Nikon vs Canon for Film-making?
I'm interested in film-making as a hobby, I'm getting a DSLR and I have heard that Nikon is good for photography and not the best at shooting video. I have also heard that Canon is better for shooting video. So which is the better option when it comes to getting a clear image quality while filming. I plan on getting an entry level camera, like the Nikon D3200 or Canon T3i, or is there a better option like Sony, Panasonic, etc.
Sony's SLTs will blow either out of the water for video - many prefer Pentax for stills.
If you're truly interested in "film making" you're considering the wrong cameras. Digital cameras don't do film. For that you'll want 16mm or 35mm and both are extremely expensive. Digital camera shoot or record video and have nothing to do with film. You can make movies with a digital camera, now that's a generic term… Filming is not.
I'm a Canon owner so that's what I always recommend. Here's a sample of what I'm getting with
my t1i.
All the recently released DSLRs by the maor manufacturers have excellent HD video capabilites. What you need to look at is the lenses available and what you need there. Which is better is going to vary according to time- step in the ranges and look at the recently released Canon 650D vs the Nikon D5200 and the Nikon is rated higher.
Don't get hung up over brands, rather look at the different models and try to compile a list of features and requirements so you can make an objective decision. Evryone has personal preferences, rather make an objective decision which will be better for you in the long run.
It's true that for video heavy use of dSLR type cameras, the Sony Alphas are the best. Canon and Nikon are kind of clunky video shooters, and to make matters worse, some of those dSLRs won't even auto focus when shooting video.
The Sony has fast phase auto focus when shooting video. When using manual auto focus for video, you have focus peaking to assist you. Canon and Nikon don't even offer it.
If photos were your main focus, the Pentax K 30 can't be beat in its price range. The days of Canon and Nikon being the best are over. Sure they sell more, and yes more pros use their high end dSLRs that run 3-6 thousand dollars, but in the entry level, Canon and Nikon aren't even trying anymore, just more of the same year after year.
In your price range, look at the Sony A57 that's probably the best bang for the buck, maybe the A65 if you have a few more bucks to spend. I'm seeing discounts on bodies and kits for those two cameras.
Both brands offer very good cameras entry level and high end. Both are good for photo and video. Both brand have advantages over one another. For the longest time Canon had a step up with their Canon 5D mark II but Nikon D800 have evened the playing field. If your looking to develop this hobby, I warn you that it becomes costly. I personally own Canon 5D mark II and MARK III and the reason for that is because I have many canon EF lens. So decide on what lens you can get or already have and then decide on the camera body. Just remember these all are photo camera that happen to shoot good video. Black Magic offers the BM Camera that is video camera that shoots raw 2.5K resolution, it uses Canon EF lens).
Lastly the type of camera doesn't play a big factor in overall quality of final video. Lots of other things do,(creativity, lighting, sound, and cinematography).So if your just starting out, pick a camera that on sale or the cheapest you can find. Then go out and shoot some video and learn the limitations of the camera as you use it and later upgrade as you see fit.
You heard wrong.
If you want to shoot video with a dSLR, just get any dSLR with a video feature. They're all basically the same anyway.