Canon Rebel T4i or Nikon 5100

[jgazda]

Just diving into the DSLR world after only using a standard point and shoot camera. After doing a bunch of research it seems that these two cameras are tossed back and forth between the best out there for a beginner. I don't know which one to pick. Anyone out there have either that can make a good recommendation?

 

[OKW Lover]

Disclaimer: I own the Nikon D5100

Now with that out of the way, I agree with what is going to be a slew of comments that you should just go to a store and play with both cameras. Try taking a few (simulated) pictures. See how the zoom control feels to you. Does the shutter release fall naturally under your finger? Does the camera as a whole feel comfortable in your shooting grip?

BTW, Nikon just announced a D5200 this month in the USA so I'd expect prices on the D5100 to be dropping further soon.

 

[havoc315]

To confuse matters more, you should throw the Sony A37/57 into the mix. Their SLT system has some unique advantages and disadvantages.

To some degree, you should look at factors like price, and if you have a personal preference for which feels best in your hands.
In most every day shooting situations, all 3 brands will produce indistinguishable results.
So the next question, what types of shooting situations are you anticipating?
What types of extra features may or may not be important? Swivel LCD screen, HDR or panorama modes, etc.
in terms of image quality and low light noise, Nikon is the best rated. But the other cameras aren't exactly slouches.
The Sony cameras use a unique system which includes an electronic viewfinder -- some people love seeing the real exposure, focus, bokeh, etc, through the viewfinder. Other people hate the electronic image. The unique nature of the system also allows for much faster burst shooting than any other entry level dSLR.

So each model has some minor differencès, pros and cons.

 

[photo_chick]

Just diving into the DSLR world after only using a standard point and shoot camera. After doing a bunch of research it seems that these two cameras are tossed back and forth between the best out there for a beginner. I don't know which one to pick. Anyone out there have either that can make a good recommendation?

The problem with recommendations is that we're going to tell you what WE like. That won't necessarily be what is right for you.

Make sure that one doesn't have some feature you can't live without that isn't available on the other. Then go to the store and play with both. One will most likely feel "better" in your hands than the other. You really can't go wrong either way, it's all about what fits you.

 

[mikegood2]

Agree with the vast majority of what other said.

I'll add another thing to take into consideration. Do you have any friends or family who own a Canon or Nikon DSLR? They can be a valuable in offering advice and maybe you can borrow a lens or two from them.

I'd also go to a camera store and try them out and see which you like the feel of better, but the reality is that you won't go wrong with either. I'll also let you in on a little secret, at one time or another you will think the other would have been a better choice!

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[Gianna'sPapa]

The problem with recommendations is that we're going to tell you what WE like. That won't necessarily be what is right for you.

Make sure that one doesn't have some feature you can't live without that isn't available on the other. Then go to the store and play with both. One will most likely feel "better" in your hands than the other. You really can't go wrong either way, it's all about what fits you.

Danielle (aka photo chick) is exactly right. Each of us chose our "system" or "manufacturer" for a reason. An example of why I chose my system, was first, I was invested in lenses from the film days that could be used on my DSLR, my system arguably has the best weather resistant bodies for APS-C cameras, we have in-body stabilization (hence all my lenses are stabilized, hence cheaper and lighter in most cases), I need the dual wheels for on-the-fly adjustments. Are there some downsides to my system? Yes there are like in all systems. So whether you choose Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc, its important you look at the entire system to see if it fits your needs today and in the future. Then comes the ergonomics which for most of us is of critical importance. If the camera doesn't feel right in your hands, you will have a tendency not to use it. I see that you are in the Chicago suburbs, so if you want to look and hold the cameras, I would recommend Calumet (http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/locations-us/oak-brook.cfm) in Oakbrook. For sure they carry Nikon, Canon and I think Sony. In Rockford, there is Camera Craft (http://cameracraftinc.com/) and they carry all the major brands including mine, Pentax. I would recommend you do some leg work and visit a good camera store. Fortunately, you have a couple choices in your area. Another thing that you are fortunate to have in your area (and mine) is the factory approved repair centers. United Camera in Bensenville is the factory repair center for most the major brands and Bigston Corporation in Elk Grove Village is the factory repair center for Sigma. I have used both and have been very satisfied with their walk-in service.

 

[mikegood2]

Danielle (aka photo chick) is exactly right. Each of us chose our "system" or "manufacturer" for a reason. An example of why I chose my system, was first, I was invested in lenses from the film days that could be used on my DSLR, my system arguably has the best weather resistant bodies for APS-C cameras, we have in-body stabilization (hence all my lenses are stabilized, hence cheaper and lighter in most cases), I need the dual wheels for on-the-fly adjustments. Are there some downsides to my system? Yes there are like in all systems. So whether you choose Nikon, Canon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, etc, its important you look at the entire system to see if it fits your needs today and in the future. Then comes the ergonomics which for most of us is of critical importance. If the camera doesn't feel right in your hands, you will have a tendency not to use it. I see that you are in the Chicago suburbs, so if you want to look and hold the cameras, I would recommend Calumet (http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/locations-us/oak-brook.cfm) in Oakbrook. For sure they carry Nikon, Canon and I think Sony. In Rockford, there is Camera Craft (http://cameracraftinc.com/) and they carry all the major brands including mine, Pentax. I would recommend you do some leg work and visit a good camera store. Fortunately, you have a couple choices in your area. Another thing that you are fortunate to have in your area (and mine) is the factory approved repair centers. United Camera in Bensenville is the factory repair center for most the major brands and Bigston Corporation in Elk Grove Village is the factory repair center for Sigma. I have used both and have been very satisfied with their walk-in service.

Hey, we have three people in this thread from Illinois. I think you made some great points in your post. If you are ever in the Rockford area I would definitely recommend Camera Craft which is where I got my first DSLR from. Rockford also has Lundgren Cameras (http://lundgrencamera.com/) about 5 minutes away. Of the two I prefer Camera Craft, but both are nice.

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[Gianna'sPapa]

Hey, we have three people in this thread from Illinois. I think you made some great points in your post. If you are ever in the Rockford area I would definitely recommend Camera Craft which is where I got my first DSLR from. Rockford also has Lundgren Cameras (http://lundgrencamera.com/) about 5 minutes away. Of the two I prefer Camera Craft, but both are nice.

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You might be familar with this place. I spend as much time as I can there when I'm not doing my staff photography work at Chicagoland Speedway/Route 66 Raceway.


NSTC 0457 by Terry McGraw Photography, on Flickr

 

[Pooh2]

My son bought the d5100 as his first DSLR and went with the 18-105 lens rather than the 18-55mm which is typically paired with the 5100 kit. He and his wife love the camera and are very happy with their choice.

 

[jgazda]

I went to the camera store and tested the Nikon, canon and Sony and after a lot of debate (I am a horrible decision maker especially when money is involved) I purchased the Nikon 5100. It felt the best in my hands, had lots of fun features and takes great shots. Had some fun playing with it last night. Thanks to you all for the help. I got lucky and the package I got came with 2 lenses, the standard 18-55 and then a 55-200. Haven't put that one on yet. Thanks again!

 

[havoc315]

Congrats on your new camera. Can't go wrong with that choice.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Congratulations on your purchase. Have fun!

 

[mikegood2]

Congrats, you wouldn't have gone wrong either way!

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[SplashMo]

WOnderful choice. Great camera.

 

[Pooh2]

My son bought the d5100 as his first DSLR and went with the 18-105 lens rather than the 18-55mm which is typically paired with the 5100 kit. He and his wife love the camera and are very happy with their choice.

Congrats on your purchase!