Moog-Type-S

Gonna break down and pick up an SLR.

I'm looking for somewhat middle of the road unit. +/- $800.
I might pick up a package with a 75-300mm lens as well.

Stills are mostly what the camera will be for, however with the ability to shoot HD vid, I'm thinking this might replace my old mini DV tape camcorder.

Any input on how good this vid quality is? Do these SLR's shoot quality video, or is it just a gimmick?

1080 vid is what I'm interested in if I'm gonna replace the old camcorder with the SLR.

Again vid is not a make or break issue, but I want to know if the vid is worth it, and if it is more than a gimmick.

Cameras I'm interested in:
Canon Rebel T1i EF-S
Canon Rebel T2i EF-S
Nikon D5000 (but lack of 1080HD puts this at the bottom of the list)


Open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks camera

dom

Couple of points.

- My T1i replaced my camcorder and I haven't looked back. Having said that its not an ideal Camcorder because of ergonomics and focusing. SLR's don't keep focus as you track a subject when taking video. You have to re-focus. Not hard to do but a negative. The T2i is better/easier in this regard. If you don't do all that much video the Camcorder won't be missed.

- Quality is great. SLR's have a larger image sensor than a camcorder does.

- Between the T1 and T2, step up to the T2. The T1 only shoots 1080p at 20fps which isn't exactly ideal, too slow. And only has mono sound. The T2 does 1080p at 24 and 30 fps and has stereo sound. And the option of connecting an external mic. It also allows manual exposure control when taking video. The T1 does not. Tack on the higher res screen, better image quality etc... its the better buy.

Don't know much about the D5000 so I can't comment but all 3 will serve your needs as far as taking pics goes.

Good luck.

Moog-Type-S

^^ Thanks dom.

Yea, the ergonomics for vid arre not the greatest, but I hate lugging around two cameras one for still, and one for vid. I shoot more still than vid, but it's nice to have vid when you need it.

I assume that the T2 internal mic is stereo?

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

I heard a lot of good things about T2i!

dom

Yes.

wrxyboy

iTrader: (2)

I was going to upgrade my T1i to the T2i but i couldnt turn down a good offer for the 7D. But after having the T1i for a year i was very pleased with how easy it was to use for both photos and videos. I think the T2i will be a good starter camera.

MWalsh9152

one other thing Moog, get out and physically get the cameras in your hands. See which one feels better, which controls and menus you prefer.

I picked up a rebel, and it just felt way too small for my hands, whereas the body of a 50D felt much more comfortable to me. Though, if you have hands like a 10 year old girl, like Jefford, then the Rebel will be just fine.

stogie1020

My "10 year old girl" hands could still whoop you...

jupitersolo

:burger king hands"

stogie1020

Shaddup...

MWalsh9152

bring it on Princess

dom

Good point. Which is why I have a grip on my T1i that never comes off. Helps with video tremendously.

Moog-Type-S

Noted. I've played with a few, gonna play with 'em some more.

ttk5

I bought the D5000 because it could take videos, but since I bought it I really havent made that many videos. I guess I wanted to make automotive videos of cars and stuff but the microphone on the D5000 does a terrible job of recording exhausts. Get a camera that has an external mic plug in, sound is important too

wndrlst

Another vote for the T2i here. Great value and a great camera.