Digital SLR Question: Canon T3i v. Nikon D5100

[RealDeal]

Anyone have any experience with either or both and can make a recommendation? I'm a novice, but want to buy a good camera that I can use for different types of photography after taking some lessons. Both are rated high, but I need some insight from pros about the adv/disadv of each, since they cost about the same. I've read different reviews and some say the Canon is better overall and some say the Nikon.

[orangeblueorangeblue]

I'm a long-time Canon evangelist who's thought Nikon was the better camera brand for a long time, at least on the lower end. The Nikon's were always a little pricier (pre-digital days) so I went Canon. This left me with a bunch of Canon lenses that only work with Canons (without clunky adapters) and so here I am.

I've played with a lot of Nikon DSLRs and they still seem sturdier to me. I've heard that in general they also have better sensors.

But I really like the Ti3 ... takes good pictures and shoots some nice looking HD video, too.

I think you really need to play with each first.

[demosthenes]

If you're willing to spend some coin the Canon 5d Mark II and Nikon D700 are great cameras. My wife has the Canon but she'd Iike to get the Nikon D800 when it comes out.

I'm not sure which Nikon models are affected but you can't find the D7000 anywhere due to the flooding.

As for which brand is better, it depends on what you want to do. Both brands are exceptional and will take pictures that will please anyone. That being said, there is a reason many professionals carry up to three cameras of varying brands.

[biomedgator]

I have a Nikon D40, several years old. It is the most basic DSLR I think Nikon has made. It is awesome takes great photos and unless you are going to do photography to make a living no need to buy all the bells and whistles. A good lower priced body with several specific lens (prime, mid telephoto and ultra zoom) will cover you for your needs if you just want family photos and such. A good flash also makes the world of difference for indoor pictures.

[rollinsgator]

was forever ago what did you get?
I got a canon rebel t3 for xmas this year, thing is sick.
Honestly i could of cared less about nikon vs canon in a way, knew both were top of line, so she picked out what was an easier userface.
the t3i have the flip screen?

[biomedgator]

My friend just got a refurbished D5100 and the sensors alone in that camera makes it take way better photos that my older SLR. Camera technology right now is doubling and almost tripling in a few years.

[Zendra]

If you're willing to spend some coin the Canon 5d Mark II and Nikon D700 are great cameras. My wife has the Canon but she'd Iike to get the Nikon D800 when it comes out.

I'm not sure which Nikon models are affected but you can't find the D7000 anywhere due to the flooding.

As for which brand is better, it depends on what you want to do. Both brands are exceptional and will take pictures that will please anyone. That being said, there is a reason many professionals carry up to three cameras of varying brands.

I agree! The Nikon D700 is pretty sweet :love:

[holloffamer]

Anything from Canon is simply much better than Nikon. Just saying.