Nikon or canon slr? Which is better for vids?

I need a good camera that will take good pictures and also has good video options. I have a Nikon d3100 and the video recording capability it has is not suited for what I need. I'm leaning toward a canon but need insight on which one is better. I'm also tight on budget so nothin above 750$.

Generally Canon is better in video.

Well being a Canon guy of course I only recommend what I own and therefore know. My Canon t1i gives me all the video quality I need.

However the t4i takes external audio if that is a requirement. It has a swivel screen that is a help as well but I also recommend something else I own for dslr video.
http://www.amazon.com/...004HD3G6Q/

The view finder makes focus and framing much easier.

I also thought I'd throw in an example of what my Canon is giving me for video. The only problem you'll encounter here is that You Tube is pretty screwed up at the moment. Perhaps you've noticed that the video starts, then You Tube inserts an add right over the top of the video but perhaps you can see enough to get an idea.

Sony are better than either, but only intelligent people (who can count beyond two) have heard of them.

You need to read this

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/camcorders/cam-cam.shtml

My guess is that you have unrealistic expectations when it comes to shooting video using a dSLR with a video "feature"

While shooting a good video is possible, you need to understand the fundamentals of shooting video first.

* writing a script
* breaking the script down into a shooting script
* lighting a scene
* the basics of exposure
* too much to list here

Here is a video shot using all the skills necessary to produce quality video

Since the highest resolution you can shoot video right now is Full HD, you can't expect to produce "block busters" using the wrong tool for the job. Specifically a real video camera.

If your actual goal was to shoot video, buying the wrong equipment can certainly be frustrating.

Take a look at some prosumer 3MOS video cameras. In the end they will allow you to shoot video in a more traditional way without needing to add another $2, 500 in accessories to make your dSLR into a viable video camera.

Without letting us know specifically what your needs are, my guess is you should invest your $750 on a lens to suit these needs. You will have a hard time jumping to another Nikon or Canon rig better than you have for that price.

As for me, I'm a Pentax user and still waiting for them to make a DSLR that can shoot 24p, auto focus (like your d3100 has) would be nice on occasion, and must have a mic port.

Overall from what I have researched over the years, I believe Canon is the most versatile choice for video production.