Canon 1100D or Nikon D3100, Which one should I get? Options

[bbt]

Hi everyone I need some help...

I want to get a DSLR camera. This will be my first so I’m only looking for an entry level one. I’m torn between the Canon 1100D and the Nikon D3100. I really don’t know which one to get; the Nikon seems to be better on every level. It has more megapixels and a bigger screen, however most people tell me that I should stick with the Canon because it’s the best brand and the best all round. I have also been told that the Nikon D3100 is now considered 'old' because Nikon has released a newer model the D3200. So I would just like to get some of your opinions on which one you think I should get. If anyone owns either of these cameras what are they like to use and live with?

Thanks

[molley]

I'm not familiar with the 1100D but I had 10D for many years and it never missed a beat and recently I decided to sell the body( will get a lot less for it compared to what I paid for it new
all those years ago when it goes on Ebay). I have now got a 600D body and hopefully
it will serve me well. I also have a Canon camcorder and am well pleased with it.

[Tiuri]

Photographers often say the world is divided into two camps, Nikon shooters vs Canon shooters, I'm firmly in the Nikon camp

The DPreview site is always a good place to start. Their camera reviews are pretty extensive but you can get a first look at some of the menus and, of course, compare specifications. They also have sample images so you can compare image quality.

The Canon EOS 1100D scores 69 % and the Nikon D3100 scores 72 %, so there's not much difference between them. (The D3200 scores 73 %, only 1 per cent more).

The release of a new model, Canon or Nikon, always makes the previous one the 'old' one, but that doesn't mean they're bad cameras, usually it means they'll go down in price (because people do tend to buy the latest model).

If you google "EOS 1100 D vs" google will autocomplete with "Nikon D3100" indicating it's a common comparison. Here's one comparison site (it also recommends getting the Nikon).

Personally I would also get the Nikon (not just because it's 'my' brand, but) because you write that you're new to DSLRs. The Nikon D3100 includes both a guide mode and it's got a built-in help file. I you select a setting you can press the ? button and a short explanation, sometimes even with pictures will be shown. I've always really liked that on my camera.

Finally, one of the benefits of a DSLR is that you can exchange lenses. When deciding which one to get, do not focus solely on the camera, look at the lens too. Both seem to come with an 18-55 lens but the Canon is also available with an 18-55 lens that has Image Stabilisation built-in. (in Nikon terminology that's a VR [vibration reduction] lens, so take that into account as well.

Wow, didn't mean to write an essay, hope it helps

[BlondBoys]

Go to a camera shop and play. They are so similar in spec and price, and the 2 brands are so close in 'status' that it basically comes down to which one 'feels' right when you hold/use it.






(Nikon here, btw)

This post has been edited by BlondBoys: Aug 9 2012, 21:59