Should i buy a DSLR or a MIRRORLESS for better VIDEO features?

[ruanitto__]

Hi everyone!

I saved some pennies and i'm ready to buy my first camera. I'm a Graphic Designer and Film and TV student and would like a camera to get photos for professional use, as well as short independent films. I'm looking forward to buy an entry-level camera to get started, and reading in lots and lots of websites i came up with some options, and would like to have some professional advice to the final decision. My budget is around AU$500-750.

DSLRS:
Nikon D3300
Canon EOS600D
Canon EOS 60D

MIRRORLESS
Sony Alpha A5000
Sony Alpha A6000
Samsung NX300

Which one of the above would be my best option for take excellent quality PHOTO and VIDEO, considering AutoFocus for video (i don't get the concept very well)?
Still on video, a Mirrorless would really fit better than a DSLR? If yes, can i still get some "DSLR-level" photographies with it?

Thank very much for your help!!

Rhuan Santos
Brisbane, AU

 

[Microbois]

Considering your budget, I would pick the Sony a6000. What do you mean by "DSLR-level" phothography?

 

[ruanitto__]

Thanks Microbois!
Sorry for the newbie terms haha. What i mean is, can i achieve the same level of control over the camera and photo quality of a DSLR with a mirrorless?

Also, i'm almost deciding to get the D3300, because of the wider available lenses, among other things. Do you think THIS ONE is a good deal? Or even THIS ONE? What would be the advantages for a 300mm lenses?
Is THIS ONE for the a6000 is worthwhile?

 

[Microbois]

In terms of control and image quality, mirrorless cameras performs just as well as DSLR. Actually, there's no difference between both types on this aspect. It all comes down to sensor size and lens quality. DSLR have a mechanical mirror that flips up, mirrorless cameras, as the name implies, have no mirror. With the same lens and the same sensor, they will give the same results. DSLR have an optical viewfinder (OVF) that won't let you see your pictures as they will be recorded on the memory card. You have to trust your light meter, then look at the exposure on the LCD screen afterwards. Mirrorless cameras on the other end have an electronic viewfinder (EVF) and will let you see your exposure live. The 2 main drawbacks of mirrorless cameras is that they drain batteries a lot more than DSLR, and for high speed action, their autofocus (AF) will not be as fast as a DSLR.

You may also want to know that DSLRs aren't video cameras. They sure shoot video, but it's pretty obvious that this function is an aftertought more than anything else. In video mode on a DSLR, the AF is hesitant and noisy, and worst, some cameras won't even let you change aperture while you are filming. Sound recording on a DSLR often results in crappy results too, so you will need a separate sound recorder if you want high quality. Filming with a DSLR is a lot of hard work, and far from easy. Be ready to pull focus manually and cut your scenes in short sequences. I don't want to burst your bubble, but just want to let you know that the best video camera remains a native video camera. I don't owe a mirrorless camera, but I beleive they are a little better than DSLR to shoot video. Maybe someone here can chime in on this.

While it's true that a lot of lenses are available for Nikon and Canon DSLR, you shouldn't base your decision entirely on this aspect. With the kind of budget you have at your disposal, it's simply not possible to get the "best option for take excellent quality PHOTO and VIDEO". You should first tell us what kind of photography you would like to take, so this will tell us the kind of lenses and accessories you need. The Sony a6000 is probably one of the best, if not the best APS-C mirrorless camera on the market right now. There are few, but excellent lenses available for this camera too. I think it's the best and most versatile camera you can buy today considering your budget, and I'm sure it will perform much better on the video side of things than a clunky DSLR.

Hope this helps,

 

[runnah]

You may also want to know that DSLRs aren't video cameras. They sure shoot video, but it's pretty obvious that this function is an aftertought more than anything else. In video mode on a DSLR, the AF is hesitant and noisy, and worst, some cameras won't even let you change aperture while you are filming. Sound recording on a DSLR often results in crappy results too, so you will need a separate sound recorder if you want high quality. Filming with a DSLR is a lot of hard work, and far from easy. Be ready to pull focus manually and cut your scenes in short sequences. I don't want to burst your bubble, but just want to let you know that the best video camera remains a native video camera. I don't owe a mirrorless camera, but I beleive they are a little better than DSLR to shoot video. Maybe someone here can chime in on this

Boo, DSLR video is great and gets better every generation. I disagree with everything you said.

 

[runnah]

If you want the best of both worlds for a low budget I would strongly suggest the Canon 70d. It's got a flip out screen, dual pixel af which mean it has real on the fly auto focus.

Skip Nikon for video, for them it is an after thought.

 

[Microbois]

Boo, DSLR video is great and gets better every generation. I disagree with everything you said.

It's your right to disagree, but it doesn't mean you are right though... LOL. You've got a point though that video on Nikon DSLRs is an afterthough. That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

 

[waday]

That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

But doesn't the OP also want to shoot photos?

Which one of the above would be my best option for take excellent quality PHOTO and VIDEO,

 

[Microbois]

That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

But doesn't the OP also want to shoot photos?

Which one of the above would be my best option for take excellent quality PHOTO and VIDEO,

Yes, and all the cameras suggested are primarely photo cameras. What's your point?

 

[runnah]

Boo, DSLR video is great and gets better every generation. I disagree with everything you said.

It's your right to disagree, but it doesn't mean you are right though... LOL. You've got a point though that video on Nikon DSLRs is an afterthough. That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

Not as many as you think. I came from the world of traditional video camera and can honestly say I would never switch back (unless it was a RED system). Things like xlr ports and built in ND filters are nice, but not essential and can be added on. Auto focus is more of an essential tool for beginners and folks who shoot documentary style. For the rest of us we plan our shots and set the focus in advance.

 

[waday]

That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

But doesn't the OP also want to shoot photos?

Which one of the above would be my best option for take excellent quality PHOTO and VIDEO,

Yes, and all the cameras suggested are primarely photo cameras. What's your point?

You just made it... we're getting off topic in discussing video-only cameras...

 

[Microbois]

Boo, DSLR video is great and gets better every generation. I disagree with everything you said.

It's your right to disagree, but it doesn't mean you are right though... LOL. You've got a point though that video on Nikon DSLRs is an afterthough. That being said, it's an indisputable fact that there's a whole world of differences between a true video camera and a DSLR for shooting video, even on a Canon. Sure, it's possible to shoot video on a DSLR and come out with great results, but it's just more work.

Not as many as you think. I came from the world of traditional video camera and can honestly say I would never switch back (unless it was a RED system). Things like xlr ports and built in ND filters are nice, but not essential and can be added on. Auto focus is more of an essential tool for beginners and folks who shoot documentary style. For the rest of us we plan our shots and set the focus in advance.

Video cameras have a lot more useful features than XLR ports and ND filters... What about color profiles, zebra bars, variable speed zoom, manual adjustment of aperture, form factor and ergonomy, and so much more. Once again, I never said DSLR are not usable for shooting video, I just said it's harder to use them, and will require more gear to be the equivalent of a real video camera.

 

[Microbois]

You just made it... we're getting off topic in discussing video-only cameras...

No we're not. We have not mentioned a single video-only camera. The OP is interested in shooting video on a photo camera. I've just drawn his attention to the fact that shooting video on a photo camera is harder than with a real video camera.

 

[runnah]

Video cameras have a lot more useful features than XLR ports and ND filters... What about color profiles, zebra bars, variable speed zoom, manual adjustment of aperture, form factor and ergonomy, and so much more. Once again, I never said DSLR are not usable for shooting video, I just said it's harder to use them, and will require more gear to be the equivalent of a real video camera.

Well again, zooming isn't something that is done using a lens, it's achieved by moving the camera. Color profiles are big time bad news, shooting flat gives the best dynamic range and any color grading is done in post.

Things like zebra bars, focus peaking and false color are things that I do wish were included from Canon but by adding magic lantern I was able to get those things.

 

[Microbois]

Things like zebra bars, focus peaking and false color are things that I do wish were included from Canon but by adding magic lantern I was able to get those things.

Thus confirming exactly what I'm saying. Using Magic Lantern is not exactly what I would qualify as "easy" for a beginner...