Learning Curve

[ridley09]

I am an experienced 35mm SLR user of 30 years. Finally decided to breakdown and buy a DSLR. I have NO EXPERIENCE with digital cameras. Trying to decide between Nikon D5100 and Canon T3i. Read dozens of reviews and they seem to be fine products. My question: Which one will be easier to use or learn to use? It's not that I am not technically capable, but I have limited time. I understand that the Nikon D3100 is a "easy to learn on" camera, but I want the next step up in capability.
Thank You

 

[SCraig]

I don't know about the Canon but the D3100 is an entry-level DSLR that someone with 30 years of experience would probably outgrow pretty quickly. I'd recommend a D5100, a D90 or a D7000.

 

[ridley09]

agreed that I will want more than the D3100 has to offer and I think that the D5100 or T3i will be fine choices. Just curious as to which is more straight forward and faster to learn to use. planning a trip and want to be up to speed quickly

 

[BlairWright]

With that background you will find that film isn't that far from digital when it comes to the actual settings and shooting principles, the differences really come in on the post processing side.

You will have some basics to learn on the Digital side but at a high level it's still mainly aperture and shutter speed with the addition of some crazy ISO capabilities now. I would also recommend a D90 or better..

 

[ann]

Biggest difference between cameras will be white balance, (no need to have the correct temparture film) and the ability to change ISO at will; other than that the camera is going to the same. An fstop is still and fstop as is a shutter speed.

After, shooting them how you deal with the files will be a different animal.

 

[ridley09]

Ok thanks for the info...maybe I'll go with the body that feels best in hand! would love to go up to a better body but budget is tight...paying for two kids to go to college. maybe one of them will buy one for me someday...!