What would you pick?

[Darth Boeder]

I know yet another question about what camera you would pick. We ahve looked online and in store and have touched an we like four different cameras. I just wanted to get your take on them.

Canon 60D
Canon T2i

Nikon D3100
Nikon D90

Any and all information is helpful. This will be our first DSLR.

 

[VVFF]

I know yet another question about what camera you would pick. We ahve looked online and in store and have touched an we like four different cameras. I just wanted to get your take on them.

Canon 60D
Canon T2i

Nikon D3100
Nikon D90

Any and all information is helpful. This will be our first DSLR.

Well if you tried them all and both Canon and Nikon felt good then you really can't go too wrong.

D3100 is clearly the most budget model out of these but is still a nice camera. Personally I feel the D90 is getting a LITTLE long in the tooth. Don't get me wrong, its still a VERY nice camera...but newer models have come out with better features and similar image quality.

Personally, and perhaps its my bias, I would recommend out of these 4 either of the Canon's. The T2i has the advantage of being a little smaller but 60D has better handling/build quality. Both are actually very similar models with the 60D having the flip screen and ability to control external speedlights wirelessly. Other than that, they are very similar.

Personally, if you think that smaller size will allow you to take it with you more often, then get the T2i. If you like the feel and control of the 60D...then get the 60D.

Again, out of the four options you picked you really can't go wrong. In fact, I really can't think of a DSLR that you could go THAT "wrong" with.

 

[Darth Boeder]

We really liked the flip screen on the 60D and we are leaning more towards that. I just wanted to gather more information on them. Others we have talked to really did not have a lot to say to help sway us to one over another.

 

[Anewman]

We really liked the flip screen on the 60D and we are leaning more towards that. I just wanted to gather more information on them. Others we have talked to really did not have a lot to say to help sway us to one over another.

The 60D offers better focusing and metering sytems, plus faster burst rate and better build quality.

But it is $250 more expensive than the t2i($650 at adorama), only you can decide if those features are worth it to you.

 

[VVFF]

We really liked the flip screen on the 60D and we are leaning more towards that. I just wanted to gather more information on them. Others we have talked to really did not have a lot to say to help sway us to one over another.

You may not seen it in stores but the T3i is out and it has the flip screen. So if you like the size of the T2i but want the flip screen that is another option. The T3i is the 60D with a slower FPS, smaller/darker viewfinder, rebel controls, better AF points and build quality.

 

[Anewman]

The T3i is the 60D with a slower FPS, smaller/darker viewfinder, rebel controls and build quality.

At the same price... Easy choice IMO, for me the biggest factor is the better focusing system of the 60D.

 

[VVFF]

At the same price... Easy choice IMO, for me the biggest factor is the better focusing system of the 60D.

I agree...but with some people size is king. Personally once I'm at a camera the size of an SLR what does a little extra size/weight matter.

 

[Darth Boeder]

I did not see the T3i. Just one more thing to go look at now. Is the 60d built better. I really do not want to have to buy another camera because I want something that is better then what I have. I want something that is going to last for awhile. I hate how things get replaced so quickly because of technology.

 

[VVFF]

I did not see the T3i. Just one more thing to go look at now. Is the 60d built better. I really do not want to have to buy another camera because I want something that is better then what I have. I want something that is going to last for awhile. I hate how things get replaced so quickly because of technology.

Just because a new model comes out doesn't make your current camera perform any worse. The camera you buy now will work just the same as the first day you bought it.


The beauty of technology is how quickly we are advancing giving more and more people the ability to have a nice camera should they choose.

The better build of the 60D is the least factor you should weigh in my opinion. We've had people literally drop a rebel out of a plane skydiving and it survived. The build quality of either is more than fine for all but the most demanding users.

The biggest factors you should consider are the controls of the rebel vs. 60D, comfort factor, and if you need the higher fps.

 

[Darth Boeder]

would the faster fps be more helpful when photographing sports, disney on ice, and things of that nature?

 

[Anewman]

I did not see the T3i. Just one more thing to go look at now. Is the 60d built better. I really do not want to have to buy another camera because I want something that is better then what I have. I want something that is going to last for awhile. I hate how things get replaced so quickly because of technology.

Yes the 60D is a better built camera, both are polymer bodies but the 60D just feels much more solid. Shutter rating on the 60D is 100k, canon never rates rebels but it is estimated to be 50k(yes some might last 200k... it is an estimate).

T2i/T3i share the sensor with the 60d and similar to that of the 7d, but they dont share engine, focusing/metering systems, buffer size, speed, etc...

Only reason to consider T3i vs the 60D is size, since they sell for the same price.

Only reasons to consider T2i vs the 60d is size and PRICE, since it is $250 less.

 

[Anewman]

would the faster fps be more helpful when photographing sports, disney on ice, and things of that nature?

Yes the higher FPS helps with sports, it helps take more pictures in a burst.

The better focusing system of the 60D is a bigger factor, it is better at tracking and focusing fast moving subjects.

I am sure a T2i/T3i can take great sports photos, but the 60D is better at it for many reasons.

 

[Darth Boeder]

thank you, that is very helpful. I think we are going to get the 60D.

 

[bob100]

thank you, that is very helpful. I think we are going to get the 60D.

I would also vote for the 60D, especially if you plan to shoot sports/action pics
http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2011/01/tested-canon-60d