Canon EOS 600D Vs Nikon 5100 for Video mainly

[hurfdurf]

So, I would like a good DSLR for photos, but also for some Video projects I have been asked to work on, I have narrowed it down to these two I think because they both have

External mic input
Good video ratings
Infra red remote
Twisty screen.

I know nothing about cameras.

I am thinking the Nikon because it has auto focus on the video which the Canon doesn't, but the Canon supposedly gets better reviews in some cases. They way I see it, I could leave the Nikon on a stand, sit in front of it and hit the record button, and it would auto focus on me?

Is there anything I have not considered?

 

[hurfdurf]

First thing to know is that using a DSLR to auto focus during video is a bad idea. They are un-usably slow for anything moving faster than erosion and extremely unreliable in their accuracy.

The Sony SLT bodies offer faster phase detect AF during video but that isn't blistering quick. If video is a serious concern then you are much better either learning to manually focus or buy a dedicated video camera.

Out of the 2 you have listed I would personally go with the Canon as it has more manual controls available and its possible to stick the magic lantern firmware on there which opens up a lot more options particularly for video.

OK thanks for this, I think I will be going for Canon because of manual control in video mode and you are not the first person to tell me that auto focus is terrible in video mode.

 

[hurfdurf]

Camera guy tried to upsell me to the Canon 650D, worth it over the 600D for the video options?