DSLR or CAMCORDER Question

[CROOKID]

Hello all, I have a specific question in terms of these two types of recording devices for HD video.

I read all I could find on the two and the differences between a DLSR and an HD Camcorder, but I just want to solidify my decision with some sound and professional advice.

Basically, all I want to do is record myself talking to a camera, doing video reviews of products and the occasional unboxing for my YouTube channel and I wanted to know if I should go with a DSLR or a Camcorder.

My budget is right around $300 and I was looking at the Canon Rebel T3 or the Canon HF R500 that comes out in a few days.

I understand that a mic input is crucial and would definitely want one for a lavaliere mic while recording.

So what do you think I should buy? Also, if you recommend one, do you recommend I get any particular accessory like a lens or lighting kit?

I will be recording my videos mostly in a well lit media room in my home.


Thank you in advanced.

 

[Nathan Willis]

I would go with the DSLR. First you can take photos with it and the Video is very good.
A DSLR will give your more option to create better video.
You can also change the lens. When you get more money you could get better lenses for video.
If you want to use an external mic. the T3 will not cut it.
It does not have a mic jack. You will need to get something like the T2i.
If you must have a mic jack then the camcorder will be better.
Also the T3 is limited to 720. The camcorder should be full HD.
I would recommend Nikon. IE the D3200.
It will shoot full HD and have a mic jack.
It is also a DSLR.

(I'm A Pro Photographer)

 

[CROOKID]

I would go with the DSLR. First you can take photos with it and the Video is very good.
A DSLR will give your more option to create better video.
You can also change the lens. When you get more money you could better lenses for video.
If you want to use an external mic. the T3 will not cut it.
It does not have a mic jack. You will need to get something like the T2i.
If you must have a mic jack then the camcorder will be better.
Also the T3 is limited to 720. The camcorder should be full HD.
I would recommend Nikon. IE the D3200.
It will shoot full HD and have a mic jack.
It is also a DSLR.

(I'm A Pro Photographer)

I'd love to get that, but it is quite above my price range.

Truthfully though, is such a pro camera really necessary for filming YT vlogs, product reviews and unboxing? That is a serious question.

 

[kenrivers]

The Canon VIXIA HF R500 you mentioned should be more than adequate for what you are doing. It has both microphone and headphone jacks. The headphone jack would be beneficial for monitoring the audio. Ii believe this camcorder is already available. I saw it as being in stock on a couple of sites (B&H Video, Amazon, and Best Buy).

 

[Nathan Willis]

I would go with the DSLR. First you can take photos with it and the Video is very good.
A DSLR will give your more option to create better video.
You can also change the lens. When you get more money you could better lenses for video.
If you want to use an external mic. the T3 will not cut it.
It does not have a mic jack. You will need to get something like the T2i.
If you must have a mic jack then the camcorder will be better.
Also the T3 is limited to 720. The camcorder should be full HD.
I would recommend Nikon. IE the D3200.
It will shoot full HD and have a mic jack.
It is also a DSLR.

(I'm A Pro Photographer)

I'd love to get that, but it is quite above my price range.

Truthfully though, is such a pro camera really necessary for filming YT vlogs, product reviews and unboxing? That is a serious question.

I understand budget. That is always my problem!
It depends... I had a cheap Vivitar Video Cam and it was horrible.
The Canon you mentioned will work fine.
I would get the DSLR if you plan to make films a ton.
For unboxsing and tutorials the Camcorder will be perfect.

 

[Ubrales]

Don't forget the tripod!

 

[CROOKID]

I appreciate all the replies but selected the first DSLR recommendation as the best solution.

After reviewing and doing immense research, I found the quality of the D3200 far surpasses the Canon Vixia I was looking at. Like mentioned, I can also take beautiful pictures with it and it has a mic jack like I wanted. Also, and what was a large factor in my decision, was the ability to upgrade. There are tons of high rated lenses that I could pick up along with mic solutions such as shotgun mics and the like.

I was able to find a company that sells refurbished Nikons that are basically in brand new condition. They include a 90 day manufacturers warranty and a 1 year warranty with the well established company. The camera refurbished will only run me $100 more than my budget at $400. Well worth it based on the price to performance rate.

 

[Nathan Willis]

You made a good choice. If your going to get refirbed go to B&H.
They are a very good company.

 

[CROOKID]

You made a good choice. If your going to get refirbed go to B&H.
They are a very good company.

They are out of stock. How is Cameta Camera?

 

[Ubrales]

You made a good choice. If your going to get refirbed go to B&H.
They are a very good company.

They are out of stock. How is Cameta Camera?

Stick with B&H even if it is back-ordered. Nathan's recommendation is a good one! I have bought from B&H for many years.

 

[videoovercome]

I was wondering if you had made a decision? I am right where you are too. No money and in great NEED of a camera. I am choosing the Canon Vixia hf r500 because I decided I need a smooth zoom during live filming. No DSLR is going to provide that. Also, I am going with the R500 because you can (if really needed) plug the mic straight into the camera. I usually use a Zoom mic but it is a pain to have to sync it to video later but sometimes that can not be avoided. I can plug that lav right into the hf r500 if the person speaking doesn't mind.
Also, neither the DSLR or the Canon will be easy to export the video off of since I use FCP7 on a MAC. Also, don't you have to modify a DSLR to make it more video friendly since it is a photo camera, like Magic Lantern? The Canon you will have no worries.

Also, if you decided on the hf r500 did you decide on a seperate lens kit. I am still trying to figure out if it would do me any good.

Let me know what you have learned and

 

[videoovercome]

B&H is always my go too. 47th St Photo is second and Cameta Camera is my third! If you can not find it there or for a good price you are not going to find it. I don't even live in New York.

 

[Ubrales]

B&H is always my go too. 47th St Photo is second and Cameta Camera is my third! If you can not find it there or for a good price you are not going to find it. I don't even live in New York.

Amen!

 

[Nathan Willis]

I've never had a problem with Cameta, but I would say B&H is #1