Looking To Buy First DSLR

[Keedo]

Canon T2i or Nikon D5100?

those are my two choices. i must pick one lol. well those are my top recommendations i should say

what i will be doing with the camera,

Taking Stills of tuner cars (car shows/meets)
Taking pictures of moving cars, as they drive by, or drifting.
Taking pictures of nature, scenery.
Taking Night pictures


i have never handled a dslr before but i am a VERY quick learner with electronics. user friendly isnt a problem i can easily figure it out.

i am on a budget of 800 dollars (maybe 1000 if its absolutely worth it).

but i was wondering if i should get the body only and get an extra battery, case, tripod, and lens. i will also be using this camera for a good amount of time.

someone posted this for me, what is your take on this?
http://www.adorama.com/ICADRT2IKA.h...iate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=cj_4178161

thank you for even reading this. any advice is thanked.

 

[ConradM]

I would stay away from the t2i because it lacks a flip out screen... some people don't see a need for them but they help a ton for awkward shots. (like low corner angles for cars)

I don't know much about the d5100 but you might also want continuous AF and high fps for shooting drifting.

EDIT: For shooting drifting you're also going to need a decent zoom lens ($$$) depending on how close you can get to the track.

 

[Keedo]

i have been thinking of getting the T3i now. for those weird angles.

i have been searching all over the internet for some good packages or kits. but found very few =/

 

[Ballistics]

The atriculated screen should not what makes or breaks a purchase for you. Especially since the screen isn't very bright, and if you plan on using it to take pictures, you will have an issue in direct sunlight. The view finder should be more important for you. I had the D5100, and it was ok, but I turned it in for a D7000 and haven't looked back.

The only canon I am familiar with is the 60D, and it's a pretty great camera. Has a flip out screen as well. Since you have never even handled a camera before, go down to a best buy, or if you have one, a local camera shop, and try out all of the cameras. See which ones feel good in your hands, and then do some research.

 

[jriepe]

Some Nikon bodies do not have a focusing motor which means for auto focus you are limited to lenses that have their own focusing motors and the D5100 (I think) is one of those that doesn't. More and more lenses are being manufactured that have their own built in focusing motors but this still may be something you want to consider.

Jerry

 

[Flyer]

I have been very satisfied with my D5000 (the older version of the D5100). I can honestly say that it's a GREAT camera to learn on and get a good feel for it. I've had it for 2 years now and am just now planning on an upgrade.

My plan ... get some nice new glass, now that my technique and skill have increased, THEN get a new camera. I'll probably go with the D7000 or it's replacement.

 

[Dillard]

Go to a shop and hold both of them. Honestly I prefer the Nikon due to its feel alone. But everyone is difference, and it'll be an investment you carry forever

 

[ConradM]

The atriculated screen should not what makes or breaks a purchase for you. Especially since the screen isn't very bright, and if you plan on using it to take pictures, you will have an issue in direct sunlight. The view finder should be more important for you. I had the D5100, and it was ok, but I turned it in for a D7000 and haven't looked back.

The only canon I am familiar with is the 60D, and it's a pretty great camera. Has a flip out screen as well. Since you have never even handled a camera before, go down to a best buy, or if you have one, a local camera shop, and try out all of the cameras. See which ones feel good in your hands, and then do some research.

A Nikon sales rep tried to tell me that when I told her I was interested in the a33... and she was wrong, I use mine in direct sunlight all the time.

 

[Ballistics]

The atriculated screen should not what makes or breaks a purchase for you. Especially since the screen isn't very bright, and if you plan on using it to take pictures, you will have an issue in direct sunlight. The view finder should be more important for you. I had the D5100, and it was ok, but I turned it in for a D7000 and haven't looked back.

The only canon I am familiar with is the 60D, and it's a pretty great camera. Has a flip out screen as well. Since you have never even handled a camera before, go down to a best buy, or if you have one, a local camera shop, and try out all of the cameras. See which ones feel good in your hands, and then do some research.

A Nikon sales rep tried to tell me that when I told her I was interested in the a33... and she was wrong, I use mine in direct sunlight all the time.

Ok, well that's the A33... We are talking about Canon and Nikons here. I personally owned a D5100 and you can not see it in direct sunlight. Either way, you shouldn't rely on the screen for taking action shots anyway.

 

[Ballistics]

With 920,000 dots the D5100’s 3in LCD shows plenty of detail, but reflections are an issue in bright sunlight and it may be necessary to shade it with a hand.

Nikon D5100 LCD control screen does not have a high contrast mode -- much less readable in direct sunlight.

Typed in D5100 screen in direct sunlight in google and this is from 2 reviews.

 

[ConradM]

The atriculated screen should not what makes or breaks a purchase for you. Especially since the screen isn't very bright, and if you plan on using it to take pictures, you will have an issue in direct sunlight. The view finder should be more important for you. I had the D5100, and it was ok, but I turned it in for a D7000 and haven't looked back.

The only canon I am familiar with is the 60D, and it's a pretty great camera. Has a flip out screen as well. Since you have never even handled a camera before, go down to a best buy, or if you have one, a local camera shop, and try out all of the cameras. See which ones feel good in your hands, and then do some research.

A Nikon sales rep tried to tell me that when I told her I was interested in the a33... and she was wrong, I use mine in direct sunlight all the time.

Ok, well that's the A33... We are talking about Canon and Nikons here. I personally owned a D5100 and you can not see it in direct sunlight. Either way, you shouldn't rely on the screen for taking action shots anyway.

Well maybe the OP shouldn't only be looking at Canons and Nikons. Honestly, I think it's OVF die-hards that are anti live view... Coming from a background of skate filming I can say it's way easier to get low angle action shots looking down at a screen as opposed to laying on the cold ground trying to look through a viewfinder.

 

[ConradM]

With 920,000 dots the D5100’s 3in LCD shows plenty of detail, but reflections are an issue in bright sunlight and it may be necessary to shade it with a hand.

Nikon D5100 LCD control screen does not have a high contrast mode -- much less readable in direct sunlight.

Typed in D5100 screen in direct sunlight in google and this is from 2 reviews.

That's great, I never said you were lying.

 

[Ballistics]

That's great, I never said you were lying.

A Nikon sales rep tried to tell me that when I told her I was interested in the a33... and she was wrong

No, you just said that I was wrong.

 

[Ballistics]

A Nikon sales rep tried to tell me that when I told her I was interested in the a33... and she was wrong, I use mine in direct sunlight all the time.

Ok, well that's the A33... We are talking about Canon and Nikons here. I personally owned a D5100 and you can not see it in direct sunlight. Either way, you shouldn't rely on the screen for taking action shots anyway.

Well maybe the OP shouldn't only be looking at Canons and Nikons. Honestly, I think it's OVF die-hards that are anti live view... Coming from a background of skate filming I can say it's way easier to get low angle action shots looking down at a screen as opposed to laying on the cold ground trying to look through a viewfinder.

OVF die hards? I use my live view as well, lets not start assuming, but your view finder is hands down the better representation. Atriculated screens have their uses, shooting video is one of them. But like I said, I'd rather have my D7000 over the D5100.

 

[rokvi]

All of my "online research had me at a similar place the 5100 Nikon or the 600D canon I was leaning more towards the Nikon until I went to the shop and "played" with both I ended up getting the 600D. You might want the 60D as it has a slightly faster fps than the 600D.