for $600!
Look at your local store to see what they have.

I agree that unless you intend at least 50/50 between stills and video a dslr is not the answer.

5D mk III

Hi Parker - hope I'm not too late, but I wanted to answer your question because I think I know what you mean by "DSLRs tend to have better video quality… ".

Video-capable DSLRs (and other large sensor cameras) produce images with "movie-like" shallow depth of field - creating Hollywood style out of focus backgrounds. $600 small sensor consumer camcorders can only create this effect with expensive adapters.

That said, let's get to your choices. The Sony A57, Nikon D5100 and Canon T3i are all capable still/video cameras, but they all have serious limitations when shooting video.

All have continuous video clip length recording limits (12 minutes for Canon, 20 minutes for Nikon and 30 minutes for Sony). If you are recording a play, speech or event with these cameras, you're out of luck.

The viewfinders on the Canon and the Nikon go blank when you switch to video mode due to mirror lockup. You are forced to use the LCD monitor to frame and focus your shots - which can be problematic in bright sunlight.

Worse, the Canon's autofocus stops working completely in video mode. The Nikon does continue to autofocus in video mode, but poorly. All of these cameras have lenses with noisy autofocus motors, which can screw up your soundtrack.

If I had to buy one of the cameras on this list for video, I would buy the Sony A57 - but there's one camera (not on your list) that has a large sensor like a DSLR, no limit on recording time, a viewfinder and autofocus that work when shooting video and a selection of lenses with silent autofocus motors, the $499 (body only) Panasonic GH2 (link below).

This camera is made for video in a way that the Sony, Canon and Nikon are not. Here is what this camera can do:

Mandorla, narrative feature film trailer: http://vimeo.com/...m/40844162

Musgo, first 5 minutes of narrative feature film: http://vimeo.com/...m/45596420

Oh, Angkor, documentary: http://vimeo.com/...m/42107369

Hope this is helpful - good luck with your decision and Happy New Year!