DSLR Recommendations

[rrasco]

I have finally made the decision to buy a DSLR. I have done tons of reviewing the various models. I've pretty much narrowed it down to a Nikon D3100, but wanted to ask here for more suggestions and advice. Especially seeing as how I will shoot mostly aquatics with it, I'm sure some of you have experience in that area.

I'm not looking to spend too much, hence my entry level price point. I've done most of my looking at Nikons and Canons. From what I've read, the D3100 is comparable to the Canon T3i...which is currently about $200 more than the D3100. I am intending to buy the kit with the 18-55mm lens, but plan to get a macro shortly after.

That's it. Basically, I've narrowed it down to these two models (D3100 & T3i) but am leaning towards the D3100 b/c I don't think the extra $200 will get me much with the T3i. Any experience/opinions is welcome.

[Europhyllia]

I got a Canon T1i and love it. The only difference I see between the Nikons and Canons is that the Nikons have some kind of feature that can't be turned off that reduces tiny spots in pictures. I read this in Astronomy magazine under their camera reviews. And people interested in night sky viewing and picture taking might really be the only ones bothered by this. If you take a picture of stars you don't want your camera to eliminate the smaller ones. lol

[rrasco]

There are a few more differences than that. For example, the D3100 doesn't have a depth of field preview. There are a slew of other things that really only affect specific scenarios, such as the one you mentioned, but I don't think that is specific to a brand as much as it is to the camera model. Case in point, I believe the D5100 has a depth of field preview. Probably has more to do with entry level models than anything IMO.

Thanks for your feedback.

[Europhyllia]

oh absolutely. I bet there are a lot of differences. This was just the one that stood out to me since it could be applicable to something I want to do :)
I am not even familiar with the models you mentioned. Just as a brand comparison that star elimination feature was the one difference the star mag mentioned ;)

[350gt]

I just got the canon t3i and its amazing.... Way more camera than I know how to use but very simplified menu system that makes it pretty easy for some good quick shots right out of the box....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWxBXQIIo54

video on this thing is crazy.

[Regric25]

I can't comment on the Cannon because I have never used one. I have experience using the Nikon D60 and will shortly be upgrading to the D3100. I am tough on change and so that's why I'm sticking with the Nikon. If I started out with a Cannon I would probably go with the Cannon... I thoroughly enjoy using my Nikon and I have never had any issues with it. I have taken thousands of pics with it and I have never been disappointed. I will eventually get a macro lens one day but for the time being I use the wide angle kit lens to get my close up shots. If you have seen any of my coral shots they are pics taken by my Nikon using the kit lens.

Karen, the feature you speak of is called noise reducer. It's a problem you get when you take a high ISO shot in a poorly lit environment. What happens is the picture appears to be grainy. This feature reduces the grainy effect you get. I currently use the D60 as mentioned above and I am able to turn that feature off. I know that is an option on the D3100 because I take night sky shots all the time and if its on it will make the small stars disappear. So I made sure it was available.

What ever your decision it will be a god one. Both camera companies make a great camera. Good luck in your hunt for the right camera, and be sure to post LOTS of pics as us MAASTards like pics LOL.

[rrasco]

See, part of me wants to go the Canon route so I can loan/borrow lenses with my brother. On the other hand, the T2i is out of the price point of the comparable D3100. The T3i is out of my price range. In the end, especially for amateur photographers, I think these cameras all fare out about the same. I think the biggest thing I am looking to make sure I don't get a camera that is going to limit me later. For example, I want to be able to use a remote flash, which is not supported without additional equipment in the form of a flash transmitter. I think more or less, I'm looking for someone to point out any 'gotchas' I may not be aware of.

[rrasco]

We were posting at the same time, but thanks Rick. That's pretty much the conclusion I've come to. I think now I just need to figure out which one feels best in my hands and make a decision. I wish the T2i was a little closer to the price of the Nikon, which of course, is on sale so maybe that is part of the issue. I kind of feel like I would be getting ripped off with the T2i being more expensive. $519 for a D3100 and a standard 18-55mm VR lens seems like too good of a deal.

[Regric25]

You mentioned the camera needs addl equipment for a remote but im not sure which camera you are talking about. The D3100 has a built in IR so you can buy a small NIKON remote for about $20 to take pics. This is what I use on my D60. Check out http://www.bhphotovideo.com/ you can get guaranteed refurbed items and new cameras and the prices are not that bad at all.

[rrasco]

Do you have a link to such remote? I'm talking about a remote flash transmitter so I can use external flashes. From what I have read, neither the D3100 or the T2i has this feature natively.

I know about BH and have heard nothing but good stuff about them. Thanks though.

[Regric25]

Oh the remote im talking about is a wireless shutter remote. http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Remote-Cords/4730/ML-L3-Wireless-Remote-Control-%28Infrared%29.html#tab-ProductDetail.ProductTabs.Support It appears that its not compatible with the D3100 though...

[rrasco]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I plan to be behind the camera when taking pictures. I just want a remote flash so I can shoot it down on fish while taking pictures. Not to mention the other countless lighting scenarios I could improve on with the capability.

[rrasco]

I ended up getting a Canon 450D with a 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 USM lens and 50mm f/1.8 lens. Since it was used I got it with a bag, SD card, UV filters, the works really. The best part, it was $350 for everything. An absolute steal IMO. Pics to come once I learn to use the thing. I took a couple hundred pictures already learning about the different settings. There really is no comparing an SLR to a P&S. I should have bought one of these a long time ago.