Canon EOS Rebel T3 or Nikon D3100 or Bridge- Advice needed please!

[meggiebeth]

Hello!

I am in great need of advice as regards to choosing an entry level DSLR camera- and am asking on behalf of my family.

Since going to Florida last year and coming back and seeing how low quality and disappointing our photos were, we have been thinking about getting a DSLR. Since we are about to go on a tour of Scotland we would really like to buy one before we go to get some great shots of the scenery.

We are looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3 and the Nikon D3100 because we have heard they are in a similar league. Obviously we are in the UK so our choice of cameras is different to the choice in the US.

Which one would you say is better- or more suited to us? We would like some clear, sharp images and good quality video. And since we are beginners we don't want it to be too complex to use.

Or would a bridge camera be better than a DSLR in our circumstances?

I would be very grateful for your help. Thank you!

 

[ssanders79]

My first suggestion is to see which model feels better in your hands.

 

[disneymomjcs]

My husband gave me a Nikon 40dx and it is done for. It lasted two years. I had many error issues and even after having it fixed it continued. The messages were always in relation to a lens error. It would lock up too.

I had a two year warranty and was told it would be cheaper to buy a new camera then to get it fixed. $1,000 for the package a few years ago.

I will say I was able to take beautiful clear photos. I would never get a Nikon again. I have been without a nice camera for 1 1/2. My next camera will be a Canon EOS Rebel T3.

We have friends who live in the UK and they purchased a Canon Rebel and love it. They purchased it Duty Free at either Manchester or Orlando Airport.

 

[Experiment_626]

I would never get a Nikon again.

One bad camera shouldn't be extrapolated into a representative of an entire brand (or even that particular model). There's no way that Nikon would be one of the top two DSLR makers if they made shoddy cameras as a general rule. Any mass-produced camera (or darn near anything at all) will have a small number of lemons in the mix. Your chances of getting a bad Canon camera — or another bad Nikon — are about the same as they always were, which is "pretty darn low." It's kind of like knowing a person with blue eyes who happens to be a jerk, and then declaring that you'll never speak to a blue-eyed person again.

SSB

 

[Luvscrappin]

I agree that the best thing to do is go to the store and see how each camera feels in your hands. I think both Canon and Nikon put out great products. I have the canon T3i and I absolutely love it. This is my second canon DSLR and my first was the original Digital Rebel..it still works great..I just wanted a newer camera with more features. I really don't think you can go wrong with either brand, it's what ever feels best to you. Good luck!

 

[bob100]

Hello!

I am in great need of advice as regards to choosing an entry level DSLR camera- and am asking on behalf of my family.

Since going to Florida last year and coming back and seeing how low quality and disappointing our photos were, we have been thinking about getting a DSLR. Since we are about to go on a tour of Scotland we would really like to buy one before we go to get some great shots of the scenery.

We are looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3 and the Nikon D3100 because we have heard they are in a similar league. Obviously we are in the UK so our choice of cameras is different to the choice in the US.

Which one would you say is better- or more suited to us? We would like some clear, sharp images and good quality video. And since we are beginners we don't want it to be too complex to use.

Or would a bridge camera be better than a DSLR in our circumstances?

I would be very grateful for your help. Thank you!

I agree with the others, go to a store and handle them and look at the controls, ergonomics, etc. I prefer Canon but I've heard the other brands are decent. Instead of the T3 consider some other Canon models, e.g. T3i (600D) and T2i (550D). They have a few more features and considered a better value compared to the T3. The T2i is around $500 with 18-55IS lens.

 

[Experiment_626]

I really don't know much about bridge cameras per se with regard to current models. But with DSLRs, all the big companies make good, competent cameras and any model introduced within, let's say, the last three years or so should be fine. As has been suggested, if you can find a store that has the models you want to consider, give them a hands-on whirl. Things to consider (along with budget) … how does each feel in your hand, both in terms of the shape of the camera and the controls. Consider the lenses available from each manufacturer; do they make what you think you might want? And you also might consider what your friends have (if anything) — if they have Canon, Nikon, Sony or whatever, it might be source for borrowed lenses … but I think that's a less-important consideration than some do, unless your friends are pros or serious enthusiasts with many varied lenses. Doesn't mean that much if they all have the same or similar kit lenses, after all. Nothing wrong with kit lenses, of course, but why would you want to borrow what you already have?

SSB

 

[yruhereproductions]

I totally agree with everyone about the ergonomics. That is by far the most important thing. The two are so close though, should you not care how they feel, my vote would be the nikon d3100. Here's some examples of what a d3100 can do:

flickr - search woodystyle777 under people
youtube - search boatyard massacre

Since your getting the camera more for the "family events and vacations" and less for photography as a hobby, either one would be fine. If you start gettting into photography more, you'll learn that it's all about the glass and less about the body. The photo's and video above were taken with the standard 18-55mm lens that came with the nikon.

 

[YesDear]

I know you are in the UK but a Photo dealer here I use is having a great sale this week only on the D3100. I do not know what you may have to pay in VAT or what but the two lens kit is $250 off for the week.

The company is called Berger Bros. The link is here. Ask for Brad and tell him John Miller from NC sent you. You will get amazing service if the deal works for you!

I agree with everyone else about selecting the camera. If the D3100 is the one, this could be a great deal!

I also get nothing out of this. Just trying to share.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd agree with the other posters that you just need to see which one feels better to you. Operate the controls and pick the one that's more "natural" to you. You want to be using the camera to take pictures, not spend a lot of time fumbling with adjustments.

Also wanted to note that Nikon now has a successor to the 3100 out. Its the 3200. You might find a really good price on a 3100 as a close-out.

 

[OKW Lover]

Should have also added that I wouldn't go with a "bridge" camera. If you're going to make the jump, just go ahead and do it. Invest the money you were going to spend on the bridge camera into some accessories for the DSLR. One of the things that results in the best pictures is experience. Get out there with the new camera and start shooting, not familiarizing yourself with a new camera twice.

 

[meggiebeth]

Hello and thanks to everyone for the advice! We have bought the Nikon rather than the Canon and it has been a great step up. I am so glad we have got it in time for our holiday in Scotland. We got some fabulous pictures of the Cairngorm Mountains today and can't wait to try it on Loch Ness tomorrow! Who knows, it could capture Nessie!
We have just the simple lense and are looking for a zoom lens. My dad is annoyed we didn't get one for this holiday (zooming in on the wildlife would have been great) but it didn't help that he dropped our original lens in a shop and then had to buy a new one... A week after we bought the original. Oh well, I do love the camera! Any reccommendations for zoom lenses? I think that's what they are called. We are looking at Nikon ones and are very tempted but the choice is bewildering!
Many thanks