Pros and cons of using the video feature on the Nikon d3200?

I'm looking to buy a Nikon d3200 to use for video and some stills. Can you give me any pros and cons for using the video feature. I would use to make short movies (15-20 min long)Apparently DSLR's overheat while filming. Is this true? Any feedback is appreciated!

Pros: you can shoot video.

Cons: Your flash won't provide illumination, your camera will overheat and shut down to protect the sensor (probably at the moment you need it most), and it won't be a patch on a dedicated camcorder.

If you want a combination of video and stills, Sony's SLTs are better than any DSLR, but you'd be better served with a DSLR for stills and a camcorder for video. (NEVER call it, 'Film,' - film has a very specific meaning in photography, and what you want to shoot is VIDEO.)

The cons can apply to any dslr camera I suppose. I happen to shoot Canon but the basics are the same.

1. Keeping the camera steady. Be sure you use a VR lens and the widest you have. I always shoot video with my 18-55 because 18 is fairly wide and mine is IS (VR in Nikon speak). Both help hide hand movement which all humans have.

2. Using the screen as a view finder. Holding the camera away from you so you can see the screen can be a problem. That's why I bought an external / attachable view finder. It brings the screen as close to your eye as possible so you can really see what you're shooting.

3. The onboard mike isn't all that good. So I added a Shure mike as an external. I don't know if your camera takes an external mike or not but if it does use one. You'll really notice the difference.

4. Since dslr cameras are digital they don't do "filming". They only shoot video. And yes that is true. All CMOS sensors, which consumer level dslr cameras have will over heat. Nikon and Canon both have a built in safety factor that shuts down the camera at about 12-minutes. This will keep your sensor from destroying itself or other necessary parts. If allowed to overheat your camera will be trash.

Shooting good video doesn't involve long video rolls. It's all about short segments and then editing that material together to produce a watchable product. Do you have a video editor? Do you know how to use a video editor? If not I'd suggest you buy one. Most good editors run about $100 or so.

"I would use to make short movies (15-20 min long)Apparently DSLR's overheat while filming. Is this true?"

It is true that a CMOS sensor will overheat and that heating starts when you engage the live view necessary for using your camera to shoot video (as mentioned NOT film)

If you are shooting from a script and your takes are around 1 to 3 minutes for each scene, you will NOT notice any overheating of the sensor.

Maybe one of the largest "con" is the cost of the additional accessories if you do decide to shoot videos.

https://vimeo.com/...m/15928756

At a minimum, you will need a tripod with a fluid head, a camera cage, a follow focus accessory and a 3x loupe for critical focus when using the LCD in live view.

The link also shows other accessories you will need if you are serious about shooting 20 minute shorts.