What should I get?

jrizal · May 17, 2012

Some cost considerations I've seen.

The T2i with kit lens is on a temporary price cut at Target for $499.

The T3i with kit lens, 55-250mm zoom, plus bag & DVD goes for $879.

The D5100 with kit lens, 55-300mm zoom, plus bag & DVDs goes for $949.

The D3100 with kit lens, 55-200mm zoom, plus bag & DVDs goes for $699.

Again, Nikon is noted for its IQ but Canon has the edge on video. Accessories (lenses, speedlights, grips, etc.) generally are more affordable too. The latter is also a consideration for anyone with a limited budget.

Both models (T3i and D5100) are excellent entry level models having their pros and cons. And for non-pros (and mostly newbies), the feel and affordability of the system are decision factors.

DiskoJoe · May 17, 2012

rekomaged1 said:
I am deciding between the Canon t3i and the Nikon d5100, I have done hours of research and am still stuck? I will do mostly photography but a bit of video, for youtube and such.

Sony a580 and a55 have the same sensor as the d5100 and also have internal focusing motors that the d5100 does not. This way you dont have to buy the more expensive lenses that are self powered. A55 does really good video and is the same price as the d5100.

So there are some more choices for you to contemplate.

macpro88 · May 17, 2012

I would say the D3200, its newer with the new Nikon Expeed III processor and the huge megapixels, yeah, I know, MP isn't everything, but hey sometimes it does matter.

For the price as an entry level DSLR its a great choice to get you started into learning how to shoot, upgrade over time with newer glass (glass is truly where image quality comes from) and when you are ready to upgrade there will be better choices for a higher end upgrade and your newer glass will still be compatible with future upgraded body.

If you are going Nikon Entry Level, D3200, Canon, T3i or 60D

Jaemie · May 17, 2012

TheBiles said:
Get the Canon. You can share gear with your friends.

That's what I would do. In addition to possibly sharing lenses with your Canon-wielding friends (hopefully your friends are willing), you all might be able to share hardware and software tips and tricks.

Of course, I'm assuming you already like the Canon.

As others have suggested, go to the store and play with the different cameras and get a feel for the controls, the ergonomics, the OS menu, etc. For me, this is a huge consideration; few things are more annoying to me than having to fumble for a button or dial when composing a shot and you can quickly get an idea of which camera feels more intuitive and fits you better if you spend some time taking a variety of shots in the store. I'd pick 3 or 4 scenarios and see how easy (or difficult) it is to adjust the settings and take the shot. Then, go through the menu and see how you like the layout and navigation to your most frequently used settings. Don't think too much while you do all this or you'll just end up over-analyzing. It should be natural.

kassad · May 17, 2012

TheBiles said:
rekomaged1 said:

Alright, I am still stuck, haha. I have held both cameras, both feel very nice, I like both, but I can only have one. =/ Can't decide. My friends say get the Canon, because they have canon's, but people here say get the nikon, or the canon...I am very confused.

Click to expand...

Bam. Get the Canon. You can share gear with your friends. You can split hairs all day with these entry-level cameras, so just go with what those around you already have.

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201

+1

kassad · May 17, 2012

rekomaged1 said:
No, I haven't but I googled d3200 vs d5100 and snap sort said d5100 was better.

Snapsort is ridiculous. It's simply computer generated based on on pager stats. Better to look at something like DPreview with actual people testing the cameras.

rekomaged1 · May 17, 2012

I really can't decide, its like I keep running into brick walls when I decide. I think I am leaning on the d5100 side, if the ergonomics of both are nice.

rekomaged1 · May 17, 2012

Oh and my friends don't really have a bunch of canon gear, one has a 5d mk1, one has a t3i...each only has 1 or two lenses, not that many. Also I feel like the t3i is a bit too mainstream.

TheBiles · May 17, 2012

rekomaged1 said:
Oh and my friends don't really have a bunch of canon gear, one has a 5d mk1, one has a t3i...each only has 1 or two lenses, not that many. Also I feel like the t3i is a bit too mainstream.

Might as well just forget the DSLR and shoot everything with your iPhone then.

kassad · May 17, 2012

rekomaged1 said:
Oh and my friends don't really have a bunch of canon gear, one has a 5d mk1, one has a t3i...each only has 1 or two lenses, not that many. Also I feel like the t3i is a bit too mainstream.

If your worried about mainstream then you really should go Sony.

Jaemie · May 17, 2012

rekomaged1 said:
Also I feel like the t3i is a bit too mainstream.

Well heck, then. Get a Mamiya 645 Phase One. Leaf shutter lens system, 60 megapixel digital back, full frame sensor.. It's only $45K, give or take.

Medium format camera systems

StandingBear1983 · May 18, 2012

Society is effected by strange things. I came to that conclusion. excuse my french, but the hell with the "mainstream" - what is "mainstream"?! anyhow... - 500 years ago "the mainstream" was that the earth was flat. be radical. be an original. forget about "mainstream".

now, that aside

, buy yourself a D5100 with the kit lens 18-55, if you have extra cash, get the 35mm 1.8G as well. and your good to go for most situations. there is a reason for the pole results. the D5100 is as good in video compared to the T3i. and it blows away the sensor of the T3i any day of the week. focuses much faster, much better low light.