D5100 or T3i

[Leenie74]

Hi, I've never posted here but I've been reading the photography board for a couple of months now...about the same time I decided that I wanted to upgrade from my cheap P&S to a DSLR camera. I've been doing digital scrapbooking for a couple of years now and I'm SOO tired of having to edit every picture I use and it still looks horrible compared to friends with better cameras. I'm planning to buy soon so I'll have time to learn the basics (and hopefully more) before our next Disney trip and Dream cruise in June.

So I've done a lot of reading and narrowed it down to the either the Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i. But I can't make a final decision. I've been to Best Buy and held both of them...both felt OK in my hands so I'm good there. So now, I'd like to learn which is going to give me better pics for my typical uses (Disney trips, other vacations, soccer games, holidays and chasing around 2 active girls). Also, which does better in low light situations?

I know many of you are firmly in the Nikon or Canon camp...what helped you make that final decision? Do you regret it? TIA for any thoughts/advice.

 

[ukcatfan]

So now, I'd like to learn which is going to give me better pics for my typical uses (Disney trips, other vacations, soccer games, holidays and chasing around 2 active girls). Also, which does better in low light situations?

I know many of you are firmly in the Nikon or Canon camp...what helped you make that final decision? Do you regret it? TIA for any thoughts/advice.

Probably not what you are going to want to hear, but the photographer is much more important in this decision than the camera. The specs on those are really close and on top of that any DSLR made in the past couple years will be able to give amazing pictures in the right hands. You should pick more based on feel, availability of accessories, and you budget (now and for future purchases)..

 

[Shutterbug]

You have said you have held both but did you actually work through the menus screens and such? Its not only how it feels in your hand as much how easy is it to access all the different options.

 

[Leenie74]

Probably not what you are going to want to hear, but the photographer is much more important in this decision than the camera. The specs on those are really close and on top of that any DSLR made in the past couple years will be able to give amazing pictures in the right hands. You should pick more based on feel, availability of accessories, and you budget (now and for future purchases)..

Thanks for the quick reply! Actually, I'm ok with hearing that and know that I probably should take a class when I do get the DSLR. When DH and I first got married 12 years ago, we got an APS camera (Kodak I think) that we liked and used for several years. Even though it was more or less a P&S, I was able to get some great pictures from it and until it died. For budget reasons at the time, we replaced it with a very inexpensive P&S. At the point, I think our phones take better pictures.

The cost of the D5100 and T3i are pretty comparable. I'm planning to get a zoom lens as well. The Nikon has a 55-200 and the Canon has a 55-250 for about the same cost. If I go with the Nikon, will I regret the less zoom? I haven't looked at other accessories now, but I'm sure I will in the future. What do people usually get next or does it just depend on the person?

 

[Leenie74]

You have said you have held both but did you actually work through the menus screens and such? Its not only how it feels in your hand as much how easy is it to access all the different options.

Thanks, good suggestion! No, I didn't do that because I had 2 very impatient girls with me at the time. I'll definitely go back and do that this weekend. I'm so indecisive when it comes to things like this!

 

[ukcatfan]

The cost of the D5100 and T3i are pretty comparable. I'm planning to get a zoom lens as well. The Nikon has a 55-200 and the Canon has a 55-250 for about the same cost. If I go with the Nikon, will I regret the less zoom? I haven't looked at other accessories now, but I'm sure I will in the future. What do people usually get next or does it just depend on the person?

It is usually up to the person, but there are some generalizations. Most end up wanting a good low light lens like a 35mm or 50mm with a large aperture (i.e. ~f/1.4-2.0) and a flash. Other than that it is often individual needs. You really should think hard since the price on certain lenses and other accessories can vary from system to system.

 

[Leenie74]

It is usually up to the person, but there are some generalizations. Most end up wanting a good low light lens like a 35mm or 50mm with a large aperture (i.e. ~f/1.4-2.0) and a flash. Other than that it is often individual needs. You really should think hard since the price on certain lenses and other accessories can vary from system to system.

Up to now, everything I've looked at has been pretty close cost-wise. But I just looked online to compare the 50mm f/1.8 lens for both. You're right...the Nikon lens is almost $90 more than the comparable Canon lens. That's definitely something to keep in mind. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Both of those camera bodies are very close in specs, so the output will be similar. I use a camera with the same sensor used in the Nikon and have found it to be an outstanding lowlight sensor (I shoot Pentax). What is going to make the difference is you, the photographer and what you slap on the front of the camera, lenses. Not all lenses are created equal. Unless you have an unlimited budget, I would hold off on purchasing any additional lenses until you learn a little more about photography. You can buy a variable aperture zoom lens (non-stabilized) and after you gain some knowledge, you learn that you need a constant aperture stabilized lens. Now you will have purchased two lenses for the same focal length. I would recommend that your first purchase would be a book on photography. One that is recommended is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I found it an easy read and very understandable. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[YesDear]

First let me say that I am a Nikon shooter, however, either system will do a great job for you. My only hope is that you will go back to where you can test the cameras' and play with them. Please make your decision based which camera you feel will be easier to understand and use. Do not make up your mind based on saving $50-100 in the beginning.

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking you not to be cost conscious, but I am asking you to make the decision on the camera system you will use the most

You may not understand it now but once you get the camera, regardless of brand, if you decide you like photography the following will happen. You will want to get a better camera. You will more importantly want to get better glass. Kit lens today from both brands are really pretty good image quality wise but none of them are particularly fast. That means you need more light to take a better picture. Better glass means faster lens and less light.

Now my personal opinion about brands and glass. I think Nikon's better glass is better than Canon's better glass. Once again personal opinion.

The bottom line is I would rather you buy Canon if that is the camera that you understand the buttons and dials and it is the one you like, not because the 50mm is more for one brand than the other!

Welcome to the world of DSLR, you will like it, I hope!

 

[bob100]

Hi, I've never posted here but I've been reading the photography board for a couple of months now...about the same time I decided that I wanted to upgrade from my cheap P&S to a DSLR camera. I've been doing digital scrapbooking for a couple of years now and I'm SOO tired of having to edit every picture I use and it still looks horrible compared to friends with better cameras. I'm planning to buy soon so I'll have time to learn the basics (and hopefully more) before our next Disney trip and Dream cruise in June.

So I've done a lot of reading and narrowed it down to the either the Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i. But I can't make a final decision. I've been to Best Buy and held both of them...both felt OK in my hands so I'm good there. So now, I'd like to learn which is going to give me better pics for my typical uses (Disney trips, other vacations, soccer games, holidays and chasing around 2 active girls). Also, which does better in low light situations?

I know many of you are firmly in the Nikon or Canon camp...what helped you make that final decision? Do you regret it? TIA for any thoughts/advice.

I'm a Canon shooter but I'll be the first (second, third?) to admit it's more the photographer than the equipment. I think Canon's 'glass' is better than Nikon and Canon sells more DSLR cameras (for a reason!) than the others but don't let that influence you!

 

[ukcatfan]

Guys, Guys, come on! I think we all know that the best glass is the incredible extensive selection of Pentax prime lenses!!! Plus it is all stabilized due to in-body stabilization...


As you can see, we all prefer our own particular brand, but to be honest the particular brand is a lot less important than the skill set.

 

[Leenie74]

I would recommend that your first purchase would be a book on photography. One that is recommended is Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. I found it an easy read and very understandable. Good luck with your purchase.

Thanks! I took your advice and bought it last night electronically on my touchpad. Started reading it and already am learning so much that I didn't understand before.

After seeing all the brand loyalty posts, I went out this morning and played with both the Nikon and Canon, this time looking through the screen menus. The D5100 seemed the easiest for me to navigate and fits in my budget, so I think I may be joining the Nikon group on this board. The one I'm looking at comes with an 18-55 mm VR lens, so I'm getting that and then making a decision between 55-200mm or 55-300mm zoom lens later (once I've learned some basics). I'm so excited and can't wait to see what I can learn to do!!

Thanks so much to those who gave me advice!

 

[NWDAD]

Thanks! I took your advice and bought it last night electronically on my touchpad. Started reading it and already am learning so much that I didn't understand before.

After seeing all the brand loyalty posts, I went out this morning and played with both the Nikon and Canon, this time looking through the screen menus. The D5100 seemed the easiest for me to navigate and fits in my budget, so I think I may be joining the Nikon group on this board. The one I'm looking at comes with an 18-55 mm VR lens, so I'm getting that and then making a decision between 55-200mm or 55-300mm zoom lens later (once I've learned some basics). I'm so excited and can't wait to see what I can learn to do!!

Thanks so much to those who gave me advice!

If you are looking at the D5100. Check out Costco. They have it with the 18-55 and the 55-300 and include a Camara bag, although small, and a SD Card. I have both the Nikon 55-200 and 70-300, love them both.

Which ever you choose, you are starting down an adicting path

Just check out the photo of the day posts.

Kevin

 

[kidsrfun]

I just bought the Canon t2i this morning off of QVC. I have been looking at it and also the t3i for quite some time, so when this one went on sale today, I did more research. The biggest difference to me (being a novice) is that the t3i has the articulating monitor. That would be nice (very nice probably) but it doesn't seem to be worth the price difference for me personally. When looking at the price difference, it's something that I can live without. The other differences are things that someone who is a more professional camera person might want as an upgrade, but not things that matter to me. Also, the today's special value offers two lenses with the camera. The 18-55mm lens and also the 75-300mm lens. I'm really excited about that. It's also packaged with a bag and a SD card. Anyway, I just thought that I'd pass along the info. It's $770 (pretty comparable to other places that I've looked including amazon) but of course QVC splits it up into 5 payments if you want to do it that way. I can't wait to get it and start playing with all of the features. I'm also going to buy a few photography books and search the boards for any tips and hints for shooting in the world (Fireworks, low light rides, etc) for when I go to WDW in August!!

Best of luck with your purchase (whichever camera you decide on)

 

[Leenie74]

Well, I did it! My new D5100 camera and 2 lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) will be here Wednesday. In the meantime, I've got a ton of reading to do or I'm not going to have a clue what to do when it arrives. Hopefully I'm a quick learner...we leave for Disney in 95 days!

kidsrfun...enjoy your new T2i. According to everyone here, we'll never look back!

 

[kidsrfun]

Congratulations on your new camera!! We will both be practicing on our new cameras to get ready for our trips!! I bought two books and started watching lots of youtube videos!! Should be fun!

Enjoy!!!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Well, I did it! My new D5100 camera and 2 lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) will be here Wednesday. In the meantime, I've got a ton of reading to do or I'm not going to have a clue what to do when it arrives. Hopefully I'm a quick learner...we leave for Disney in 95 days!

kidsrfun...enjoy your new T2i. According to everyone here, we'll never look back!

Have fun with your new camera and lenses. I have only three words for you, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Enjoy.

 

[kidsrfun]

Well, I did it! My new D5100 camera and 2 lenses (18-55mm and 55-200mm) will be here Wednesday. In the meantime, I've got a ton of reading to do or I'm not going to have a clue what to do when it arrives. Hopefully I'm a quick learner...we leave for Disney in 95 days! [/COLOR]

Did you get your camera yesterday? Mine came today and I can't wait to start really playing with it! I had a few minutes this morning to look at it... OVERWHELMED!! Thank goodness for the books and the site / youtube videos online!! I hope that you have as much from playing and practicing as i will!! Good luck!

 

[Leenie74]

Did you get your camera yesterday? Mine came today and I can't wait to start really playing with it! I had a few minutes this morning to look at it... OVERWHELMED!! Thank goodness for the books and the site / youtube videos online!! I hope that you have as much from playing and practicing as i will!! Good luck!

Mine did come on Wednesday but I didn't get a chance to try and do anything with it till last night. I was able to attach the neck strap and set the date and time before I needed help! . I'm definitely overwhelmed and the owners manual is like reading a foreign language. I'm reading the two books I bought and going to a friend's house for help tonight. I may try the YouTube video thing too. How's it going for you so far? Have you been able to get some good pics yet?

 

[xp28]

Personally I like T3i.