Using a digital camera for video production?

I am not quite sure how to answer your question but here are two possible cameras to consider. Canon T2i, body only, about $720. You will need to add a lens. Nikon D7000, body only, about $1,200. You will need to add a lens here too. An advantage of this camera is that it has continuous auto-focus in video mode. I don't know if the Canon has it. When it comes to digital HD video it isn't cheap but the prices are still a lot lower than they used to be. If you can afford it get the Canon 5D Mk II for video. It is so good it is being used to shoot TV shows. The last episode of last season's "House" was shot entirely on one.

Yes it is an issue with point and shoot and bridge cameras. Everything on these cameras goes to full auto when recording video and the zoom is normally unavailable. With an slr camera that is video capable however, zoom is always manual and the auto focus on the lens can be turned off. If you do that you'll have to focus the camera as you go which is the case with most video production anyhow. You didn't mention what you have to spend but you're probably looking at $600 - $800 for one of these cameras with a basic 18-55 lens. I do video production with a Fuji 9000. It doesn't shoot in HD because it's an older, discontinued model but it works very well for what I need. You may also find that you'll have to do format conversion on your video or buy separate software to edit your material. I use a program by Roxio called Creator. It retails for around $100 or so and is a fine editor.