What to look for in buying a DSLR Camera?
Almost my birthday!
so I'm going to buy my self a birthday gift a SLR but I'm confused if I will buy LUMIX GF1 or NIKON D5000, I like the Lumix because it is compact, it has manual zoom and focus and it is a SLR in a Digicam Size. And I like NIKON d5000 because of its features and it VIDEO, help me to choose between the two or suggest something better as long as it have a video. I'm buying a SLR for me to create better Youtube videos and short films so help me: D
Added (1). Also keep in mind I'm a student so I don't have a big budget. What can be the best SLR at a 2000 and below price
The DSLR I (finally) decided on (D200) had the features I needed (dedicated WB, ISO, & QUAL) buttons, a magnesium body (no plastic for me, thanks), matrix metering, and can use every Nikkor lens made since 1959.
With the introduction of the Nikon D3100, this sort of becomes a moot point.
The features on the D3100 far exceed those of either the D5000 or GF1
The sensor performance between the D5000 and GF-1 are striking.
http://www.dxomark.com/...nd2)/Nikon
The D3100 has yet to be tested by DxO, but with the Full HD video available, it should be all you need for Youtube and short videos. It is one of the only dSLR cameras with full auto-focus when in the video mode
Any of the Nikons or Canons are good. But don't forget to add things like extra batteries, several memory cards, additional lenses, a camera case, a tripod, and possibly a hot shoe flash into the budget.
If you are wanting something to create "better" videos and short films, have you considered an actual video camera like http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...R350V.html?
If you're doing more video than photos, I would go with a camcorder. The one I linked to also does 7mp photos.
For the DSLR you have to see the additional lenses or lens kit, a camera sensor, quality of camera etc are very important.
i had used Nikon D5000 12.3MP Dx Digital SLR camera which is really good and it performs well. I'm happy with it.
* 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
* D-Movie Mode with sound; record 720p HD movie clips
* Vari-angle color 2.7-inch LCD monitor; one-button Live View
* Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards