Canon t3i vs Newer Canon HD Camcorder...

[DefStatic]

Hello all,

I am looking at making some short films as a hobby, and trying to decide on a camera to start of on. This is a new interest of mine, and I do not want to invest too much into a camera right off incase I am not as into it once I start LOL.

I have been looking at getting a Canon Vixia HM41 that I found on clearance. But I also have access to a Canon t3i, and I was wondering which I would have better results with. Should I invest in the HM41 or save my money and use the t3i?

Thanks in advance!

 

[IndieBudget]

Camcorder...because...it's a camcorder you are looking for. You will get a zillion suggestions for GH-2's and T3is. You will need lenses w/ the HDSLRs. You will get better image stabilization w/ a camcorder and easier use IMO

 

[that1guyy]

You have access to a t3i, as in free access? If so, definitely save your money and use the T3i. It's a great camera, for both stills and video.

 

[DefStatic]

You have access to a t3i, as in free access? If so, definitely save your money and use the T3i. It's a great camera, for both stills and video.

Someone in my family has one. They basically use it as a point and shoot camera. They have a Nikon D40 as well. Both with lenses. I know the D40 will not be any good for video LOL. The point being, this person basically purchased these and does with them as much as a good point and shoot handheld (like a Nikon Coolpix 8100) would do. Does not use any of the advanced features. Quite frankly none of the features. Always annoyed me when I see them using it LOL.

Quite frankly, if I was out to buy my own stuff, yes I would just get a camcorder like the HM41. But in the interest of saving some money on investing in anything, I figured I would throw it out there as an option since I have been reading a lot about people doing short films with these and cameras like them.

Figured I could invest other funds into things like a Rode mic and tripod.

 

[Nicwillu]

I always choose DSLR over Camcorders, because you have full manual control over settings (on most dslr's) and also you can swap lenses and have a mic input, which many camcorders do not have. And also DSLR's have larger image censors, allowing much greater film and image quality than camcorders.

 

[butterbescotch]

DSLR. If you already have an access of T3i, spend your money on lenses.

 

[WalterB]

I always choose DSLR over Camcorders, because you have full manual control over settings (on most dslr's) and also you can swap lenses and have a mic input, which many camcorders do not have. And also DSLR's have larger image censors, allowing much greater film and image quality than camcorders.

On a lot of camcorders you can have manual control as well. Always check the specs!
A lot of them have mic inputs as well.
You can't change lenses, but you can zoom with a rocker.
The smaller sensor in a camcorder means you'll have more noise much sooner than on a DSLR when you have little light. Ergo you need more light.
A smaller sensor means a great depth of field in general, but zooming in can give you a smaller depth of field as well. (Not as shallow as a DSLR, but the upside of that is that more shots will be in focus. )
Camcorder don't do lineskipping on the sensor: this means less (or no) moire and aliasing.
Smaller sensors can be read much faster, so with CMOS rolling shutter is less present on camcorders.
Most camcorders don't need a rig to shoot handheld and they all have image stabalizer (since the '90s) and autofocus (in case you need it).
A lot of camcorders have ND-filters built in the camera.

The lineskipping in most DSLRs also means they scan about 700 lines only and stretch it to 1080 lines: this results in a softer image.

To be short:
Camcorder are build for video.
DSLRs just happen to be able to shoot video, but you'll need more accesories (rigs, lenses, audiorecorder, ND-filters for shooting in broad daylight and you need to be more aware of moire and rolling shutter issues. (A friend of mine refuses to shoot handheld (with a shoulderrig) with his 5D MkII, because the image is totally 'jello' when walking around).
But DSLRs can shoot much easier in low light situations and if you like bokeh: DSLR is the way to go.

I suggest you try to try them both.
Preferrably a few times.
Just to find out what works for you.
There is so much different stuff out there: reading a forum to choose between camcorder or DSLR is not enough to make that decision.

Having said all of this: how old is the HM41 anyway?: google yields very little results.

Good luck!