Progression from D40X...

PSPDan

PSPDan

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Dan
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I'm still in the very early stages of messing with my first camera (D40X), that I've had lying around for a few years and never really used!

My girlfriend is an amateur filmmaker and most of the films she produces are filmed on DSLRs. I'm debating whether or not to upgrade from the D40X to something a little better, mainly because I want to kill birds with one stone and get a DSLR that can shoot video for her to use (as the D40X can't).

I wouldn't really be looking to buy anything new, so was wondering what I could pick up used for not too much money? Canon or Nikon would probably be fine, I don't have any lenses for my D40X apart from the kit lens, and I'd be looking to sell the D40X to fund some of the new camera so if I was to get a Canon as a replacement I'd just include the kit lens in the sale of the D40X.

I think I'd prefer a Nikon, but I don't really know why so I'm willing to listen for merits of either. I've had a look around online at reviews but it's all pretty new to me so some advice from you guys is most appreciated!
 
Hi Dan,

my first DSLR was the Nikon D40 and I still miss it :)
What kind of films will she be producing as from my findings Canon still has the edge when it comes to video recording.
It depends on your budget and what level of video you need to produce.
For example Canon have higher bit rate video's but at this rate you'll only get about 12mins (3gb) of video before it stops and you have to stop and start another clip.
Nikon use less bitrate so can probably go for around 20mins.

What does she currently use?

Riz :)
 
do you only want nikon and canon? if not and you want to shoot a lot of video i would prefer a sony. If it is only nikon canon then get a canon.
 
Well the main priority is a camera that I can use to learn photography and have fun with but something she can film on is a bonus really.

I think recent films she's worked on have used a 600D.

Ideally I wouldn't want to spend much more than £400, which is why I'm hoping to buy second hand as I'd get more for my money? But bear in mind if I'm going Canon I can't buy body only :P
 
why not keep your d40x
buy your girlfriend a video recorder as that is there primary function :clap::clap::clap:
get a nikon d3200 then you will both be happy.
 
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Rizvan said:
For example Canon have higher bit rate video's but at this rate you'll only get about 12mins (3gb) of video before it stops and you have to stop and start another clip.
Nikon use less bitrate so can probably go for around 20mins.
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Only true for the 7D and 5D MkII. The MKIII can do 30 minute clips and the 650D can do 22 minute clips... the 1100D 17mins.


The Nikon D600 and D800 and D5200 can all do 30 minute clips.

Interestingly, the D5200 looks like a good video option, because it's one of the few DSLRs that can do 1080i at 50 of 60fps,as well as 1080P at 30/25/24fps, which makes for some nice slow motion 1080P shots. On the 5D MkIII or D800/600 you have to shoot at 720P for 60fps.




PSPDan said:
She wants a DSLR to film on really as it's what a lot of short films are shot on these days, I'm not an expert on these things so I couldn't tell you why!
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Because, unless you spend a large sum of money, camcorders use small sensors that are not capable of giving the same shallow depth of field as a DSLR with their much larger sensors... that's most likely why.
 
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Pookeyhead said:
Only true for the 7D and 5D MkII. The MKIII can do 30 minute clips and the 650D can do 22 minute clips... the 1100D 17mins.


The Nikon D600 and D800 and D5200 can all do 30 minute clips.

Interestingly, the D5200 looks like a good video option, because it's one of the few DSLRs that can do 1080i at 50 of 60fps,as well as 1080P at 30/25/24fps, which makes for some nice slow motion 1080P shots. On the 5D MkIII or D800/600 you have to shoot at 720P for 60fps.







Because, unless you spend a large sum of money, camcorders use small sensors that are not capable of giving the same shallow depth of field as a DSLR with their much larger sensors... that's most likely why.
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Hasn't the d5200 got phase detection on the sensor too? making another plus for video.

I prefered my nex for shooting video and the nex-6 has improved this even more. although both the nex6 and the d5200 are both out of budget.
 
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rjbell said:
Hasn't the d5200 got phase detection on the sensor too? making another plus for video.
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You're right, it has... I seem to recall reading this, yes, although auto focus is a real no no for video work.. so not a big deal.





PSPDan said:
Would it be worth paying the extra for a D5200 over a D5100?
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I'd say so , yes. It looks like an excellent camera for video work, and no slouch in the stills arena too. Those 1080i frame rates could be very useful. I wish my D800 had that option.
 
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Panamoz seem OK.. they'll honour the warranty even though it's not UK stock, and you get 5% off if you pay via bank transfer.
 
Yeah a lot of members buy there gear there. I would pay the extra £6 for a replacement warranty.
 
PSPDan said:
Is a Canon 650D a decent option too? I feel like I've settled on a D5200 too quickly without considering much else :P

At about £100 cheaper is seems tempting too.
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Nothing wrong with it that I can see... never used one though.

ian-83 said:
What about Nikon D3100/3200? Not sure what the video recording specs are though.
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Same again... seems perfectly reasonable. The 5200 however is so far as I know, the only DSLR in this price range to offer 1080i 50/60fps as well as the usual 1080P modes, and this opens up more creative possibilities.

In this price range, for video, I'd say there's no much to compare the D5200 with.
 
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