Video Camera Advice

[Danoz]

So I've been using my Nikon D90 DSLR for a lot of video lately, and instead of lugging it home for this short documentary project I'm doing for my students here in Japan--- I've decided I should probably bite the bullet and get a small video camera instead. Any suggestions around the 300-400 dollar range?

Or should I just stick with the DSLR and rough it? I'd kind of like to leave it home this particular trip.... but I don't want this footage to be pretty cool (will be traveling about the eastern U.S. w/ a Doraemon toy and will make a 30 minute video out of it for the kids).

 

[Small White Car]

DSLRs do make pretty video, yes, but they can be a pain if you're not devoting your full attention to them. They generally don't auto focus, their audio abilities are often limited, and they're just not shaped right for the way you want to hold a video camera. I love shooting video with my Canon 7D DSLR, but I'd never give up my video camera for good.

I don't know any specific models right now, but I've always been happy with Canon cameras in the sub-$1,000 category.

Use www.bhphotovideo.com to line up everything by price and start sifting through there.

 

[Danoz]

DSLRs do make pretty video, yes, but they can be a pain if you're not devoting your full attention to them. They generally don't auto focus, their audio abilities are often limited, and they're just not shaped right for the way you want to hold a video camera. I love shooting video with my Canon 7D DSLR, but I'd never give up my video camera for good.

I don't know any specific models right now, but I've always been happy with Canon cameras in the sub-$1,000 category.

Use www.bhphotovideo.com to line up everything by price and start sifting through there.

The onboard audio with the d90 isn't terrible and there is no real autofocus while you're recording. The result has been me shooting with the 50mm a bunch and getting some really interesting HD video you wouldn't normally pick up with a video camera.

I'll look into these lower-end Canon models, but I may just stick with the DSLR.... it's a lot of traveling around with it, but I may just compensate by leaving most of the glass at home.