Nikon SLR Cameras

Which DSLR camera should I buy?

Cody
19.02.2018
Cody

I'm looking to get my first DSLR camera, I have looked at quite a few online using the JB Hi-Fi website and there seems to be so many different types but I'm not too sure which one would be right for me and what I hope to use it for. I'm an aspiring filmmaker and videographer so naturally I would need a DSLR that handles recording video rather well, I have looked at two models which would suit my price range (currently have a bit over $600, trying to save to as high as I can) I have looked at the Canon EOS 1300D which is $479 dollars (I'm in Australia if it matters) which is definitely affordable but it seems a little more for photography rather recording video there also appears to be no external mic port and getting a mic would be something I would need I'm sure to getting good audio.

The second I looked at was the Nikon D3400 which is $549, it doesn't seem too different from the previous one aside from the addition of recording video in 60fps which I don't know if I would use I'm not a huge expert on 60fps. Does anyone have any recommendations out of these two cameras, or maybe even some other cameras that would be better? Something that can record at least 1080p video at the standard fps with a port for plugging in a mic and that isn't overly expensive preferably under $1000.

Any recommendations and information would be appreciated. Also regarding lens kits, I don't know much about lenses at the moment but have been trying to learn.

spacemissing
19.02.2018
spacemissing

Fairly simple:

If you want to shoot still images, a Pentax K-50 would be hard to beat.

However, for shooting video, Get A Camcorder.
Period.

DSLRs are primarily for ordinary photography and do Not co-operate well for shooting video,
which is provided more as a convenience than as a meaningful feature.

Daniel G
19.02.2018
Daniel G

You are looking for a video camera over a stills camera. That should help you narrow selection.
You want a general purpose camera to do a little of both.
Each sort has its pro's and cons. DSLR has always been the choice for stills, and DV the choice for video.
My D3400 Nikon does fair+ with 60 FPS HD video, but superior with stills.
Looking for video primarily, Sony digital video or JVC does an excellent job and both will capture fair+ stills.

qrk
20.02.2018
qrk

Why shoot video with a DSLR? The only reason I can think of is better control over depth of field, perhaps doing a bit better in low light. I've always found it cumbersome using a DSLR for video over a good camcorder.

keerok
20.02.2018
keerok

DSLRs were never meant to do video but if that is what you can only afford then so be it. Which camera model actually will depend on your brand preference and your budget. All dSLRs nowadays can do video and they are all basically the same.

Land-shark
20.02.2018
Land-shark

If you are happy with the camera forcibly turning off after about 20 minutes and not allowing detailed control over video settings either, then by all means get a DSLR, but get one with an Articulating LCD panel so that you can do blogging work to camera. Without this (or the ability to tether with a monitor) you'll have to put it on a tripod. Work out by trial and error where you need to sit or stand and mark that place on the floor, and then just hope your performance is OK.
A video camera will do the job better and ten times more easily.

Frank
20.02.2018
Frank

Not familar with JR website. It may be good one for buying camera gear, but I would strongly recommend that you go to B&H website at bhphotovideo.com or adorama.com which are highly reputable sites that also have huge brick-and-mortar shops in New York that tailor to everyone from beginners to well-established professional photographers. Their sites allow you to filter search results to just those cameras that have the features that you need or want in a camera.

Since video is important to you, then you definitely DO NOT WANT TO BUY A NIKON. Nikon's video performance is among the worst of all DSLRs. Canon does produce some models that are very good, and which have given Canon the reputation as being the best DSLR for those who want video.

One of the problems that people who purchased a Canon T model complain about is the focusing. The focusing on the higher models don't require you to keep the shutter button down to continuously focus. Not so with the T model which do require you to keep the shutter button pressed half way in order for the camera to continuously focus in video mode.

Better than a DSLR are the mirrorless cameras from Sony and Panasonic. All reviewers say that many of the Sony Alpha series are much better at video than any DSLR. Take a look at the Sony A6300 (the highest sold mirrorless camera of all time) which does video quite well for digital camera. The new A6500 will be what you'll need if you plan on making videos with moving subjects.

The gold standard of all digital cameras is the Panasonic GH5. If you can find a used Panasonic GH4, then go and get it over any DSLR. Even though the Panasonic GH4 has been discontinued, it's still does video better than any DSLR.

One of the problems that you'll experience with using a digital camera for video is that almost all of them do not use the entire sensor when in video mode. Instead of using the entire sensor, most will just use the center 2.1MP of the sensor (for 1080p video) or the center 8MP for 4k video. This will increase the camera's crop factor by as much as 2x. This will make it very difficult for anyone who uses wide angle lenses in their videos. Cameras like the Panasonic GH4/5 use the entire sensor and then down-sample the image to 2.1MP for 1080p or 8MP for 4K.

The Pentax brand of DSLRs aren't very good at video, but are fantastic for stills. The amazing, but discontinued, Pentax K-50 is probably better than any Canon or Nikon entry-level DSLR. I'd highly recommend it for anyone NOT needing to make videos.

What most people ignore is what it's like to use the camera in video mode. How easy or difficult is it to use is often not on people's radar. Things like how the camera for focuses or the crop factor when in video mode are often not considered. So to get a good idea of how these cameras work in video mode, I'd strongly recommend going on to YouTube and checking out The Camera Store channel. They do reviews on both the photo and video performance of the cameras.

AVDADDY
21.02.2018
AVDADDY

If you want to be a videographer, then you do not to buy a DSLR, you should be looking at camcorders, NOT a DSLR.

Kushagra
25.02.2018
Kushagra

Canon 70d or canon 80d