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My First DSLR. Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i (600D)

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Old Jun 18, 2011 | 07:04 PM
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Default My First DSLR. Nikon D5100 or Canon T3i (600D)

So im wanting to get my first DSLR always wanted one. I was gonna go with the D3100 but for an extra 200 I can get more features. So, both of these are the same price range Canon being $50 more than the Nikon.

Im no expert in photography, aside from researching a bit online. The pros on the Canon over the Nikon are that it has a higher MP, Auto Focus in the body(not sure on this), better controls, higher res lcd screen, manual control on HD movie.

Nikon over the Canon, larger sensor, autofocus on HD video, cheaper, higher ISO(dont know much about how does this work yet), faster continous shooting, smaller and more battery life.

Im slightly leaning on the Nikon, but the thing is that they nag on it that doesnt have the AF on the body, but im not sure if the Canon does?

Any opinions, I will be shooting my car doing some landscape photos taking nicer family pics
Old Jun 18, 2011 | 08:39 PM
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nikon D90
Old Jun 18, 2011 | 10:31 PM
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Why is that?? Its 200 dlls more :\
Old Jun 19, 2011 | 06:02 AM
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because it has AF on the body

solved

the newer cameras for Nikon dont have af on the body, but the older cameras like the d70 and d90's do ...i prefer the d90 more, Which is also my next upgrade when i get the dough
Old Jun 19, 2011 | 06:04 PM
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Hmmm it helps a lot does it huh? Or is it better to geta lense with AF motor?
How about the D7000 does it have AF on the body?
Old Jun 20, 2011 | 12:07 AM
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Yeah it does. It also has 39 AF points and 1080p video and superb ISO performance.
Old Jun 21, 2011 | 04:55 PM
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Yeshh too high of a price range. So which is better D90 or the newer D5100, so the biggest pro that has the D90 over the D5100 is the AF on the body?

How about this lense does it have AF motor inside?
http://www.google.com/products/catal...ed=0CGcQ8wIwAg#
Old Jun 21, 2011 | 05:31 PM
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If being able to auto focus with all AF lenses is a big deal, then get the D90. It may be "old" technology in camera years but it's no slouch. Look at my Flickr if you want to see some examples.

And yes that lens has the motor. It's denoted by the "S" in AF-S. It's an ok lens if you're shooting in plentiful light. I had one, but it just wasn't sharp enough for me.
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:22 AM
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Well im not sure since im a total newb on this, it seems from what I read having no AF in the body is big issue?

What are the pros having the AF on the body? Since Dam262a pointed to the D90 as having AF on the camera was the deciding factor.
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by _NeXuS_
Well im not sure since im a total newb on this, it seems from what I read having no AF in the body is big issue?

What are the pros having the AF on the body? Since Dam262a pointed to the D90 as having AF on the camera was the deciding factor.
the only reason i want af on the body is so i could use older lenses that don't have focus motor on the lens.
Most of the newer dslr's don't have it are d3000, d3100, d5000, d5100 and even the older d40/x. Why they are doing that idk.. i'm guessing so they can make money on the newer lenses coming out.

But if you don't care about that then go ahead and buy that dslr.. just remember some of the older lenses that dont have focus motor on the lens you will have to use manual which is a bit more difficult.

Since your a newbie at this, i merely learned this from reading and goggling this. Also try using youtube on reviews about the DSLR'S, really helps on your decisions.
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:58 AM
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Ahh I see thanks for a the input.

Picture wise what are the benefits of having AF on the body? Since ill be buying a kit with the standard lense.
Old Jun 24, 2011 | 04:08 PM
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Having an AF in the body has nothing to do with IQ.

You should pass on the kit, and buy the body a la carte with a Nikon 50 1.8D! Stick with that for awhile until you get the hang of focusing manually. Sell it, then jump up to the 50 1.8G or 50 1.4G (I lean to the 1.4G myself).

Also, see these links for more information:

http://www.picturecorrect.com/
http://www.diyphotography.net/
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/index.shtml
http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/
http://photofocus.com/
http://dpanswers.com

Sites I trust to order photography equipment from:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
http://www.adorama.com/
http://www.bocaphoto.com/

Photography forums I frequent:
http://www.nikoncafe.com/
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/
http://photocamel.com/
Old Jun 26, 2011 | 06:38 AM
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d90 body easily out performs the d5100
plus the dedicated buttons alone make it better :D
prosumer body ftw!
d90 body goes for around 650-700 and a 50mm 1.8d goes for about 70-100
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 02:01 PM
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I shoot a t2i and LOVE it
Old Jun 29, 2011 | 07:47 PM
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i think he's going with the D7000, :D
Old Jul 2, 2011 | 01:12 AM
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Yeah most likely ill have to wait for the next check to get it

Too much of a camera for me but ill learn into it eventually.

Last edited by _NeXuS_; Jul 2, 2011 at 01:42 AM.
Old Jul 2, 2011 | 01:58 PM
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The D7k will give you plenty of room to grow... Infact, unless you are making 50"+ prints, I highly doubt you'll out grow the D7k, ever.
Old Jul 7, 2011 | 03:32 AM
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I want to know what you are planning on using your camera for? Do you want a zoom lens or are you ok on a fixed? I recently bought a canon 50mm 1.8 and I love that lens but it also made me appreciate my 18-55 more also. I have a canon t1i and I love it but I would upgrade to a t3i or T2i in a heartbeat. The t1i is a great beginner camera, I suspect the t3i will be too. By the looks of the posts though it looks like you are leaning towards Nikon though.
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 12:52 AM
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Updating thread forgot about it. Got the Nikon D7000 from Ritz, got an awesome deal bought it Refurb for $950 shipped and it came brand new not signs of usage with only 340 shutter actuation's. Got the brand Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 for $197 and extra battery and 16GB extreme Pro SDHC UHS-I. I am in love with this camera.

Found my dads old Nikon 50mm 1.8 AF lens and it autofocuses with the D7000, thank god I got it :D

Just looking for a used 18-200mm, that I might be picking up today and ill be set.
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 06:21 PM
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Word of advice, that 18-200 is a jack of all trades, master of none. Terrible barrel distortion in the wide end. I highly suggest picking up a 16-85VR and 70-300VR. They are much better at their respective lengths than the 18-200 at any of it. Or, you should look into the Nikon 28-300 VR (the newer FX lens). It's right around $1000 new. Personally, I chose the 24-120 f4 VR as my walk around lens. It's right in the sweet spot of DX focal lengths for me.
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