I need camcorder, but I have Nikon dslr lenses. Get a dedicated camcorder, or a Nikon D5100 (or simi

gameover

gameover

gameover

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I have a nikon camera, and a couple of lenses (18-50, and 55-200) which are for nikon lenses. My dlsr camera doesn't do video.

I need to get a camcorder, and have been looking at ones from sony, etc. (All dedicated camcorders, everything built in).

Do you think i'd be better off just getting a new nikon dslr like a D5100?
I'd be able to use my current lenses with it then

(I need full 1080p hd)
 
what are you recording?

There's lot of pro's and cons for each side tbh and one of the best arguments I've seen were on TalkPhotography:

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=321178
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=313671

worth a read of both just to see what others think.

Personally, kids birthdays and general recording I'd always be tempted to head to the camcorder route just for simplicity. I am however looking at a D800 + a few extra bits (mic, steady cam system, monitor) for more professional events.
 
As above really

If filming static objects I'd be tempted to go with a DSLR, however if you are filming family stuff / kids then a dedicated camcorder would be the way to go as you'll need to be in manual focus to get anything worthwhile from a Nikon DSLR.

Manual Focus + Moving Objects requires some proper skill and technique and you don't learn that overnight.
 
gameover said:
Is auto focus on nikon dslr's (in video mode) not as good as dedicated camcorders?
Click to expand...

No, its god awfully slow as its a contrast based system rather than the phase detect that you get in the stills mode. (and when I say slow I mean slloooowww.!).

Only Sony DSLR's offer phase detect during video but even that's not as fast as when you are shotting stills and as you've already invested in the Nikon system its not worth considering.

The AF motor of various lenses can also be blatantly heard on the soundtrack if you are not using an external mic though this can be minimized by using AF-S glass.
 
For me an SLR is too much of a pain for everyday video use in a family/holiday environment or similar. I'd much rather shoot a 1080p video on the Canon s100 than on my 5d mkii just becuase it will be quick painless and work first time.
 
I do performances/shows and I tend to use a camcorder running continuously static as a base line, one dslr static but recording each segment of the shows and then another dslr with a long lens on a monopod to do close up shots. Audio is recorded right off the mixing desk so none of that naff tinny sounds.

In short, depends what you're doing but I only tend to have my dslr with me when I'm out with the family so I use that.
 
gameover said:
Is auto focus on nikon dslr's (in video mode) not as good as dedicated camcorders?
Click to expand...

If you actually care aboutfocus in video then you will be manually focusing anyway.

You can tun a DSLr into a reasonable video setup but then it won't be a practical stills camera without dismantling everything.
 
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