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rleggitt Posts: 2 Joined: 6/20/2011 Status: offline
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Just getting into DSLR video and I'm looking for a recommendation. I'm looking at a Nikon D3100 and DX AF-S 18-55 VR F3.5-5.6 Lens. Is this a decent combination for getting started? Will also shoot stills. Most work will be for product promotion and training of construction equipment for my company so not always great lighting or staging. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers |
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Rookie looking for recommendation - 
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windhamjim Posts: 2149 Joined: 4/1/2006 From: Palm Bay, Florida Status: offline
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I bought a Nikon D5100 4 weeks ago. Great camera. The video of the Nikon is almost comparable my Canon VIXIA MF300 HD camcorder. For shooting stills, the camera is superb! _____________________________ Jim "It is fun doing the impossible" Quote from Walt Disney (in reply to rleggitt) |
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deano2222 Posts: 1667 Joined: 1/11/2007 From: Cincinnati OH Status: offline
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Thanks for the note Jim. I am thinking about buying a Nikon 5100 myself. The only question I have to answer before pulling the trigger is whether or not the old lens from my F-3 will fit on it. I have a SWEET 1.2 lens that I used to use for film (way back when...), so fast that I could take a slide with candlelight. I'd LOVE to use it on the new 5100. Do you know if the older lens will fit on the digital version?
_____________________________ dean (in reply to windhamjim) |
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windhamjim Posts: 2149 Joined: 4/1/2006 From: Palm Bay, Florida Status: offline
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Sorry Dean. I don't know. When do you use this lens?
_____________________________ Jim "It is fun doing the impossible" Quote from Walt Disney (in reply to deano2222) |
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deano2222 Posts: 1667 Joined: 1/11/2007 From: Cincinnati OH Status: offline
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Used to use it all the time. I got my start back in the old days of multiple projector slide shows. I shot oodles and oodles of slide film for the productions. I seldom ever used flash for many of my reality presentations (i.e. a day in the life kinds of stuff). The 1.2 lens was so sa-weet for the lowest of existing light, and especially rack focus effects (foreground in focus/background out of focus, then reverse the focus for dramatic on-screen dissolves). I want a digital camera with the feel of that F-3 with the motordrive. It was like an extension of my body.
_____________________________ dean (in reply to windhamjim) |
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AdrenalineMP Posts: 625 Joined: 12/18/2007 Status: offline
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quote: I would have to say - No. I don't know a thing about the camera or its capabilities so, no judgement there (and really don't do DSLR video but know a bit). The lens however would appear to be a standard 'kit' lens or comparable. If all you are wanting to do is personal video then that will likely be OK. But, for professional results you really need a much faster (larger aperture) lens. Something in the 2.8 or faster range. For zooms -- get a fixed aperture so you can maintain the aperture at any focal length. And multiple lenses would be preferable. The thing is - one of the advantages of DSLR video is the large sensor which when coupled with large apertures gives excellent depth of field control. You lose this with the standard lenses. For the same reason Full frame DSLRs have the advantage over crop sensor DSLRs. Also, professional lenses are typically more robust and offer much smoother manual controls (such as focus) than standard versions. So back to your original question you really need to ask yourself what your intended use is. If it is for home use then that might be a good starting package. If you're looking at a professional project then my recommendation would be to spend the bucks on a good camera and excellent glass. And -- don't forget sound. On board mic will not be acceptable and I don't think there's a DSLR yet that has balanced XLR inputs. You'll need to look into appropriate hardware components for the sound aspect. Best of luck. _____________________________ Sam (in reply to deano2222) |
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AdrenalineMP Posts: 625 Joined: 12/18/2007 Status: offline
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quote: Dean, You might be able to find an adapter (Nikon or aftermarket) for that lens. Again, I don't know much about Nikon, etc. I do believe that backwards compatibility, especially in their non-pro line, is not a Nikon attribute. And, if the 5100 is a crop lens sensor that will effect the focal length of your lens but, you will still get that awesome 1.2 aperture. One other possible issue - you may find that your lens just can't keep up with these modern sensors or it simply isn't a good match for the new bodies. In other words what gave you excellent results in your film days may not in the digital formats. But, only way to find out would be to try it. _____________________________ Sam (in reply to AdrenalineMP) |
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deano2222 Posts: 1667 Joined: 1/11/2007 From: Cincinnati OH Status: offline
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Thanks for the info Sam. I will likely get the 5100 even without knowing if the lens works. I need a new camera and the 5100 is looking pretty darn good. _____________________________ dean (in reply to AdrenalineMP) |
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mptribe Posts: 4460 Joined: 7/10/2007 From: Sanford, FL Status: offline
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Dean, look at Rainbowimaging.biz for a converter for the lens. I have bought several there for vintage lenses that I bought for my panasonic GH2. For the original question, I agree you will want faster lenses for professional work, especially if your lighting will be a factor. Another thing to consider is that with DSLRs the audio is a challenge, so you will want to record audio to a field recorder the the H4n or R44 and only use the internal audio for syncing. You can get some decent mics if you want to try to use the DSLR audio, but it is not the best solution. To sync the audio up in post, from a field recorder, buy Singular Plural Eyes and it will save you lots of time. _____________________________ Marc (in reply to deano2222) |
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rleggitt Posts: 2 Joined: 6/20/2011 Status: offline
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Thanks all for the responses, I did buy the D3100 with the kit lens. I shot my first footage yesterday and am starting to edit. I understand the comments regarding lens however it was like pulling teeth to get my bosses to buy anything so I'll just have to live with this for now. I hope as they see the results they will want more video and then let me upgrade to better glass. Cheers (in reply to mptribe) |
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