Camcorder or new DSLR body for 2 different purposes

<p>I'm having a hard time deciding whether I should get a new DSLR body or a camcorder, or both. Really its for two different purposes. I used to shoot with a Nikon, and have two lenses I love the 50 1.4, and 24-70 2.8. I will be shooting instructional videos and really want to still be able to take advantage of my lenses. I tend to like the HD videos of DSLR videos I've seen more so than camcorders for this purpose. Second, we are about to have a baby and we want to have something to record video with (besides our iphones and an older camcorder).<br>

I don't know if I should get a DSLR body to satisfy both, or get a cheaper DSLR bod (that has a mic in) for the instructional videos and a good camcorder, or to just get a camcorder for both purposes. My budget for the body would be around $500. I would say the same for the camcorder. <br>

I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.</p>

<p>That's tough. DSLR's for video have very slow focus and tighter DOF. That combo works against each other, dslr's really need exceptionally fast and accurate focus when doing video and they don't. When taking video with a dslr it's best set to manual focus and try to shoot your subjects in a way the camera doesn't have to refocus... such as recording someone standing still talking to the dslr or walking sideways... subjects going towards/away are particularly a problem with dslr's video. And if the dslr has to autofocus the focus motor is picked up in the mic. </p>

<p>On the other hand, the camcorder focuses fast, can maintain focus very well on moving subjects, but used as a camera can't isolate the subject well, the pictures aren't as high of quality, can't usually go as high ISO which means aren't as good in low light. </p>

<p>My recommendation, is to get a Nikon D3200 since you already own the lenses and the lenses you have are nice. However, the D3200 can only focus with AF-S lenses so if the lenses mentioned aren't AF-S then the camera gets more expensive... I think the cheapest camera with a focus motor is the D7000 which would autofocus with non-AFS lenses. </p>

<p>I think with a baby coming, your focus should be on a camera over a camcorder because once the little one is born you'll likely be taking the camera with you constantly, it's the pictures you'll be sharing with friends/family, and video will be more of an afterthought. The video of a dslr is excellent for instructional videos, where you can set the manual focus and then don't move towards/away from the camera.</p>

<p>The built-in mic on any DSLR will drive you crazy. Handling noise, AF noise, etc - makes for awful audio. Pretty much true of any camcorder, too. Regardless of which route you go, you'll going to find yourself want an external, shock-mounted camera. Because videos with lousy audio quickly feel unwatchable. Truly.</p>

<p>Thanks Matt! Yes I will definitely be getting an external mic, most likely a lav mic. I've worked with them before and like them.<br>

I forgot to mention I have an old D90 body that I can use for pictures. I mostly shoot film right now, so I'll definitely be shooting lots of my kids on film. But the D3200 you mention would be a good idea for the videos. The lenses are both AF-S. I'm thinking I may rent one for a weekend and record a few videos to see how it goes.<br>

Any other recommendations besides the D3200 that may be less costly? I want to see how things go and then invest in something better maybe next year. But I also want HD video now. So if there is nothing besides the D3200 I may just get that. </p>

<p>Your D90 can already shoot video. It may not be as good for video as newer cameras, but the feature is definitely there! I don't remember if it has a plug for an external mic though.</p>

<p>Unfortunately the D90 has no mic input, and after testing it, it's not going to work. I really need a camera with a mic in...</p>

<p>I believe in the right tool for the job. As others have noted, DSLRs have some drawbacks in trying to shoot video that you don't have to deal with when you have a camcorder. I don't have the model number handy but Canon sells a simple HD camcorder with mic input for under $500. It would more than cover your needs for basic training videos. Will also work fine for baby videos. You definitely need a lavalier/tieclip mic. You can get one at Radio Shack for $30. You can pick up a wirless Azden tieclip mic for about $130 if you need to be able to move around. What kind of "older camcorder" do you have? No real need for training videos to be HD -- they're training videos, not Hollywood. Since you've already got the D90 and film cameras, doesn't sound like you really need a new DSLR.</p>

<p>Keep in mind that DSLR's have a twenty minute limit. Don't know if that makes a difference to you.</p>

<p>The videos are each only 3-5 minutes so its ok that its only a 20 min time limit. <br>

Any thoughts on the D5100 or D5200 instead of the D3200? I have no problem getting a used body if its a better camera. </p>

I have both the D3200 and the Canon

Legria M56 camcorder. For baby and

general video the camcorder beats the

camera hands down. Ergonomics of the

dslr with a mounted mic does not say

one handed operation while the other is

constantly dangling around baby and

baby's "stuff". However you would need

to go one model up from mine to get the

more generic mic port. The real

question I would still have before

deciding is do you really need 1080

resolution? That level depends on your

delivery method. Blueray disk players or

very expensive projectors are not that

common in the corporate world yet as

far as I know.

<p>Hi Darya - I recommend a used Panasonic GH1 body, which combines the advantages of camcorders and DSLRs - "DSLR" style shallow depth of field, compatible with your Nikon lenses (in manual), fast video autofocus with native lenses, unlimited video clip length, viewfinder continues working in video mode, external mic input.<br>

I own this camera and it will do both jobs that you need it to do. It has been replaced by newer Panasonics, so you can find it used at reasonable prices.<br>

<a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=2&pub=5575034783&toolid=10001&campid=5337235943&customid=&icep_item=150981942040&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg">Here is a listing for $249 on eBay</a>.<br>

You would also need a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rainbowimaging-cameras-adapter-aperture-Panasonic/dp/B0097ZE9TC?tag=battleforthew-20">$27 Nikon to micro 4/3 adapter</a> for your Nikon lenses and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-GPM-467-Analog-Audio-Adaptor/dp/B000QU3JN4?tag=battleforthew-20">$5 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter</a> for your external mic.<br>

That would leave you with a few dollars for native lenses (for rapid autofocus in video mode) - I recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-H-FS014045PP-14-45mm-3-5-5-6-Thirds/dp/B002IKLJV4/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=merchant&ie=UTF8&qid=1358515105">Panasonic 14-45 f3.5-5.6 from Amazon Warehouse Deals for $268</a>. If you need something better in low light, I recommend the Sigma 19mm f2.8 for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-19mm-F2-8--Micro-400963/dp/B007F7G6WW?tag=battleforthew-20">$165 new</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-19mm-F2-8--Micro-400963/dp/B007F7G6WW/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2L77EE7U53NWQ&s=merchant&ie=UTF8&qid=1358516861?tag=battleforthew-20">$157 used</a> at Amazon. <br>

Here is what this camera can do:<br>

Instructional video: http://vimeo.com/19892162<br>

Family movies: http://vimeo.com/13501720<br>

Here it is with the Nikkor 50/1.4:<br>

http://vimeo.com/16769344<br>

http://vimeo.com/14714464<br>

http://vimeo.com/7357430<br>

Consumer camcorders, with their small sensors and limited depth of field control cannot produce images like these :)<br>

And the D3200 loses its viewfinder (and autofocuses slowly) when you switch to video.<br>

Hope this is helpful,<br>

Bill<br>

<a href="http://hybridcamerarevolution.blogspot.com">Hybrid Camera Revolution</a></p>

<p> </p>

<p>Please be aware that audio on most Nikon Cameras is very poor; I found this out when I bought an external mic for my D300S; the sound quality was awful. I blamed the mic, but when I tried the Nikon ME1 mic with a Canon 5D mk2 the results were very good. (so much so that I bought one)<br /> I understand that some of the new Nikon Cameras , D800 and D4 have improved sound. I'm not sure that would be the case with a D3200; So I would make sure first.<br /> Another point to think about is ergonomics. DSLRs are very bad to hold without a tripod as camera shake is a big problem. I use a Hoodman lupe which attaches to the hotshoe and has a mount for an external mic. This set up is very stable in use and perfect for bright light where the LCD screen is useless.</p>

<p>I recommend getting a Zoom h1 over relying on Nikon's built in Audio. It's night and day between the two, and syncing is generally pretty easy. This, for $100, would give you lots of control over your own mic, higher control of the audio, and if need be, you could keep shooting with the D90.</p>

<p>Thanks Everyone for the very helpful comments. <br>

Zach, can I use a lav mic with the Zoom h1? I may try that initially with the D90 see how it goes. </p>

<p>I do. It's handy actually. The h1 takes the 3.5mm (normal headphone sized jack) and will take any mic hooked to it. If you want, you can record the lav on there, with the unit in your back pocket. In post, use the audio from the built-in mic to sync the Lav, then disable the audio from the built in.Works beautifully.</p>

<p>If you need XLR input, the H4 and a few other recorders will use those inputs. There are also other recorders with similar abilities to the H1 in it's price point.</p>

<p>Sorry... double post.... </p>