From what I recall, the D5100 doesn't offer manual control over shutter speed and ISO when shooting in D-movie mode. This is a significant handicap, and makes it virtually impossible to shoot professional-quality video with this camera. The "least" camera you should buy for video applications is the D7000. Then start scouring Ebay for fast, manual-focus, AI-S Nikkors (e.g., 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.2, 105mm f/1.8, etc.). Manual-focus primes have far better dampening (resistance) which makes manual focus-pulling (i.e., "follow-focus") easier to perform with greater accuracy. The focus rings on modern AF lenses are too "loose," and have no "feel."

Your best bet is to place an order and wait. Stock is unavailable or low right now due to the floods in Thailand late last year. Nikon's factory, where the D7000 is made, and several parts suppliers were flooded. Full production is slated to return in March, so stock and backorders should start getting filled in the next 4-5 weeks.

I personally do not own any Nikon lens, but I do have access to them as my father is a wedding photographer with Nikon DSLRs. I will likely not be shooting any "real" photos with it, but I could see my father potential borrowing the D7000 from me if I went that route.

The more I look at the D7000, the more I like it. But the question is again, can you buy it new anywhere? I am unable to find it. And what's the deal wih that anyway? Lack of supply, or an upcoming update?

Would this be primarily for video or mainly photography and video?
Do you have any existing Nikon lenses?

If not, and with a $1,500 budget, a 5100 is probably your best bet just starting out since you will need to buy lenses as well. Kit lenses are <$300, good lenses are $500, and great lenses are $1,000+.

Others could probably give you the Point Vs. Point on the small differing details of video between the two, but the main more pro level items are photography related and not so much on video.

Technically, I have all the time that I want. However, there are some things coming up that I want to use it for. I would like to have it by the end of March if possible.

Here is the thing about the D7000: Can you find it new anywhere? I haven't been able to....

No, not the end if no articulating screen, but it sure is nice to have. I think the 30fps at 1080p is what is selling me though. My A roll camera shoots anywhere between 24 to 60 fps, and if you understand anything about video, you know how important high fps (frames per second) is. The D7000 only shoots 1080p at 24 fps, but will go to 30 at 720p.

Theres lots of information on You Tube regarding video work and setups How much time have got?

I use my P7100 fro video but not professionally. I am very impressed with quality and the articulated screen. Sadly my D800 wont have an articulated screen but then it not been bought for video

General question, can anyone recommend a good book for a stills photographer wanting to learn video

D7100 will be out latter this year, but who wants to take a bet that it won't cost more than the D7000?

If you feel that your life will end without the articulating screen, then the D5100 is for you, otherwise the D7000 is the better camera (as you imply) and it certainly does "feel" better to me at least when I use it.

I just don't do Video is all....

Currently the only Nikon that I own is a (wonderful) P7000. I am wanting to dive into the world of DSLR video, but unfortunately, that camera will. It cut it. I have a $1500 budget, and was curious of which way to go for video. I love the robustness and pro options on the D7000, but the articulating screen and 30fps of the D5100 is almost nessasary for video. The camera will be used as B roll for primarily event and wedding video.

As much as I would like to have the new D800 or D4, I cannot fit something like that into my budget.

So, D5100 and some good glass to put in front of it, or D7000 and some moderate glass?
OR, wait and see if a D7100 is released anytime soon?

Am anxious to hear the opinion of this community.

Thanks!