Canon 7D vs. Nikon D3100 for "VIDEO" ?

G

George D.

Well-known member
Well well, looks like the 7D has some competition. A new kid is on the block by the name of the Nikon D3100.

It's true, the Nikon is only 14MP, but it has AF "during" video capture, AND records in full HD, in h.264. Also, it's only $690.oo It has live view, one touch record, and a 3" LCD screen too, just like the Canon. No hassles using Nikon lenses either.

Very, very interesting. I will most definitely be checking into this new camera of Nikon's when I can get my grubby little hands on it.

Your feeling and opinions on this would be most appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Wow, it really does have 1080P video and everything. I feel like what most people probably felt like when the T2i came out with all those T1i's already bought...especially because I'm a pretty big Nikon supporter, I'm not big on Canon one bit.

The main thing I'm interested in is how much better the compression is on the Nikon. And the color system. And the noise levels.
 
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Sounds to me like bait for a flame war. This is, after all, the Canon 7D/T2i forum and not the Nikon forum. Perhaps you'd get a better, or more useful, response in the Nikon camera forum?

Look, there's always going to be something new, something different. Not necessarily or categorically better, but not necessarily worse.

That said, this "new kid" has a 10 minute clip time limit no matter the video format (says nothing of file size recording limit, only time). It also lacks 1080p30 and 720p60... maybe not such a big deal for folks who stay in a 24p world, but those are formats I'd miss.

I'm sure it will have its fans and users, as well it should. It will be interesting to see what the images actually look like. Still, I have no regrets that I purchased a T2i.
 
Ill just repost my initial response...

To little to late nikon. The majority of the film industry is already on board with canon. I waited, and waited and waited with my d90 in hand waiting for a firmware or something that woudl allow me to stay a nikononian as i had been for nearly 30 years, but you didnt respond.

Canon, took the initiative and took control of a market that you created, and now you think throwing the market a small bone all this time later is going to make a difference?

All the people who ever cared, have already switched camps. I wont be switching back for this.

Sorry.

jon!
 
I think its still going to make a difference if the technology is better, plus its supposed to be a bit cheaper. I regret my purchase, I was doing some forest tests on my T2i, and there's no way I'm going to be able to use the camera for my professional productions. The noise is outrageous at 100iso.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Km_T3sR9fs&sns=em

If the Nikon can handle the color black/blurred areas a bit better, it'll win me over in a heartbeat.
 
Snapper123 said:
I think its still going to make a difference if the technology is better, plus its supposed to be a bit cheaper. I regret my purchase, I was doing some forest tests on my T2i, and there's no way I'm going to be able to use the camera for my professional productions. The noise is outrageous at 100iso.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Km_T3sR9fs&sns=em

If the Nikon can handle the color black/blurred areas a bit better, it'll win me over in a heartbeat.
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Dude, if you can't get a decent useable shot at 100 iso in broad day light with the t2i, on any lens. You might want to consider finding a new hobby or profession. It's not the camera.
 
which we have been saying to him for a while. try out another t2i and see whats up (admittedly i dont know if u have done this as yet)
 
There's nowhere near enough information to make a comparison between the 7d & D3100 yet.

People should not make assumptions about the camera yet - we don't know if the 18mbps h.264 is as bad as the GH1 or as good as the TM700, what manual controls are available, what the rolling shutter is like, what aliasing/moire is present, what audio capabilities it has etc etc. So it's not possible to compare these 2 cameras until they have been thouroughly reviewed and several questions have been answered.
 
Oh, I think there is MORE than enough information available.

1. It has no audio input. Not that I'd use one on any of the other DSLRs, but...

2. Given presently available technology, especially at the price point, I think it's fair to say that ANY camera writing AVC at 18mbps is going to have all manner of issues.

3. It appears to not have manual video controls

4. I just read a comment from someone who actually spoke to Canon, and the HDMI is there for playback only. It turns OFF during recording.

I know the Nikon loyalists are hoping for a great camera. Honestly, this isn't it.



deltoidjohn said:
There's nowhere near enough information to make a comparison between the 7d & D3100 yet.

People should not make assumptions about the camera yet - we don't know if the 18mbps h.264 is as bad as the GH1 or as good as the TM700, what manual controls are available, what the rolling shutter is like, what aliasing/moire is present, what audio capabilities it has etc etc. So it's not possible to compare these 2 cameras until they have been thouroughly reviewed and several questions have been answered.
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PerroneFord said:
2. Given presently available technology, especially at the price point, I think it's fair to say that ANY camera writing AVC at 18mbps is going to have all manner of issues.
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Yes, but it's also fair to say that using current technology AVC @ 18mbps can compare very well to the Canon DSLR's - if it's implemented well.

3. It appears to not have manual video controls
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All the talk I've seen so far is about the 'guide mode.' So it really depends on what 'guide mode' is. It sounds as though you'll have some degree of control but at this stage we still don't know enough to confirm or deny full manual control.

4. I just read a comment from someone who actually spoke to Canon, and the HDMI is there for playback only. It turns OFF during recording.
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What do Canon have to do with a Nikon camera?

I know the Nikon loyalists are hoping for a great camera. Honestly, this isn't it.
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I agree. It might be a stop gap to stop any more people jumping ship to Canon before they get something decent onto the market, but that's about it. Keep in mind this Camera is at the same level as the Canon 1000D, which doesn't even have video. The most important thing the D3100 tells us is that Nikon are not going to ignore the video market completely anymore.
 
deltoidjohn said:
What do Canon have to do with a Nikon camera?
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Sorry, misspoke. I meant spoke to Nikon (presumably Nikon USA)

deltoidjohn said:
I agree. It might be a stop gap to stop any more people jumping ship to Canon before they get something decent onto the market, but that's about it. Keep in mind this Camera is at the same level as the Canon 1000D, which doesn't even have video. The most important thing the D3100 tells us is that Nikon are not going to ignore the video market completely anymore.
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But this was announced a couple of months ago, when they announced they'd have a viable competitor in 2011. Everyone just seems to be jumping the gun here. I have no doubt that Nikon can produce a viable camera to compete with the T2i or 7D. Maybe even the 5D. Their noise processing seems to be superior to Canon's from all I've seen thus far. I just don't think Nikon can give us a serious competitor to the 7D/5D for the same price. I am going to stab at 25-35% higher prices.
 
Nothing but love for ANY camera that I can tell a story with. (That's a pretty long list) All cameras have strengths and weaknesses. Find one that *best* fits your shooting style and needs. Turns out that it could be any number of cameras.....depending on those factors. Not enough info on 3100 yet right? Some disadvantages seem to be apparent already, some questions to answer....same old same old.

As far as "noise" in the Canon: Huh? Too much to shoot in broad daylight at ISO 100? That sounds like something else going on. YES....I can affirm that YES....the first vids I shot with my T2i, (coming from a Nikon D90 at that time), there was more noise PERIOD. That WASN'T DEBILITATING by any means....but no question....it was noticeable and obvious to me. Nikon's also have a *tendency* for being better in low light....as in...the best I've seen. That being said: Nikon is at LEAST 1 year behind. I don't think they'll ever catch up. Time will tell ...but...who knows? I'll likely buy a Nikon 3100...BUT I WON'T be selling my T2i. Comparing it to the 7d is probably not a good/fair comparison. Anywho...nothing but love....no flame...just my lame 2 bits. :)
 
i'm excited to see some footage by someone who knows what they're doing. i didn't like the video clip on the nikon site and i'm hoping we'll see much better than that. at $699, the camera seems like it could be a good value.
 
The 3100 isn't a competitor to the 7D, but the 550D.
But anyway, it doesn't do 25p so it's a dud as far as I'm concerned.
Dave
 
Well, if it is true that Nikon's do handle darkness and dark colors better, I think that hands down I'd get it just for that purpose, as long as it has 24p. It sucks that this camera appearantly doesn't have a flip out screen, like all the rest of the Nikons. Also, isn't Nikon's lens range a bit broad, and easy to follow? Or do you still have to have adapters and all for their older lenses? And are some of their lenses made for the specific sensor size, like the EFS range for Canon? Also, would this camera have a remote ability? The one thing that appeals to me is any camera that has a wireless remote, I need one.

Also, I'm a bit undecided on the color systems, can't decide which I like better. Canon, above all else, seems to produce a slight camcorder tinge of color/feel, while Nikon seems better at color, but seems to natively push it too far. I have no clue about what Nikon does once you fiddle with the settings, though. Also, since this new Nikon only has a 14MP sensor, would that actually mean that the aliasing problems wouldn't be as severe, since the gap between each line would be a little smaller? As well, the quality of a picture from Canon's 18MP seems a little low quality (blurry), best when resized to 16 or 14MP, yet Nikon has their MP set exactly where it looks perfect, so wouldn't that mean the video quality would be better even further?....Just thinking out loud.

Personally, I think Sony has the best picture out there, I've mentioned it before, but I had a Sony Handicam once, and the quality was sucky, but the tones it reproduced were outstanding for the style I like. I just wish they'd hurry up and make a 1080P DSLR, as I fell in love with that little Handicam, and I think they'd do well turning that technology into DSLR.
 
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So I think I will get this as my B for B camera or a C camera for my B Camera:D ,My applications are a bit different than most due to the work I do, For the price it is great , but other areas a total miss as many say no 720 50/60p , mic input, 10min rec, HDMI out put ETC.

For now I will give this camera a miss, the results I am getting on my 550d is great in its limitations, My hope is that the next update or models or cameras will have the things we are looking for just my 2 cents
 
Well I'm holding onto my 550D until Canon's next iteration. I doubt Nikon's ability to catch up, let alone pass Canon.
Just a gut feeling.
Dave
 
Snapper123 said:
Well, if it is true that Nikon's do handle darkness and dark colors better, I think that hands down I'd get it just for that purpose, as long as it has 24p. It sucks that this camera appearantly doesn't have a flip out screen, like all the rest of the Nikons. Also, isn't Nikon's lens range a bit broad, and easy to follow? Or do you still have to have adapters and all for their older lenses? And are some of their lenses made for the specific sensor size, like the EFS range for Canon? Also, would this camera have a remote ability? The one thing that appeals to me is any camera that has a wireless remote, I need one.

Also, I'm a bit undecided on the color systems, can't decide which I like better. Canon, above all else, seems to produce a slight camcorder tinge of color/feel, while Nikon seems better at color, but seems to natively push it too far. I have no clue about what Nikon does once you fiddle with the settings, though. Also, since this new Nikon only has a 14MP sensor, would that actually mean that the aliasing problems wouldn't be as severe, since the gap between each line would be a little smaller? As well, the quality of a picture from Canon's 18MP seems a little low quality (blurry), best when resized to 16 or 14MP, yet Nikon has their MP set exactly where it looks perfect, so wouldn't that mean the video quality would be better even further?....Just thinking out loud.

Personally, I think Sony has the best picture out there, I've mentioned it before, but I had a Sony Handicam once, and the quality was sucky, but the tones it reproduced were outstanding for the style I like. I just wish they'd hurry up and make a 1080P DSLR, as I fell in love with that little Handicam, and I think they'd do well turning that technology into DSLR.
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first off. "if it is true that Nikon's do handle darkness and dark colors better, I think that hands down I'd get it just for that purpose" if you're serious about this, then I don't think video is for you. don't get me wrong, but it's just something you do in post not look and judge based on RAW footage straight from camera. About remote, pretty sure almost any camera has that. anyways most of the stuff you mentioned is completely off the fact regarding the 2 camera comparisons... its all something that you gotta understand thats done in post or just very small issues that should not be taken into account. and about sony having the best picture...yeah...not so much.
 
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