Nikon SLR Cameras

I'm looking for a good camera?

Angel
Angel

I was going to get a nikon d3100 but the cons tell me no, i'm looking for a camera with 1080p HD, high shutter speed, the ability to add good microphones for film making, more compact that a shoulder camera and a manual focus mode.

Basically an amazing camera with almost no cons, at a price under 1000, any ideas what camera would be right for me?

Added (1). ALSO, are all dslr cameras able to have a manual focus with the right lens? Or is it only certain cameras

Jim A
Jim A

Well first get your terms straight. It's impossible to "film" with a digital camera because they don't use film - that's a different media. Digital cameras shoot video.

I recommend, for using external microphones, the t3i or t4i from Canon. The t4i is about $1, 250 but it's an excellent camera. The t3i is running about $800 and is another excellent camera.

All dslr lenses have manual focus as well as auto. The camera has nothing do to with it, at least not in Canon - all the focus work is in the lens.

keerok
keerok

Only Nikon makes dSLR's that do not have an autofocus motor so it won't autofocus with motorless lenses. All other brands have no such issues.

If video is your primary concern, the right tool is a camcorder. DSLR's were never meant to do video and you will realize that when you start looking for standard video controls and features.

Martin
Martin

Another Jim A. Nonsense answer. "Making films" as a verb does not literally have to mean "using film".It has become synonymous with recording video. The term "film" and "movie" have become interchangeable. Going to see a film doesn't preclude seeing a digital equivalent. Jim seems to have become an annoying pedant, which is a shame.

The best you can do with a DSLR is a Nikon D5100 or D7000 with external microphone. Both will do 1080P with autofocus and the external microphone won't pick up so much in the way of camera noise. But if video is your main concern, buy a proper camcorder.

A camcorder will have power zoom, which no DSLR has. The autofocus will work properly without hunting - and it will work while zooming. I have not seen any DSLR which can do that. If you get a camcorder which can connect to an external boom microphone, you will get far better sound. If you go for a Panasonic 3MOS model you will get separate sensors for the red, green and blue channels, which again no DLR has, you will get better colour depth.

DSLR cameras are great for stills, but they are still not the right tool for making movies.

Vintage Music
Vintage Music

If film making is your prime concern then you have to go with a camcorder. I don't see many cons at all for the Nikon D3100 which has 1080p.