Do DSLR's need lenses for proper HD video?

I'm contemplating ordering a Nikon D3100.It's on sale at a local store for $400, but is body only. Mostly I'd just like it for filming, but until I can afford a lens, will it take proper videos without?

The body itself is a useless paperweight

you need a lens

also, for video, get an actual video camera instead of a DSLR. Actual video cameras are better at video than DSLRs

DSLR's cameras need a lens to take a picture. The body is totally useless to a person like you. You need to buy the camera with the basic zoom lens probably a 28mm to 55mm. But why do you need a DSLR camera in the first first place? Why won't a quality bridge camera like the Canon SX40 IS or Nikon's comparable model ( I forget their model #) work for you? Yes, these two cameras do not have interchangeable lenses, but the quality is there for great 11x14 and 16x20 enlargements!

FYI-For Your information a person who would purchase just a camera body, has a compliment of several lenses and just needs a back-up body in case the first one he owns fails while on assignment!

Like driving a car with no wheels, it ain't going anywhere.

You can't use a DSLR at all without a lens.

AND for recording videos you should buy an actual camcorder. DSLRs are still-image cameras; their manufacturer's have added gimmicky video capabilities so they could increase their profits. If you're foolish and end up buying the still-image camera for purposes it is not intended to fufill, you'll want 2 or 3 8GB Class 10 SD cards. SanDisk and Kingston are two good brands.

Get a Vixia HF R300 ($350) and you'll be set.

Two things that show you as really clueless.

One, this camera can't do filming because it doesn't use film, it shoots video. If it's film you want your budget needs to be around $50, 000 just like in Hollywood.

Second - well duh! A camera doesn't need a lens, where have you been old sport? Living under a rock somewhere? Come on.

A DSLR without a lens is like a hammer without a handle - useless. You need a lens for everything the camera produces, including video.