A Canon T3i DSLR or a $500 camcorder, which is better for video?

I have heard a lot of great things about the T3i for shooting video, especially when compared to camcorders of a similar price range (~$500-600). Especially in regards to image quality and video and audio flexibility.

What is your impression? Is there a decent camcorder in that price range (or less) which is better for shooting video than the T3i?

Mind you, I mean BETTER, not "EASIER". I know the camcorders are more compact and more automated. I want something to create BETTER video, without getting into a semi-pro video camera (which costs MUCH more).

I want to separate the hype from the facts.

Also, if you know of a better DSLR for video than the T3i, also in the sub-$1000 market, say by Nikon or whatever, please feel free to recommend that, too.

When considering what is basically a still-photo camera with video features "tacked on", you have to also consider what the application (or end-result) you are after when shooting video with a DSLR instead of a camcorder. Sure, you can capture a better basic video image (1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps, etc.) with changeable lensing, compared to a camcorder in the same price bracket (none with changeable lenses).

But on the Canon Rebel you won't be able to shoot a clip longer than 30 minutes (a legal limit, due to higher Euro tariffs on "camcorders") or bigger than 4Gb (file size limit). And in HD mode, you're limited to 12 minutes of runtime (24 minutes in VGA/Standard Def video mode). This is where you hit that 4Gb file limit: 5.5MB/sec HD datarate X 720seconds [12min] = 4Gigabytes.

And some Canon DSLRs & many Nikon cameras will overheat & shut down after continuous video use (due to sensor overheating issues: again, a large still-photo sensor being run continuously in video mode).

I wouldn't try to capture a live speech or a full wedding with a DSLR unless I had multiple cameras set up to deal with time & file-size limits (one good camcorder would replace two or more DSLRs there!). And you'll never find a video camera operator behind a DSLR at a conference or hotel ballroom presentation; but even $500-$1000 camcorders show up at these events for archiving or image-magnification (projection screen use).

When it comes to audio, you're not going to find anything other than a low/med/high setting on most DSLRs (but at least you have an external mike connector). But you won't have a variable knob to adjust, or separate settings for Left & Right inputs, without spending money on an external mixer.

As far as similarly-priced camcorders, the Canon Vixia HV40 shoots HDV format (better quality, as far as compression, compared to DSLRs) which can capture 80-120 minutes on one miniDV tape. The 10x zoom optics are good Canon glass, and give you 3-times the zoom of the stock Rebel T3i 18mm-55mm zoom lens.

As for other similarly-priced DSLR models, the Nikon D5100 is in the same ballpark, but again you have to consider its shooting-time limits (10 minutes runtime).

Short, 5-10 minute "takes" are great for scripted, film-style shooting with DSLR shooting rigs (which is one reason -besides lensing choices- that DSLRs are a current fad with indie filmmakers & some episodic TV shows).

If you are into action-sports (motor racing, skydiving, snowboarding, etc.) a simple tapeless model like a GoPro Hero or ContourHD helmet cam would be half the cost of a DSLR, and better-suited to the application.

Decide WHAT you are going to shoot, and then pick the gear that's best for that type of shooting. A golfer won't go out on a course with just one club in his bag; and he certainly wouldn't try to putt with a driver, or hit a long fairway shot with a putter!

hope this helps,
--Dennis C.