Canon Rebel T3i vs Nikon D5100 (or something else?)

[zackiedawg]

If you want to hear the fan-rant opinions, just pick any particular brand and go to that brand's forums on a photography board. There, you'll get very strong opinions on why that brand is great, and the others really stink.

But if you come to a reasonable place that's open to all brands, you'll usually discover the truth - that they're all very good, nearly equal overall, and the photographer and the lens used account for about 99% of the difference between a good shot and a bad one. The personal side comes with regards to ergonomics and budget - you might find you prefer the size, weight, handling, shape, or controls of one a little more, or one might fit the most of the features you feel you want or need into your budget.

If you find them all a fairly even draw in feel or layout, then maybe start comparing features/specs, and deciding if any are ones you really would love to have or do not want to live without - see which cameras can give you the most of those features/specs while staying inside your budget.

 

[saintstickets]

If you want to hear the fan-rant opinions, just pick any particular brand and go to that brand's forums on a photography board. There, you'll get very strong opinions on why that brand is great, and the others really stink.

Kinda figured that.

But if you come to a reasonable place that's open to all brands, you'll usually discover the truth - that they're all very good, nearly equal overall, and the photographer and the lens used account for about 99% of the difference between a good shot and a bad one. The personal side comes with regards to ergonomics and budget - you might find you prefer the size, weight, handling, shape, or controls of one a little more, or one might fit the most of the features you feel you want or need into your budget.

Aw, c'mon...don't tell me it's the photographer that's the main element. Maybe now I know why my pics don't look as good as I want them to look?

If you find them all a fairly even draw in feel or layout, then maybe start comparing features/specs, and deciding if any are ones you really would love to have or do not want to live without - see which cameras can give you the most of those features/specs while staying inside your budget.

I'm really leaning towards the Sony A55. I just found the Sony thread and read through the entire thing this afternoon. I really enjoyed the pics and advice...especially from this great photographer named Justin from Boca Raton!

 

[zackiedawg]

I don't know if you can trust that Justin guy...sounds like he might be a fanboy. And can you really trust anyone from Boca Raton!?



(though if it helps my rep at all, I did go to Tulane, and am by adoption also a Saints fan).

 

[saintstickets]

though if it helps my rep at all, I did go to Tulane, and am by adoption also a Saints fan.

Another thing to admire! WHO DAT!

 

[nbaresejr]

I considered the exact 2 cameras. After seeing both in person and reading that the t2i is basically the same as the t3i (minus swivel screen), i decided on the t2i because i got a great deal.

Paid 849 for the t2i, 18-55mm kit lens, 55-250mm lens, canon bag, 4gb memory card and hdmi cable. I love the camera.

Went with the canon because i liked the way it felt in my hand better and i guess i was just use to some of the markings from always using canon point and shoot cameras.

 

[saintstickets]

I have a question for the more-knowledgeable-than-I (wouldn't take much!) experts here on the DISboards regarding the view screen on each of the 3 cameras mentioned...if you take the camera out of auto mode and make manual adjustments, does the image on the screen reflect those adjustments in live view?

 

[ukcatfan]

I have a question for the more-knowledgeable-than-I (wouldn't take much!) experts here on the DISboards regarding the view screen on each of the 3 cameras mentioned...if you take the camera out of auto mode and make manual adjustments, does the image on the screen reflect those adjustments in live view?

As far as I know, every DSLR with live view will reflect those changes on the screen. I could be wrong and the older ones might not, but I would be extremely surprised if a new one didn't do that. Personally, I almost never use live view. Pretty much just for tripod work.

 

[zackiedawg]

It's sort of yes and no - what you're asking about would be called 'exposure simulation' in live view. Sony and Canon for sure have had it for quite a while. Nikon's DSLRs didn't used to when they first started - I don't know if they do now. Pentax I believe has always had it too.

However, live view shooting would not be encouraged on DSLRs except Sony, as they are very slow, crippled systems that are more designed to take tripod shots and studio shots, where you have time to set up a shot and don't mind the slow focus and bad shutter delay while the camera flips the mirrors around. Sony's live view systems are unique in this regard - as they are the only ones capable of using full phase-detect autofocus, with tracking, with no lag or delays, and real time exposure simulation. This is on both Sony's DSLRs and their SLT and mirrorless models. On the SLT models, you are essentially ALWAYS in live view mode, since even the viewfinder is presenting an electronic view as opposed to an optical one, so you get exposure simulation even in the viewfinder.

Live view is the one area where you can say that one brand has a clear advantage - each may have one or two particular strengths even though overall they are quite equal - but Sony is clearly at a big advantage for live view users.

 

[saintstickets]

Honestly, if they were all acceptable, then it just becomes a matter of features for the money. Burst rate, ISO capability, in-body IS, that sort of thing.

I have a Canon T2i and love it. I doubt you'd be unhappy with ANY of those choices. The truth is that it probably takes owning one of the models for a while to realize what you value most. So make your best guess, jump in with both feet, and keep notes on what you'll want NEXT time! I LOVE my T2i, but will definitely will go with a higher burst rate on my next model.

NEXT time?!?! Geez...you mean I won't use this one forever? At least with my point & shoot the add-ons are very limited. I can already see trying to figure out ways to buy additional lenses and other accessories for this new DSLR! Sighhhhh...what am I getting myself into?

As far as I know, every DSLR with live view will reflect those changes on the screen. I could be wrong and the older ones might not, but I would be extremely surprised if a new one didn't do that. Personally, I almost never use live view. Pretty much just for tripod work.

It's sort of yes and no - what you're asking about would be called 'exposure simulation' in live view. Sony and Canon for sure have had it for quite a while. Nikon's DSLRs didn't used to when they first started - I don't know if they do now. Pentax I believe has always had it too.

However, live view shooting would not be encouraged on DSLRs except Sony, as they are very slow, crippled systems that are more designed to take tripod shots and studio shots, where you have time to set up a shot and don't mind the slow focus and bad shutter delay while the camera flips the mirrors around. Sony's live view systems are unique in this regard - as they are the only ones capable of using full phase-detect autofocus, with tracking, with no lag or delays, and real time exposure simulation. This is on both Sony's DSLRs and their SLT and mirrorless models. On the SLT models, you are essentially ALWAYS in live view mode, since even the viewfinder is presenting an electronic view as opposed to an optical one, so you get exposure simulation even in the viewfinder.

Live view is the one area where you can say that one brand has a clear advantage - each may have one or two particular strengths even though overall they are quite equal - but Sony is clearly at a big advantage for live view users.

Thx guys. One thing I really like about the DISboards is all the help from others that have been there and done that. It doesn't matter if it is where to stay, what restaurant to try, CM tips or help in choosing a camera. Thanks all. I'm sure there will be more questions before I buy and many more afterwards.