Dslr for video & need a different lens current one too heavy

Hello. I have a few questions. I need to get a new Nikon body for video. I shoot interviews. Some are me talking. Some are others. And I

also shoot short videos of kids etc that I make into a longer movie.

 

1. Any recommendations for a body less than 1k that will work? I would like to be able to use for stills and pictures.

 

2. I have a 24-70 Nikon lens that is just too heavy for me to carry around. I loved it before having a baby now it's just too much. Any lens

that would be a decent replacement for that is good for both video and pictures?

 

3. I have a 50 1.4 but not sure if I should use this or get a 85 instead for the interviews?

 

4. If I can easily sell my Nikon gear should I and switch to canon? I don't want to start a Nikon canon debate here. Only asking because I

hear canon is better for video.

 

As always thank you for any advice :)

<p>the best video interchangeable lens cameras might not Nikon or Canon anymore. Panasonic has one that totally rules in this regard, and is still good at stills.</p>

<p>I'm using µ43 now, my Olympus EM-5 is really pretty good at video for some things, but when I want to shoot "real" video, only a real video camera will do.</p>

<p>If you are not stuck on any particular brand, I'd look at Pentax or some of the 4/3's gear. You can get excellent image quality on both still and video out of many of the more compact options.<br /><br />My default DSLR video rig (when I'm not shooting w/a Panasonic AVCHD cam) is a Pentax K-r with a DA* out front. BEAUTIFUL image quality in relatively light weight, compact package. Even the lightweight, plastic framed kit lens is optically excellent (and I haven't broken it yet - 3 years and counting). For interviews, you'd probably want something a bit higher end (the K-r has no audio in), but don't limit yourself to the Canikon bunch. There are LOTS more options out there.</p>

<p>For interviews, would a compact dedicated video camera solve this problem more neatly and cost effectively?</p>

<p>Serious suggestion, not being flippant. After almost two years of trying my various digicams - compact and mirrorless system cams - for both still and video, I'm finding all of them lacking for the relatively simple task of simply turning on the camera and letting it run, with the goal of editing the raw footage later. Still cameras with video options seem inefficient for this. Two of my compact cameras get hot with long video recording, and the Nikon V1 shuts down after 15-18 minutes of continuous video recording - the overheat protection circuit won't let the camera be used again until it cools down. They're better for very short clips, or for HD video of short, carefully staged/setup segments. During the past week I tried using my Nikon V1 for both still and video for a medical related documentary project and found it very unsatisfactory for recording long, open-ended interviews.</p>

<p>For extemporaneous journalism interviews I'm considering a good smartphone with video. For documentary or extended interviews I'm considering a compact dedicated video camera. It won't take up any more room in my bag than having to tote several extra batteries for the still cameras.</p>

Light weight an issue and mostly shooting video? I think a Sony A5100 might be a good bet. For interviews maybe a Sony

50mm prime or a Sigma 60mm prime.

<p>Having shot both stills and video professionally, I agree with Lex. I find it a lot easier to shoot video with a video camera than to deal with all the issues you run up against trying to shoot video with a DSLR. There are prosumer cameras that weigh only a couple of pounds and compact cameras that weigh only a few ounces.<br /><br />Whether any given lens or camera is heavy or not is a personal thing, but the lens is only one of several things you presumably are carrying around to shoot an interview -- camera, tripod, lights, etc. If the weight of all that is an issue, you might consider a wheeled camera bag or an equipment/luggage cart.<br /><br />Nikon and Canon each have their pluses and minuses but neither one is significantly better than the other overall. If you stay with DSLR, stick with what you have.</p>

<p>The only reason that I sold my Nikon V1 for a Panasonic was that it would not record long enough.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>You already have everything you need. The 24-70 is the absolute BEST zoom lens for shooting video on a Nikon or Canon DSLR. The 50 is a great second option for a lightweight prime. I would be looking more at a 35 or 28 mm before going to an 85. Video is shot in Landscape so generally a wider angle lens like a 17mm will be most flexible.<br>

However, I absolutely agree and although I do shoot video with my DSLR I am planning on purchasing a handheld video camera for all the reasons mentioned above. I have missed too many important video scenes because the DSLR focusing is so bad when the subject moves backwards or forwards even a little. It is simple too hard to see good focus while shooting with a DSLR and any attempts to try to refocus while recording will only cause more out of focus video unless you can zoom, get external monitor and have a bunch of other special equipment.<br>

<br />All of which will cost more than a simple $300 -$500 handheld video camera which are much lighter and way easier to use.</p>