MarcHalberstam Loc: Williamsville, NY

Anyone got any information on which they think is the better camera. I'm leaning towards the Nikon but the Rebel has so many good points also....comments???

jplofvt Loc: Vermont

The Nikon D5100 is a very interesting camera. It feature all the great features that more advanced photographers have wished for. The price is just right and the camera looks very promising indeed. As you can see from this D5100 vs T3i/600D comparison review, both cameras have their pros and cons. In terms of image quality, I think that the Canon 600D has the edge. In terms of high ISO performance, the D5100 has produced cleaner images from ISO 3200 and above (my observation).

Both cameras have a 3-inch high-res swivel/tilt LCD screen. Both cameras can record 1080p Full HD videos in various popular frame rates. The D5100 is a bit smaller in size and lighter, but nothing that will convince you from purchasing one over another. The 1.8-million pixel advantage of the 600D is not a reason why you should prefer the 600D over the D5100. For me, it's hard to decide which one is better. I think they both are excellent cameras and have their pros and cons (mostly pros). This was copied from a review I read online.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Check out:

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3i-vs-Nikon-D5100

I bought the D5100 and love it. But I'd probably be equally happy with the T3i. Costco had a great deal on the Nikon with two variable lenses, one a 55-300 mm which I wanted.

Regards,
Larry Leach

beegal Loc: Pennsylvania

I went through the same debate... i purchased the Nikon D5100... I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

One of the things to consider in purchasing the camera is to look at its sensor. A company known as DxO Labs has painstakingly put sensors used in digital cameras through several tests to measure performance. Bottom line? Out of 148 cameras tested, the D5100 is ranked lucky number 13 and has the same overall score as the Nikon D7000 (ranked 11th), a very highly rated camera in its own right. Why? THEY HAVE THE SAME SENSOR! In contrast, the Canon T3i has a ranking of 60. What's more, its predecessor, the T2i has a better ranking of 55. Now, here again, the sensor isn't the ONLY consideration when choosing your camera, but it is important because it affects image quality. To complete this analysis, what cameras, then, are ahead of the D5100 besides the D7000? The only other mid-range cameras ahead of it are the Sony Alpha 580 (ranked 12th) and the Pentax K-5 (ranked 7th). All the other ones are FULL-FRAME sensor cameras. So, in my opinion, the D5100 is in pretty good company, being ranked right up there with the "cream of the crop". I hope this helps you in your decision.

jplofvt Loc: Vermont

I'm fairly certain I read that Nikon uses Sony sensors in their cameras.

MtnMan Loc: ID

What makes you feel that the Canon has better image quality?

The comparison I posted claims contrary. It isn't clear to me what they use for that claim because they do note that the Canon has more megapixals. Maybe it is a combination of the noise, color, and dynamic range?

I expect for me how I use the camera would be far more important than the technical differences between the cameras themselves. A more useful test would put both cameras in the hands of several randomly selected people each and evaluate how they are doing after say one month and three. That would encompass such things as how intuitive are the controls.

The comments on the comparison site get interesting. As with computers those who bought a particular option are staunch supporters of its superiority.

It is difficult to make multi attribute selections. Most people do better deciding on one thing that matters most to them and choosing on that basis. It could be the color, feel, or look of the thing, or even an affection for the brand name, instead of all those technical items. It is clear in this case that, as several have noted, both are highly capable of excellent performance.

Regards,
Larry Leach

jplofvt Loc: Vermont

I have no knowledge of either camera, I was just forwarding the copy of a review I read from an online critique in regards to both cameras, in response to the originator of this post. I was curious when I read his question. I have a D90 and reading the reviews on the D5100 it is rated as being above the D90 in many areas, but such is technology, constant evolution.

lindann

I also have the D5100 and I love it too. I think I really made the right choice for me.

Kathyr

I also recently was deciding on the same two cameras. i purchased the Nikon D5100 and love it!

breezy Loc: Foxville, MD

I have a D-700 and a 5100 Nikon... The 5100 is my workhorse.. It is an awesome camera..

Get it and I guarantee you won't be disappointed..

MarcHalberstam Loc: Williamsville, NY

Took the plunge and went for the D5100. Got the standard package with the VR 18-55 lens - will upgrade to a 'prime' lens shortly, but ready to start getting to know this new camera.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

As far as I can see, there is no perceptible difference in the photos we take with either Canon or Nikon. Choice should depend on if you have old Canon or Nikon lenses from the past. Another thing is if you like changing lenses by putting them on clockwise or counterclockwise, as they are different... OK, that should not be a determining factor, unless you are hard to train to changes. Probably most important is how they feel in your hand, and only trying them will tell that.

I am a Nikon man going back to the 1970's with my Nikon FTN, black professional model.

jdk_outdoorphoto

I looked at both cameras in a store before I formed my own opinion. Depending upon what you are looking for in a dSLR depends upon which would likely be the better choice for you. If you are likely to use the camera any in live view mode for the angles that your view finder will have trouble with, then I would strongly recommend the Nikon (which I chose) because its live view and live view focusing is far superior to the Canon, which I was unable to even determine how to get it to update its focus in live view. But like stated above, go take a look and compare before you buy! Also think about what lens and other accessories you would like available for your camera use, both have items unique to them, so keep that in mind too.

MyronT Loc: I live on my old wood sailboat

I only brought up this topic since I bought the Canon T3i, I have never tried the Nikon brand, years back I had Minolta point and shoot AF 2, then bought the Canon A-1 35mm, so up grading to the Canon T3i/D600 was not so different for me, I always liked the Canon lines so that is what I am sticking with.