Travel Photography - Please help me pick a new dSLR

I can keep this simple - I was about to buy the Nikon D3100 until I noticed it does not have a mic input. I like video, but I like video with good audio even more.

Ideally, I'd like to stay in the same general price range, and I think I'd like to stick with Nikon or Canon unless you can convince me otherwise.

Is the T2i my *only* option in that price range? I'm disappointed Nikon didn't include audio input on any of their lower end cameras. I do have a P7000, but I really need something beefier.

Thoughts, tips?

What's your lens collection like, if any?

What's your lens collection like, if any?

None :D

Same price range from Nikon or Canon, requiring stereo audio in pretty much leaves just the T2i AFAIK. The T3 doesn't have it. Prices should be coming down with the T3i out.

Sony/Oly/others may have something, but I don't much about them and I'd also stick with Nikon/Canon.

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The upcoming and rumored Nikon D5100 is expected to be announced shortly (this month). While I am not certain if it will have the mic input, it bridges the gap between the D3100 and D7000, and could potentially be in the same price range as the T2i. While it's difficult to say at this point if it's the right match for you, if you're not in a rush I'd wait a little just to evaluate all options available.

I don't do videos with my still cameras, but just wondering if good audio is important to the OP, then perhaps a good quality microphone is a better bet?

Sure, but if the camera doesn't have an input, it won't be much use.

Sure, but if the camera doesn't have an input, it won't be much use.

I see what you mean. Sorry for my irrelevant post.

Sony A55, you can use the old legacy Minolta glass, plus have IS built into the body.

Sony A55, you can use the old legacy Minolta glass, plus have IS built into the body.

Was looking at it, till I saw Sony admits it won't do video for more than 5 minutes before overheating :(

Looks like the T2i may be my best option.

Was looking at it, till I saw Sony admits it won't do video for more than 5 minutes before overheating :(

Looks like the T2i may be my best option.

It's 30 minutes of continuous video with IS OFF, 9 with IS on, your T2i is 12 minutes, and it has no IS built into the body...

http://www.popphoto.com/video/2010/09/tested-sony-a33-and-a55-video-overheating-issue

The Panasonic GH2 is probably what you're looking for. Photographic image quality on par with the latest DSLRs (though still a little behind on ISO performance) and video that is probably better than any DSLR.

Another possibility is the Olympus E-PL2 but Olympus are not so good on the video side (they don't support the best video formats).

Take a look at the GH1. They currently go for $350 brand-new from Panasonic compared to $650 for a T2i. With the money left over you can buy a kit lens for $150 and have some cash to spare for anything else. (Pancake lens maybe?) I've owned a 7D, T2i, and a few GH1s, and out of all the aforementioned, the GH1 definitely makes the top of my list in terms of fun and size-to-performance ratio.

It's 30 minutes of continuous video with IS OFF, 9 with IS on, your T2i is 12 minutes, and it has no IS built into the body...

http://www.popphoto.com/video/2010/09/tested-sony-a33-and-a55-video-overheating-issue

9 minutes in 20C ambient, 6 minutes in 30C - which rules out long video in the summer. No thanks.

Plus, the T2i limit is because of file size, not an overheating image sensor. If I lower the resolution on a T2i, I can do up to 30 minutes.

Thanks for the tips on the GH1 - it looks like it might be a perfect option for me.

Take a look at the GH1. They currently go for $350 brand-new from Panasonic compared to $650 for a T2i. With the money left over you can buy a kit lens for $150 and have some cash to spare for anything else. (Pancake lens maybe?) I've owned a 7D, T2i, and a few GH1s, and out of all the aforementioned, the GH1 definitely makes the top of my list in terms of fun and size-to-performance ratio.

I really like your thinking :)

The Panasonic GH2 is probably what you're looking for. Photographic image quality on par with the latest DSLRs (though still a little behind on ISO performance) and video that is probably better than any DSLR.

Another possibility is the Olympus E-PL2 but Olympus are not so good on the video side (they don't support the best video formats).

I've got an E-PL1, but I find that it isn't good in low light since it lacks an AF assist light. Or, it could just be that I suck at figuring out how to use it.

I've got an E-PL1, but I find that it isn't good in low light since it lacks an AF assist light. Or, it could just be that I suck at figuring out how to use it.

No, the E-PL1 sucks in low light and for some reason, its flash will not aid focus. The Panasonic micro four thirds offerings have superior AF though DSLR still has the edge in very low light.

Played with the A33 and A55 yesterday as well. Right now I'm torn between the Sony's, the T2i and the Panny's.

I wish more local store had these in stock for me to play with...

FWIW I've seen the A55 get better reviews, I don't know when you would record for over 30 minutes in 30C+ heat anyway, it's usually a minute or two at a clip, but who knows. The T3i hasn't gotten good reviews from what I have seen. I use a Sony A850, but I've had the A100, A700 and older minolta film cameras, so I was invested in A-mount, my next camera will either be the a55 to go with my 850 or the a77 (which a date for hasn't been announced yet). If you were going with a Canon, I would go with a 7d, and avoid the lower end Rebel series.

From what I understand, the A55 and A33 are much better picks for video thanks to their AF. That may help my decision...

dSLRs are not built for shooting video other than some short clips. That is a function of the types of sensors used in them which will overheat.

If video is your prime objective I would recommend a dedicated video camera rather than trying to do it with a dSLR.

dSLRs are not built for shooting video other than some short clips. That is a function of the types of sensors used in them which will overheat.

If video is your prime objective I would recommend a dedicated video camera rather than trying to do it with a dSLR.

I have a good HD video camera, but I'd like to do more with a single camera than carry several around.

Also, I find the quality of video from an $800 dSLR much better than I can get from an $800 camcorder.

dSLRs are not built for shooting video other than some short clips. That is a function of the types of sensors used in them which will overheat.

If video is your prime objective I would recommend a dedicated video camera rather than trying to do it with a dSLR.

I saw several movies at Sundance this year that were shot with a Canon 7D or 5D Mk II. I've also heard that some sitcoms are now filmed with 5D Mk IIs.

But yeah, if you're interested in shooting video I think an actual video camera is the better choice.

The Panasonic GH2 is probably what you're looking for. Photographic image quality on par with the latest DSLRs (though still a little behind on ISO performance) and video that is probably better than any DSLR.

Another possibility is the Olympus E-PL2 but Olympus are not so good on the video side (they don't support the best video formats).

Settled for the Lumix DMC-G2. At under $500, it is a real bargain. Has mic input, swivel screen and it takes my M4/3 lenses. Video is limited (in AVCHD lite), but I can live with that.

Settled for the Lumix DMC-G2. At under $500, it is a real bargain. Has mic input, swivel screen and it takes my M4/3 lenses. Video is limited (in AVCHD lite), but I can live with that.

Enjoy. I have a G1 (and an E-PL1 and E-30 and so on.....) and the G1 is a nice camera. Read the dpreview review of the G2 as it will help you get the most from it. Also, you may find the Silkypix raw processing software that comes with the camera can produce better results than the out of camera JPEGs (it's very easy and comes with some nice presets).

Excellent, the G1 is older thus cheaper and actually rated a bit better in several areas.

Enjoy. I have a G1 (and an E-PL1 and E-30 and so on.....) and the G1 is a nice camera. Read the dpreview review of the G2 as it will help you get the most from it. Also, you may find the Silkypix raw processing software that comes with the camera can produce better results than the out of camera JPEGs (it's very easy and comes with some nice presets).

So far very happy with it. Ordered remote shutter, and am looking for a 2.5mm mic cable so I can hook my Zoom H1 up to it.

Photos look great, EVF is superb. Lens is cheap though - has a plastic mount, compared to the metal mount on the G1 and Olympus cameras. Will probably invest in the Lumix 45-200 and their 20mm f/1.7.

This thing is a real bargain at this price. Me = happy. Thanks for all your help!

Has anyone used their Lumix with an adaptor for a Canon EOS lens? I know AF and aperture control will no longer be available, but i would really love to see how my Canon 50mm / f1.8 would perform on this camera. The combination of the two may be all I need as a walkaround combination. The 720P video also removes the urge for me to upgrade to a Canon 60D.

ScottC - you may also think about this combo. The Canon adaptor is only $25 and the Canon lens is in the $80-$120 range and is an excellent buy!

Settled for the Lumix DMC-G2. At under $500, it is a real bargain. Has mic input, swivel screen and it takes my M4/3 lenses. Video is limited (in AVCHD lite), but I can live with that.

Was it body-only? In case if you're in need of a better deal, they're going for $299 brand-new from Panasonic.

Has anyone used their Lumix with an adaptor for a Canon EOS lens? I know AF and aperture control will no longer be available, but i would really love to see how my Canon 50mm / f1.8 would perform on this camera. The combination of the two may be all I need as a walkaround combination. The 720P video also removes the urge for me to upgrade to a Canon 60D.

ScottC - you may also think about this combo. The Canon adaptor is only $25 and the Canon lens is in the $80-$120 range and is an excellent buy!

I haven't used the EOS lenses, but I have used FD's (along with OM's, M-Mounts, and others) and I think that they're much better to use than EOS lenses. If you're content with shooting wide-open all the time, then an EOS adapter on a Panny/Oly will be fine. But if you need a bit more control, it's probably a better idea to get a FD 50/1.8 for $18 and a cheap $25 lens-adapter.

Was it body-only? In case if you're in need of a better deal, they're going for $299 brand-new from Panasonic.

No, it was the kit. Also, not sure where you are seeing $299 for a G2 body - even in the EPP store they are not that cheap.

And assuming you meant the G2K EPP deal from early March, most of those orders were canceled.

Nikon has unveiled D5100, and it looks like a winner to me.

I am farily certain I will buy one later this year to replace the D5000 I lost a few months ago.

Also announced the new external unidirectional stereo microphone Nikon ME-1:


Frequency: 70-16000 Hz
Signal to noise ratio: 60 dB
Sensitivity: -42 dB +/- 3 dB
Out impedance: 2.2 kΩ
Power will be supplied by the camera
Low cut filter with on/off switch
Wind screen will be included
Weight: 3.2 oz
Vibration reduction technology
The ME-1 should not be capturing the AF noise coming from the DSLR camera

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