Shopping for a new camera

[MAJPLO]

It has been years since I've used a decent camera but it is time... Still researching a lot, but if I were choosing between a Nikon D3200 (kit includes 18-55 and 55-200) or a Canon Rebel T3i (kit includes 18-55 and 55-250).... what's the recommendation? I will be taking mostly photos of my kids playing sports and for travel (cruise, landscapes, kids and family indoors and out.

 

[havoc315]

There is no right or wrong answer. And for that matter, you can add the Pentax K-30 and the Sony A37/A57/A58 to that list.

All the cameras will be very capable of taking his quality shots, and will be good for sports and travel.
You can weigh the different price points... see how each camera actually feels in your hands, and compare some of the bells and whistles-- see which appeals the most to you.

In terms of reputation, the Nikons are known to have the best image quality and low light performance. (though in 99% of situations you may not notice the least bit of difference compared to the other models).
Canons are the most popular brand, so widely supported. And has a reputation for the best video.
The Pentak options are the only cameras in the price range with weather sealing, so they are a bit tougher.
Pentak and Sony both have in-camera image stabilization. To me, it's a big plus -- because it adds stabilization to affordable old uses lenses... it adds stabilization to prime and macro lenses.
Sony stopped making true dSLRs but now makes dSLTs-- the main noticeable differences are a high quality electronic viewfinder instead of optical viewfinder. (some see this as a pro, some as a con). Unlike other dSLRs, it allows much faster burst rate shooting which is great for sports. (I think the A57 allows 12 frames per second, compared to 4-5 fps on the other cameras you are looking at). It allows for full-time live view on the LCD screen, and allows for phase detect auto-focus during video.
I'll just note that the A57 is a somewhat higher level camera that you can get at bargain prices right now as a new -- inferior -- model is coming out.

So compare prices, compare features, and possibly even see how each feels in your hands.

But between the 4 brands, there is no clear cut superior choice.

 

[cjstarr]

I agree with havoc315 there is not that much difference between the 4 models.
Take some time and look at the pictures that have been posted here on the different sections ie...Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony. Remember that most have been Photoshop with one program or another.

 

[havoc315]

I agree with havoc315 there is not that much difference between the 4 models.
Take some time and look at the pictures that have been posted here on the different sections ie...Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony. Remember that most have been Photoshop with one program or another.

Didn't quite say that
There are some significant differences, but all 4 brands can produce photos of stellar quality. If there are certain bells & whistles that are most important, it could steer you in a certain direction. Want to shoot often outdoors in bad weather, go to the Pentax. Want to shoot kids sports at 12fps or want to be able to really compose your shots in either the viewfinder of the LCD, go to the Sony, etc, etc.
These differences can be rather significant. But at the end of the day, one brand isn't really "better" than another. They each produce great photos, with different pros and cons in terms of usability.

 

[cjstarr]

Didn't quite say that
There are some significant differences, but all 4 brands can produce photos of stellar quality. If there are certain bells & whistles that are most important, it could steer you in a certain direction. Want to shoot often outdoors in bad weather, go to the Pentax. Want to shoot kids sports at 12fps or want to be able to really compose your shots in either the viewfinder of the LCD, go to the Sony, etc, etc.
These differences can be rather significant. But at the end of the day, one brand isn't really "better" than another. They each produce great photos, with different pros and cons in terms of usability.

I was trying to point out that there was not much difference in the quality of the pictures. I agree 100% with you on the bells and whistle aspect.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

It has been years since I've used a decent camera but it is time... Still researching a lot, but if I were choosing between a Nikon D3200 (kit includes 18-55 and 55-200) or a Canon Rebel T3i (kit includes 18-55 and 55-250).... what's the recommendation? I will be taking mostly photos of my kids playing sports and for travel (cruise, landscapes, kids and family indoors and out.

I agree with the other posters. All todays cameras will do a great job and its up to the photographer to get the best out of your system. We all have chosen our system for our own reasons. Just to give you a little information on the two cameras you asked about, The Nikon 3200 is Nikon's latest version of their entry level camera. The Canon T3i is a two generation old version (it does use many components of the current T5i) of the camera that is one step above the T3 (notice no "i") entry level. The Canon and Nikon folks can provide more of the specifications for each (I shoot Pentax). The website dpreview.com provides a comparison tool that may help with all the bells and whistles.

 

[bob100]

It has been years since I've used a decent camera but it is time... Still researching a lot, but if I were choosing between a Nikon D3200 (kit includes 18-55 and 55-200) or a Canon Rebel T3i (kit includes 18-55 and 55-250).... what's the recommendation? I will be taking mostly photos of my kids playing sports and for travel (cruise, landscapes, kids and family indoors and out.

I agree with the others, Canon has the best image quality (duh, that's what the pros use !) but the other camera manufacturers can produce good pics in capable hands.

 

[havoc315]

I agree with the others, Canon has the best image quality (duh, that's what the pros use !) but the other camera manufacturers can produce good pics in capable hands.

Actually, while you're unlikely to see a huge difference with the naked eye, objective testing rates Canon the worst of the 4 brands in image quality. The other 3 brands have taken a bigger step forward in sensor technology.

Plenty of pros use Nikon. And there are a share of pros who use Sony and Pentax.
Where Canon had been supreme was video, but Sony is making a push there.

 

[bob100]

Actually, while you're unlikely to see a huge difference with the naked eye, objective testing rates Canon the worst of the 4 brands in image quality.

LOL ! go to a Canon forum and see all the former Sony users! (and Nikon!)
Or join a local photo club where everyone is shooting the same subject and same conditions then compare the pics (bring some memory cards!)
There's a reason most pros use Canon !

 

[havoc315]

LOL ! go to a Canon forum and see all the former Sony users! (and Nikon!)
Or join a local photo club where everyone is shooting the same subject and same conditions then compare the pics (bring some memory cards!)
There's a reason most pros use Canon !

And check the Sony or Pentax or Nikon forums, and you will find people who abandoned Canon as well. Plenty of flipping fan boys.

Plenty of reasons many pros use Canon (and many also use Nikon), the biggest of which is lens availability and software compatibility.
And remember, pros who invest heavily in lenses, don't switch overnight. In the 1990s to earl 2000's... Canon was supreme and the best. Pros went to Canon in droves. In recent years, Canon's image quality as been surpassed, but little differences in IQ isn't going to get a professional to dump thousands of dollars in lenses.
And the IQ of the top Canon fullframes is something...

But in terms of the consumer grade crop cameras...

DXOMark is the trusted source in rating image quality objectively.

So DXOMark scores:
Canon t3i: 65
Canon t4i: 62 (yes a small step backwards)
Sony A57: 75
Nikon D3200: 79
Pentax K-30: 81

As you can see, it's not really even close. In terms of solely image quality, Canon can't match the current sensors being used by Sony, Nikon and Pentax. But in 99.99% of situations, you won't notice a difference.

Again, these are the consumer grade cameras...
Moving to the the semi-pro fullframe cameras:
Canon 5d Mark iii -- IQ of 81
Nikon D800 -- IQ of 95
Sony A99 -- IQ of 89.

 

[cjstarr]

LOL ! go to a Canon forum and see all the former Sony users! (and Nikon!)
Or join a local photo club where everyone is shooting the same subject and same conditions then compare the pics (bring some memory cards!)
There's a reason most pros use Canon !

Talk about
bob100 you do realize that a camera is a personal choice and there will never be any two people that will see a photo in the same way, ie...color, balance, even if they use the same camera and lens shooting the same image.
Just saying

 

[havoc315]

Talk about
bob100 you do realize that a camera is a personal choice and there will never be any two people that will see a photo in the same way, ie...color, balance, even if they use the same camera and lens shooting the same image.
Just saying

Very true.. some people prefer more contrast, or more saturation, etc, etc.

That said, there are objective measures of dynamic range, or noise performance, etc. And by these objective measures, Canon has been falling behind in the last few years.

That's not meant as an "insult" against Canon-- Canon has been an innovator in many other ways, and still puts out a compelling product. The t4i introduced a very innovative video autofocus system, and to my knowledge, it's the only dSLR touch screen in the class.

But in terms of pure image quality... here is an interesting quote from dxoMark:

"The new EOS 600D brings no improvement over the 550D other than a few features. The two sensors perform exactly the same, and show the same persistent noise problem in dark areas at low ISO speeds, preventing it from achieving good dynamic range metrics. By contrast, Sony’s new sensors have efficiently solved this issue. Competition may be tough between Sony and Nikon, but Canon continues to lag behind them both"

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I agree with the others, Canon has the best image quality (duh, that's what the pros use !) but the other camera manufacturers can produce good pics in capable hands.

I don't want to get in an argument, but there is more to producing great images than a camera body (manufacturers). The truth be told the reason that the "pros" use Nikon and Canon is they have the best selection of full frame camera bodies and professional full frame lenses. If the OP wishes to spend $10,000 on a camera body and one lens then go for professional equipment. Most of us are unwilling or unable to afford that level of equipment. I shoot side-by-side with pros about 30 weekends a year and I shoot Pentax. That does not mean that an amateur, hobbyist or semi-pro cannot produce stunning images with whatever level of equipment they have. I can almost guarantee that if you put a consumer lens on a pro body and a pro lens on consumer body with the photographer being equal, the pro lens will out perform the pro body! I would never make the statement that one manufacturer will automatically provide a better image. There are too many variables. I have read that you can't shoot sports or action with Pentax. Obviously, I would respectfully disagree:


NSTC 2145 by Terry McGraw Photography, on Flickr

 

[cjstarr]

Gianna'sPapa this is so true,
and that is a stunning picture. 2

 

[MAJPLO]

Wow. Thanks for all the info. So four hours later.... I'm now comparing the T3i, T4i, Nikon D3200, and Pentax K30. I like the fact that the Pentax seems much more durable but I really don't like its extra weight. Hmmmm. What else can you all tell me?

 

[hakepb]

Now, back to the OP's camera choices...I believe the D5200 has a much more advanced 39 point AF tracking system (that used to be on the $1000+ D7000) that may do better in sports than the D3200 or even the t4i or t3i
Plus, I think you have to watch out for lens compatibility with Nikon.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Now, back to the OP's camera choices...I believe the D5200 has a much more advanced 39 point AF tracking system (that used to be on the $1000+ D7000) that may do better in sports than the D3200 or even the t4i or t3i
Plus, I think you have to watch out for lens compatibility with Nikon.

If you are going to compare apples to apples, then it would be the Nikon 5200, the Canon T3i/T4i/T5i and the Pentax K30. Someone else will have to provide an equivalent Sony.

 

[havoc315]

If you are going to compare apples to apples, then it would be the Nikon 5200, the Canon T3i/T4i/T5i and the Pentax K30. Someone else will have to provide an equivalent Sony.

Sony a65 is best match.

 

[dkhillerud]

One thing to think about with Nikon is none of the entry level cameras have an internal focus motor. Not the D3000, 3100, 3200 or the D5100, 5200. There are a lot of great deals to be found on some of the older Nikon lenses that I can't buy due to the fact that they won't auto focus on my 5100.

I wish I would have gotten the D7000 as I would have a lot more lenses to choose from!

That doesn't matter at all if you are pretty sure you will be happy with the kit lenses mentioned.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

One thing to think about with Nikon is none of the entry level cameras have an internal focus motor. Not the D3000, 3100, 3200 or the D5100, 5200. There are a lot of great deals to be found on some of the older Nikon lenses that I can't buy due to the fact that they won't auto focus on my 5100.

I wish I would have gotten the D7000 as I would have a lot more lenses to choose from!

That doesn't matter at all if you are pretty sure you will be happy with the kit lenses mentioned.

That's one of the downsides we talked about. Whereas all older Pentax lenses fit all the new cameras including the screw-ons with an available adaptor. They all will work with varying degrees of automation along with being stabilized like the Sony bodies. Nikon and Canon will have a greater variety of new lenses. They all will have their advantages and disadvantages. Its just what is important to the individual.