billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

The T5I and the D7100 are really not comparable. The T5i is more entry level while the D7100 is advanced. If you are going to compare Nikon to Canon, you need to look at the D5200 vs. T5i or the 70D compared to the D7100.

Between the D7100 and the T5i, the Nikon is a lot more camera.

If you are going with the T5i class camera, you might want to consider the upgraded T6i, or the D5300 Nikon.

Were it I, I would just spring for the Canon D7 II. Pretty pricey, but it is awesome.

Bill

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

When weather issues came up, I was expecting to hear Pentax, because their K-mount cameras and lenses are totally Weather Resistant (and K-50 kits start around $500). Handling a camera is very good, and unfortunately I don't know which stores sell them these days, but Super Target around here does. Incidentally, they tend to do better than comparable Canon models on the rankings.

Giugly01 Loc: Woodstock, NY

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Nukepr Loc: Citrus County, FL

I have the Nikon D7100 and love it. There would be a learning curve stepping up from your current camera, but it is a great journey to be on. Clearly, as many have mentioned, both Canon and Nikon make great cameras, but as someone who has used a D70, D5100 and now D7100, I am biased toward Nikon.

One thing you might consider is buying a refurbished D7100 and lens. This would give you a good camera for less money, and they are refurbished to factory specs.

B&H has a couple of refurbished Nikon D7100 DSLRs with DX 18-140mm Lens in the $1,000 range. Just a thought.

Good luck, and whatever you choose, happy shooting.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here is a "Snapsort" comparison of the Canon D7 II & the Nikon D7100.... They rated them a tie, but the Canon costs considerably more... I shoot with a Nikon D7100 so I am a bit biased, but I can use practically any lens in my collection (over 85) be they manual or any version of auto focus &not have to fiddle with adapters yet still get metering.... The Canon line changed their mount when they went to auto focus technology & the only way to use the older manual focus lenses (much cheaper to buy) on them is via adapters...

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-7D-Mark-II-vs-Nikon-D7100

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

Sorry but you are incorrect. There are numerous Nikon lenses that are weather sealed. To see the list, just click this link.

http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/05/complete-list-of-weather-resistant.html

reindeer Loc: London U.K.

Phit4life,
There is a considerable difference in image quality and capability between T5 and Nikon 7100. I would suggest the Nikon 7100 with a 18-300mm Sigma lens. It is a new design of lens by Sigma and is almost as good as the Nikon' similar lens at a much lesser price. So you will get quality and will also save some money. One does not buy a DSLR every day so the initial larger outlay might be worth it.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

The two cameras are very different. A more reasonable comparison might be the 70D and the D7100. They are closer in proce and performance.

But if you want the price range of the t5i and D3200 either get what they have (the t5i) or ask them to order a D3200. It sounds like the guy on the phone was trying to up sell you.

It sounds like you want to hold the camera before you buy. That is a good idea.

You say you don't have a good camera store in your area. If you told us where you live, someone here may know of one.

Haydon

Totally I agree with these two models used in a comparison.

erickter Loc: Dallas,TX

Both excellent cameras. I own canon and nikon gear, including the 5ti, and many nikon bodies and lenses. You,ll love the 5ti. Save the $.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here is a snapsort comparison of these 2...They rate them as a virtual tie, but you have to weigh the differences that are more important to you. Where they say that the D7100 has a larger lens selection to choose from, well, they are not taking into account that the D7100 can meter & shoot with many older manual focus lenses whereas the Canon would need adapters to mount & use them. A significant advantage for budget conscious consumers. I use any number of older "Pro" level, manual focus Nikkor lenses. Saves me money from not have to buy newer auto focus lenses to have the focal lengths covered.... Only drawback is the cameras are "crop" sensor & thus my older wide angle lenses are not as wide as they would be on a full frame camera. That said, my niche is macro & birds, thus the crop sensor is better in those areas.... My Flickr stream can attest to the quality of images one can get using older lenses. Many shots however, were taken with my older D300 camera...

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-EOS-70D-vs-Nikon-D7100

bruswen Loc: Eugene OR

The truth is you can pick either Canon or Nikon and you won't go wrong. Both of them sell excellent cameras, but the real money is in the lens. I believe both of them offer over 100 different current lenses and you can find even more in the used market. You can expect if you are serious about DSLR photography, you will likely be investing more money in equipment in the future.
The best way to choose a camera is to go somewhere where you have a chance to handle the different models you are considering. It is likely one of them will "feel" or handle better for you. After you pick a camera, take a lot of pictures. You will learn from the experience you gain. After taking a quarter million pictures I have a much better idea of how I use a camera and what equipment to use, but I'm still learning.
Both manufacturers make equivalent models, they are roughly divided as consumer model, advanced consumer model, prosumer model, and professional models. The consumer models are more user friendly for a novice, the more advanced models are more rugged, the controls are easier to access for someone who knows what they are doing. and the viewfinders are nicer. On a consumer model you may have to access the menu system to change settings for things like ISO, white balance, continuous shooting, or bracketing. On a pro model you can set these values without going into the menus, an experienced photographer can set them without taking his eye away from the viewfinder.

Good luck in your quest!!

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Very insightful info in this post...

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

Lot of good advice here. I just have a couple more suggestions--or perspectives. You are making a jump from a bridge/point-and-shoot to DSLR. While not necessarily permanent it is difficult and expensive to change once you start collecting lens and accessories. On the other hand both Canon and Nikon make excellent products and my guess is that you'll wind up being happy with whichever one you pick.

You will get a faster start if you go with the Nikon because the controls on the D7100 are more what you're used to.

You should take up the offer to go to the shop and handle each camera--that is where I finally made my decision a few months ago.

Do consider comparing similar cameras or it will be hard to be objective. I like the 70D and D7100 comparison better than the one you are considering.

Do not stop studying once you get the camera--go to classes, read and shoot, shoot, shoot until you are comfortable with it. You will have a blast for a long time.

JFleming Loc: Belchertown, Ma

You can't go wrong with either the Nikon D7100 or the D7200. Bought my wife the D7100 with the 18-140 for Christmas and she loves it. I just picked up a D7200 for myself and so far so good.