Rode video mics, which one is better?

I want to know which gives better sound quality, the Rode iXY (that connects to iphone) or the rode videomic (that connects to a dslr camera).

so i basically want to know which gives better quality. I own a nikon D7000 so rode mic can plug directly into it.whereas the ixy plugs into iphone.wondering which would give better sound quality which just normal speech talk like an interview, no concert recordings or anything like that. Just normal conditions like indoor situations and outdoors.

Recommendations for a good & cheap tripod for Nikon D5100?

Going to be headed to the cherry blossoms in DC next month. Looking for a tripod but don't want to spend too much since it's mostly just going to be used for trips and/or portraits at home.
I don't want to spend $100. I'm assuming it should be able to get about 5ft tall at the least.
Any specific recommendations?

I can't get my Nikon D90 to shoot video?

I go into "Live" mode, then you are supposed to hit the "OK" button to shoot video, but it does nothing. Nothing happens. The "REC" icon at the top of the screen is supposed to blink red but on my screen it is white with a diagonal line through it.
The memory card is formatted clean, nothing on it.
Lil' Help?

Best Settings for Nikon D80 DSLR Camera? - 1

I've bought a Nikon D80 from a friend, I been toying around with it for a while, but can't seem to get good quality pictures, I've been trying to take pictures of family and friends, but can't seem to get good quality pictures, what settings do you recommend I use to get good images from my D80?

Best Settings for Nikon D80 DSLR Camera?

I've bought a Nikon D80 from a friend, I been toying around with it for a while, but can't seem to get good quality pictures, what settings do you recommend I use to get good images from my D80?

Which one is value for money?

Nikon D5100 24 megapixels vs Canon eos 60D 18 megapixels

Videotaping for home studio setups

Okay so first of all, i'm thinking of doing high def videos for my youtube parody-ish covers(music video style)

So I havnt tried using my dslr (nikon d5000) since i don't have a tripod yet(i only use my webcam and phone's cam LOL). I have my nikkor starter lens(15mm-55mm) and a semi long range lens(55-200mm) for a good dof. And my flash is pretty old school. I don't have much intel on such studio setups stuff, all i know is i need a tripod, camera, backdrop, and those lighting boxes stuff(forgot what its called)

I'm thinking of buying Nikkor 55mm 1.8 portrait lens, i feel itll give me a really good soft focus since it has a very low aperture, plus its cheap. Do you think its worth it? Or i should just stick with my starter lens?

Next thing is tripod, i don't want to buy manfroto since its too expensive and itll just won't fit in my budget. Any good tripod suggestion? A tripod that could hold my camera and won't easily break: D

Then lightings, I need those diffuser box thingy and a light(would flash do?). I want to have that good spotlight to give my video a nice color and less noise. LOL my flash sucks, really old like 10 years ago(my mom used it with her manual slr cam, pretty sick though). Suggestions anyone?

And then the backdrop, how do you even setup that lol. Do i have to paint? Or i could just use a nice smooth cloth because i don't want to paint my room.

I was hoping to make videos like the boyce avenue on youtube, really clean videography.

Here's my vid in youtube:

I only used my imac's cam for tht lol. I want to have a 720p or 1080p vids next time. And i want to have a really good soft focus. (Nevermind about my voice haha)

Links or video tutorial would also be great help: D
Please no negative answers.

Nikon D5100 choppy playback on Netbook- Video of telling hubby pregnant

I have a Nikon D5100 and the first video I shot with it was of me telling my husband that we're pregnant with our first child. I only have an Acer Netbook (for now, looking to upgrade very soon) and when I playback the video on my netbook it is extremely choppy and the words and sounds don't match up (video was shot in 1080P from camera)

I understand my little netbook may not be able to 'keep up' with the playback, but I'm afraid to delete the video from my SD card and camera because I don't know if I have a saved file of the video on my netbook that is choppy if it will be choppy still on a newer computer, or if the new computer would be able to play the file normally since it would be able to 'keep up'?

I hope this question makes sense: Basically I want to know, if the file saved to my netbook is choppy, does it mean it would play choppy when that same file is played on a new laptop?

Slow motion lens for Nikon D5100.possible?

I'm curious, because I know the lens plays a huge part in the photography aspect of a DSLR. BUT, is it possible that a lens will work the same way if it were made for slow motion? My Nikon does the job for everything but slow motion. I don't use it too frequently, so buying a new camera made for slow-mo wouldn't be my first choice. I just thought maybe there was a cheaper, easier way to meet my needs.

Good lens for nikon d50?

I'm looking for a good lens for d50 but not too expensive. Mainly for wedding or engagement shoots?

thanks!

Added (1). Oh no not charging or anything its my brothers engagement and ill be taking pictures so just wanted a good lens.