Looking For A DSLR

[Tuna]

I'm an amateur film maker and have been wanting a nice HD camera to shoot some videos for a while now and I'm looking to get a DSLR. That is when the problems start though...

I'm not very familiar at all with these cameras and on top of that my budget is $450 and less. I've spotted 2 that I've found have very nice video quality, but I have no clue how good they are. If you guys could give your opinions on the 2, or even give me another one to consider it would be much appreciated.

Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens DSLRA230L B&H

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 12.1 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 14-42mm Lumix G Vario f/3.5-5.6 MEGA OIS Lens: Camera & Photo

[Biomech]

Originally Posted by Tuna

I'm an amateur film maker and have been wanting a nice HD camera to shoot some videos for a while now and I'm looking to get a DSLR. That is when the problems start though...

I'm not very familiar at all with these cameras and on top of that my budget is $450 and less. I've spotted 2 that I've found have very nice video quality, but I have no clue how good they are. If you guys could give your opinions on the 2, or even give me another one to consider it would be much appreciated.

Sony Alpha A230 Digital SLR with 18-55mm Lens DSLRA230L B&H

Amazon.com: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 12.1 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 14-42mm Lumix G Vario f/3.5-5.6 MEGA OIS Lens: Camera & Photo

The Sony a230 DOESN'T do video! And the a290 has a much better handgrip. Having said that the a200 is better than both and can be bought on ebay cheaply.

If you want good quality HD video in a DSLR camera, I wouldn't even start to think about it until you had at least $1,000. I belive the Canon Rebel XT(?) or is it the 5D(?) is supposed to be pretty awesome for both

[Tuna]

Originally Posted by Biomech

The Sony a230 DOESN'T do video! And the a290 has a much better handgrip. Having said that the a200 is better than both and can be bought on ebay cheaply.

If you want good quality HD video in a DSLR camera, I wouldn't even start to think about it until you had at least $1,000. I belive the Canon Rebel XT(?) or is it the 5D(?) is supposed to be pretty awesome for both

I'm kind of iffy about buying things on ebay for used... and I want it in time for Christmas. I have seen video tests of the G10 and it looks fine to me. I'm not going into professional video production yet

But yeah, that A200 does sound tempting but I'm kind of weary about buying it used...

What's your opinion on the G10?

[candleman]

a Nikon D3100 would be the best bet for quality HD video at a low price
it's video focus system "AF-F" is pretty good, theres alot of Pro Fusion shooters buying the 3100 for it's video.

[Tuna]

Originally Posted by candleman

a Nikon D3100 would be the best bet for quality HD video at a low price
it's video focus system "AF-F" is pretty good, theres alot of Pro Fusion shooters buying the 3100 for it's video.

About 200 above my price range

[Tuna]

If no one else can help I think I'm just going to go with the G10

[Biomech]

Personally I find that panasonics are second rate, they've never been a consumer camera type company - their TV shops sells vaccuum cleaners and razors for example.

The G10 is a micro four thirds type as well, personally I can't stand them, you'll have limitations on the lenses with those too. Four thirds sensors are much smaller than APS-C sensors and have a much harsher crop factor so all in all aren't that great.

Whats the price of a Sony SLTA33 over there?

[Tuna]

Originally Posted by Biomech

Personally I find that panasonics are second rate, they've never been a consumer camera type company - their TV shops sells vaccuum cleaners and razors for example.

The G10 is a micro four thirds type as well, personally I can't stand them, you'll have limitations on the lenses with those too. Four thirds sensors are much smaller than APS-C sensors and have a much harsher crop factor so all in all aren't that great.

Whats the price of a Sony SLTA33 over there?

Around $1000

Honestly, I need to pick a camera by tonight so I can get it by Christmas, latest tomorrow. I heard you can get an adapter for a 4/3s to use other lenses.

Either way, if you have no other option that are $450 and less than I have to go with the G10

[Biomech]

You can, but then you need to buy an adapter and have killer crop factors. four thirds reallya rent worth it "go pro or go home" as they say :P With the G10, I'd be willing to bet that your money will be wasted within 6-12months

[Tuna]

Originally Posted by Biomech

You can, but then you need to buy an adapter and have killer crop factors. four thirds reallya rent worth it "go pro or go home" as they say :P With the G10, I'd be willing to bet that your money will be wasted within 6-12months

Well, you may be over-estimating what I'm doing at the moment. I'm a 17 year old High School student who has found an interest in Video Production, have had some success with machinima (might want to look that up) and have moved on to real life video production. I need an HD camera for the time being and I plan to go to college for video production.

I just need something to make videos and have fun with, not go professional and spend $1000s on.

I just want to make sure than a G10 would be good for my situation.