What will you be doing with it?

Canon shoots HD video (and still pictures).

Nikon only shoots still pictures (no video).

Canon is still available.

Nikon has been discontinued.

Is there a DSLR with mic input and video? less than 550$ if possible?

chris

Not for that money. The closest you can get are

Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Pentax KX 16303

Both shoot HD video (Canon at 1080p, Pentax at 720p), but no mic input.

If you (or anyone really) has any real intention of shooting with a DSLR (like the Canon D5 or D7), I HIGHLY recommend that you soak in the words and advice found here: http://hurlbutvisuals.com/blog/

Shane has been really the DP out front pushing the technology to the limit and he and his wife are graciously offering their experiences with the cameras on that website.

As far as audio goes, at least everyone who I know who has used the cameras recommends NOT attempting to record audio into a DSLR. It really isn't built for that. It really isn't built to make movies with either... that was never the intention by the Canon still photography division. But, using a variety of add-on accessories, you can get the camera "built" to a point where you can use it effectively to shoot high-quality video. But EVERYTHING I've heard to date says without hesitation that audio needs to be recorded separately, just like you would on a film shoot.

You can find more information about DSLRs at www.cinematography.com.

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

I actually own an HD-DSLR (which I've seen referred to as a "VSLR" now, which is a little bit easier to say haha) now, so I could give some of my hands on impressions. I think I'll bump the other thread for that though.

In any case, thinking about my next real shoot I've only really considered a separate audio recorder and mic set up. The ergonomics of having a small (or a large XLR cable if we used an adaptor) cable jutting out of the left side where your left hand tends to slide up to to balance the camera just doesn't seem like it will work very well. Also, and I think this applies to all VSLRs at the moment, the camera has very limited audio monitoring abilities. And the only level metering is automatic, which... I don't know, I don't really trust that.