Is the Canon T3i Rebel (or the Nikon D5100) good for professional video?

I'm a videographer and I have used a lot of camcorders from the old SD GL2 and XL Canons, to the first HDV Sonys, and to the new memory card AVCHD Sony's. I'm thinking of buying a couple of DSLR cameras as well and since I'm new to the Hybrid DSLR features in a lot of these cameras that shoot FULL HD, I was wondering if these cameras are good for video. In other words are these the "cheap" models because I know of the higher end DSLR's like the 5D Mark II and I know the season finale of House was shot with that. But are these cameras as strong as camcorders in terms of durability, and quality?

I did a career in television news / sports photography and I'd say no.

One problem that really stands out, to me, is a sensor problem. I have a Canon Rebel t1i and I shoot lots of video with it. The video is excellent and once edited and burned to a DVD plays great on my 62" HDTV. But don't pan it. If you do it tends to skip frames. Don't ask, I don't know. I've found it time after time.

So, to over come that I just don't pan. Well… Panning isn't a good idea anyway unless you're following action. Following action in a pan, at least with my camera - same thing, frame skip.
I don't know if the sensor is catching up or what but in a real slow move it's fine most of the time.

That's the only drawback I see in these cameras. Is it unique to mine, I don't think so. Is it throughout the Rebel line, I don't know.

don't get me wrong the video is excellent - crisp, clean, colorful, it's just that one problem I've seen.

So, good luck. Oh, if you get one I hope you're planning on also getting shoulder rigs for it because holding it hand held or even tripod is a nightmare. There's also some Steadicam equipment available for them.

Anyway hope I helped - good luck.

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