Canon T3i, Nikon 5100, Sony A65: So I'm going to make the jump into DSLR cameras, and I've narrowed it down to 3. All similar in price. Which of the 3 would give me the best...

Burkard01 Loc: SW Michigan, USA

So I'm going to make the jump into DSLR cameras, and I've narrowed it down to 3. All similar in price. Which of the 3 would give me the best performance. I'm leaning toward the T3i (I see there's a T4i out now) because I use a Canon G12, and the functions will be similar. Nikon I'd have to relearn completely. Sony doesn't seem to get the love except that it's 24 mega pixels and great video. Nikons video is supposedly just ok, but that's not why I want a DSLR.

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

The differnces between the three are marginal as far as performance. Since you already own a G-12, you are familler with the Canon as far as menue set-up, I'd go with the Canon. Hope this helps.

HOT Texas Loc: From the Heart of Texas

I had that same problem, what I did is went to Best Buy, pick them all up and played with them, I picked the Sony just because it fit in my hands good, My wife picked a Canon.

You really can't go wrong with any of them, All great camera's.

pappy0352 Loc: Oregon

I shoot with the Canon T2i and love it. Just my 2 cents.

Pappy

dthomas Loc: Frostburg Maryland

I agree that the differences are small. However, when I was looking to purchase my camera I took a hard look at all of them, as well as spoke to people that had each type. My conclusion was the Nikon. I felt that it was more solidly built and I have not been disappointed. Also I feel that the Nikon has the best lens. Good luck with your purchase and keep us posted on your progress.

Oxygen Loc: Houston, Texas

I purchased the Canon T3i last fall,October'10. Using hindsight I would not have purchased brand new but would have used a reputable source such as B&H Camera,KEH, or Andorama Camera which would have given me significant savings. Five months later I did purchase a 1d Mark II which was in excellent condition with a low shutter count. Just take your time to research,examine closely,call these companies and talk to the personnel whom I consider to be very knowledgeable.Although I purchased my T3i new and it provide quality photos with the L lens I have, but the 1d Mark II is a monster (excellence) in it's production of quality photos produced. The 1d Mark II is an older camera but it's still an excellent piece. Best of luck in your search for a camera that fits your needs.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

As much as I would like to steer you toward the Sony because it is a super high quality camera and as you already noticed, you get more bang for the buck, I would stick with Canon simply because you are comfortable with it. They all take fantastic photos and they are all of high quality. You can not go wrong with any of these choices.

Signed,

Mr. Sony Lol.

Wezza1977uk Loc: London, England

not sure about the canon or the nikon, but i shoot sony and have had a hands on with the A65, for video it surpasses the canon and nikons and according to dp review even out performs some canon camcorders, but you said you're not interested in video. the A65 has an OLED viewfinder which i really liked and in general i find the sony menu system easy to use and a doddle to shoot with. Thats just my 50 pence worth (about $1.20 for friends over the atlantic :) ) as someone else suggested all three cameras will achieve excellent results so its best to have a hands on with all three and see which fits your hand better.

Cheers

Wezza

thehing Loc: Mississauga Ontario Canada

I have a Canon G9. When it was time to upgrade I went with a Sony A55. I really like it and have no regrets what so ever. I will shortly be upgrading to the Sony A77 ( no reason other than I want to get something new ). I still use the G9 when I just want something to put in a pocket. But like everyone else says you really can't go wrong with any of the ones you listed.

dame_wolf Loc: Oregon

I love my Canon T3i! If Canon is what you are used to I would stick with that.

oldmalky Loc: West Midlands,England.

I use Sony but would agree with sticking to what you know

RixPix Loc: Miami, Florida

Burkard01 wrote:

So I'm going to make the jump into DSLR cameras, and I've narrowed it down to 3. All similar in price. Which of the 3 would give me the best performance. I'm leaning toward the T3i (I see there's a T4i out now) because I use a Canon G12, and the functions will be similar. Nikon I'd have to relearn completely. Sony doesn't seem to get the love except that it's 24 mega pixels and great video. Nikons video is supposedly just ok, but that's not why I want a DSLR.

You will have a much easier time sticking with Canon as their operations are pretty much the same across the line. The new T4i is a very nice product. I have a T2i and like it very much. I do suggest that you purchase the body only and not with the kit lenses. The standard kit lens adds about $100 to the price of the body. If you skip the kit lenses and add a little cash you can get a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 lens for the camera. It is SIGNIFICANTLY better for a few hundred dollars and it will work much better for indoor photography than the kit lens.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

HOT Texas wrote:

I had that same problem, what I did is went to Best Buy, pick them all up and played with them, I picked the Sony just because it fit in my hands good, My wife picked a Canon.

You really can't go wrong with any of them, All great camera's.

Good advice, just don't talk to any of their "sales people," unless you're really into fiction.

You can also read reviews to see if any details are important to you.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html

deej

[quote=jerryc41]

HOT Texas wrote:

I had that same problem, what I did is went to Best Buy, pick them all up and played with them, I picked the Sony just because it fit in my hands good, My wife picked a Canon.

You really can't go wrong with any of them, All great camera's.

Good advice, just don't talk to any of their "sales people," unless you're really into fiction.

You can also read reviews to see if any details are important to you.

Camera Reviews
http://www.kenrockwell.com
http://www.dpreview.com
http://www.snapsort.com
http://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/equipment.html[/quote

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dilong Loc: Herne Bay, UK

Like yourself, I researched the three cameras before I purchased, and in the end went for the Nikon 5100. Final decision was based on the camera (as I understood at the time) had a better higher ISO tolerance regarding noise. This seems to be borne out compared to Canon as I regularly (once or twice a week) am out with 5 other photographer friends who all have Canon, but even they have observed the difference of quality my Nikon produces to theirs (comparing identical set up etc.) Regarding this aspect.