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Personal Experience with the Nikon D3100?

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Freebird12
Posts: 114 - Karma: 295
Im looking for a basic hdslr to get into fimling with and i can get this and a 18-50mm lens for around $330. Is this a good investment? Will it give me decent video and what other supplies should i get with to get a good starter kit? My budget around $400 so think minimal
May 19 2013 7:19PM
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j.benziger
Posts: 688 - Karma: 8,007
Nikon cameras are horrible for video, dont even try. It was honestly the worst decision ever.
May 20 2013 12:25AM
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Drew_ski.
Posts: 1310 - Karma: 1,858
I had the 3100 for about a year. you will get by but it wont give you the best results for video at all. It doesn't have a mic input and thats huge for video. I upgraded to the d7000 for a better camera. It also doesn't have the best frame rates either.
if i were you i would save up a little more for a d5100/5200 or if you plan to do mostly video work, just go the canon route. Other then a body and a decent lens I would definitely get a good mic and maybe a stabilizer. I use a cheap tripod for stabilizing and it works pretty good.
Hope this helps.
May 20 2013 12:41PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,325
don't do it. either get the d3200, d5200, or d7100, they're all wayyy better for video.
May 20 2013 1:11PM
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.qzyxya
Posts: 1479 - Karma: -26
http://www.eoshd.com/content/9586/is-the-cheap-nikon-d5200-a-better-option-than-d800-for-video-no-moire-aliasing-and-good-detail
May 20 2013 2:23PM
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Freebird12
Posts: 114 - Karma: 295
I would like to do some photography but i will be doing mostly video. If so should i go the canon route? I'm a noob but im asking these questions so i dont get fucked over and waste my money on a camera that i wont like.
May 20 2013 7:03PM
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De-Clan
Posts: 1920 - Karma: 3,696
I would not rely on this info, my d3100 is awesome and I paid a ton more then 330 so u have an awesome deal, get it with a rode mic, extended battery pack to start then get a 11-16 tokina lens once u have the money and IMO u will have a solid setup, learn how to focus is good before taking it to the hill
May 20 2013 9:50PM
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Freebird12
Posts: 114 - Karma: 295
So the nikon can become good with external hookups like the mic ? I dont have a preference of nikon or canon i just know the d3100 is a really good price so im not sure what to do.
May 20 2013 10:19PM
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gusestomp
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 746
My previous camera was a Nikon D3100. I mean, it wasn't the best solution for video. It has some pretty bad limitations, definitely no manual exposure, shutter speed, and ISO. That totally stinks, so you'll outgrow this camera really quick. But if that really doesn't matter to you, this is a pretty awesome little camera. It's a fantastic photo camera, awesome. My first DSLR and I do not regret it at all. Hope this helps you.
May 20 2013 11:07PM
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De-Clan
Posts: 1920 - Karma: 3,696
Ya it's am amazing little dslr, and I love mine but I also have 4 other dslrs. But it gets solid use, easy to use, bring around, and with some pretty cheap extensions it can be a sick camera fo sho
May 20 2013 11:46PM
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Drew_ski.
Posts: 1310 - Karma: 1,858
Yeah it's up to you I would say if your doing mostly video you will benefit from the extra features you get with a canon cam like a t2i and I'm sure you can find them pretty cheap. With a t2i you'll get a mic input, manual controls of exposure and 720 at 60fps which is big for action and slow- mos. it seems like you would be happier going that way and you won't want to upgrade so quick and can focus on upgrading lenses and other add ons.
Sorry about the rambling
May 21 2013 12:20AM
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gusestomp
Posts: 1377 - Karma: 746
Definitely agree with this comment 100%. The external mic is probably the main reason I switched over from Nikon. Just because even though I shoot 70/30 photo to video ratio, the mic limitation was that big of a deal. Also the 720 at 60p was also a deciding factor, but I usually just shoot in either 1080 at 30p or 24p for the cinematic look. I usually do not use slow-mo.

Here is a video of my Nikon exported at h.264. This whole thing minus the plane flight was shot on my Nikon D3100 with the 18-55 kit lens.


May 21 2013 7:12AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,687
Fuck the haters haha. The D3100 is totally fine for most video.

The whole not having a mic input? That's absolute horseshit, as I NEVER use the mic input on my cameras. I use a field recorder for when I need audio, and edit that shit in post. Quality is way better than the crappy AGC you get from the camera, and it costs no more than buying the most basic mic for your camera. Buy a tascam DR40 for audio, it's the cheapest way to get a decent field recorder with XLR inputs - aka you can use professional level microphones on it. Otherwise, the on-board mic's are fantastic.

The biggest issue with the d3100 is the framerates. You don't have 720/60p, and you don't even have 1080/30p... just 1080/24, and 720@24/25/30.

If you're not concerned with slowing your shots down for slowmo stuff, then it's not a problem, but if this is something you'd like? then it's not the way to go.




and anyone who says a Nikon can't take great video is just a shitty filmmaker. Nikons take fantastic video if you know what the shit you're doing.
May 21 2013 7:54AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24704 - Karma: 29,687
Also, I guess the D3100 has no manual exposure.. That isn't the most awesome, so get the d5100 at least.

Nikon's are a bit of a pain in the ass when it comes to changing settings on the fly - which is where Canon's are better, but it's not a huge problem if you know how to use your gear.
May 21 2013 8:03AM
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Sophistication.
Posts: 665 - Karma: 352
I have a D3100 laying around.. Maybe would sell it for a good price. I have prior experience with both nikon and canon filming, if you are worried about getting an extra 6 fps, get a cheap canon and take a fall in image quality. Nikons are great entry and pro level cameras.
May 22 2013 12:37AM
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Freebird12
Posts: 114 - Karma: 295
i want to a local camera store and talked to a guy who seemed to know his stuff and along with the d31000 and t3i he recommended the sony A58 because of its autofocus in video mode. thoughts on this?? He said it would be a large benefit to not always have to focus while recording..
May 23 2013 5:39PM
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