Is a DSLR camera any good for filming?
I really want to buy a camera, but I'm not looking for professional photography. I want one more for FULL HD videos AND good quality pictures. I started arguing with my dad (he's not really into technology and it's so hard to change his mind if he's convinced about something even if he's wrong!). He read somewhere that DSLR is the technology of the future and all that drama. BUT from what I know, a DSLR camera is good for pros and you have to change lots of lenses and other stuff. I don't want artistic photography! I just want a decent camera with good picture and video quality (limited to my budget). And I came up with the idea of buying a Nikon P500 ( Super Zoom, not DSLR) but my dad wants a Nikon D3100 ( DSLR). What is the deal with a DSLR if I'm not and do not want to get into professional photography? I want the best quality a video can have if taken by a photo camera, and the video mode on P500 is better than on the D3100. The photos come second ( obviously a DSLR is better for fancy photos but i don't give a *** on that). Can anyone make me understand what the hell is going on? What should I do?
Added (1). Oh, I want HD videos for my Youtube Channel. Should I buy the P500 or the D3100?
Yes you are right. No need to buy DSLR. They are ok for filming not good. You should buy camcorder instead. Be careful though. Some camcorders are terrible for pictures.
From my experience I would say go with your gut on this one. Its funny because I have a Kodak easyshare camera that records HD and I use that for videoing. I also own a Nikon D90 which was pretty pricey but it records as well. Personally I would still choose my HD Kodak cam for recording and like you said DSLR for my photography. Maybe dad likes photography?
Tell your Dad that among experienced photographers the skill of the photographer is more important than what gear is used. If you're more comfortable with a smaller camera, then that's what you should get. A skilled videographer can make magic with just about any kind of camera.
Both of you guys are wrong. You don't get a Nikon D3100 for filming. You have no control over the exposure or anything. The best DLR for filming is the 550D/T2i. Just YouTube it. Type in T2i video sample. The quality will really amaze you. People buy it strictly for filming but who knows you might even get into photography. Also if you want nice photos then definitely get a T2i. DSLRs are a billion times better at filming than Camcorders are at taking pictures. Just don't get a D3100, the video quality won't amaze you too much. Filming with a DSLR has its pros and cons and the kit lens will serve really good at filming.
Pros:
Just great video quality. It takes in a lot more information per frame than most camcorders
More control over depth of field (you can focus and choose to blur out the background and keep the subject in focus and choose by how much you want to blur it (shallow depth of field)
You are also getting amazing stills
Its pretty easy to use
You could control the overall look of the film using different lenses when you get them although the kit lens is still great for filming.
Cons
Rolling shutter effect
You can only record for 18 minuets at a time
Video takes up more space because of the larger file sizes
The T2i is about $500 dollars and well worth it. You have to consider all of the options and look at samples on YouTube.
If you want to just shoot HD videos get a camcorder.
New DSLR's take BEAUTIFUL footage however they come with the burden of experience. Prepare to set all your parameters (exposure, fstop, ISO) and film using Manual focus and a separate audio recorder. I won't even bring up equipment such as follow focuses or z finders. To any professional this is a day in the life however to some its nonsense.
Get a basic HD camcorder. It will be easier to use and you will take better footage as you can use it better.
Not really. You need a film camera for filming.