Canon 600D (Rebel T3i) vs Nikon D5100 for a first DSLR
Asked 7/2/2011
2 views
2 answers
0
I'm choosing my first DSLR and am deciding between the Canon 600D (Rebel T3i) and the Nikon D5100. In my area, the Nikon is about $200 cheaper.
Is the Canon worth the extra cost, especially for:
- future lens prices and availability
- the lack of an in-body focus motor on the D5100
- image quality
- low-light performance
- portability
I’d also like to know whether this choice matters long term, since buying a DSLR system usually means committing to that lens mount.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
1
This comes down to choosing a brand of DSLR as your purchase will dictate what lens mount you have and therefore tie you to that particular brand. See this answer for general information about choosing a DSLR brand.
The D5100 being cheaper in your area is actually very good since it is known to have one of the best image qualities in its class, this is particularly true in low-light.
As for lenses, both Nikon and Canon make a variety of lens grades from low-cost low-quality lenses to hyper-expensive high-quality ones too, with several steps in between. You may want to check the lens lineups of Canon and Nikon to see if there are some you like better.
Saving money on the body also means more money for lenses, so this is great option too. The lack of built-in focus motor means some Nikon lenses (mostly older ones) will not autofocus with the D5100 but since you have no legacy of lenses, this should not be much of a problem.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Both are capable entry-level DSLRs, and the better choice is often the system you want to buy into long term.
From the answers here, the D5100 is generally seen as the stronger value if it’s significantly cheaper: it’s known for very good image quality in its class, especially in low light. Between these two, differences in portability and overall image quality are small enough that they’re unlikely to decide it on their own.
Lens pricing is not a simple Canon-vs-Nikon win. Both brands offer lenses from budget to premium, and third-party options are available for both.
The D5100’s lack of an in-body focus motor only matters with certain older Nikon lenses that require a body motor for autofocus. With those, autofocus won’t work on the D5100. If you buy lenses with built-in focus motors, it’s not an issue. Canon bodies also rely on lens-based autofocus motors, so this isn’t as unusual as it sounds.
A practical tie-breaker: handle both cameras. Comfort, controls, and ergonomics matter a lot for a first DSLR.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Canon 600D vs Nikon D90 for a first DSLR for low light, outdoors, and macro
Nikon D90 vs D5100 as a first DSLR
Are Nikon DSLR lenses generally more expensive than Canon, and do Nikon photos have more saturated color?
Nikon D90: should I start with a 35mm or 50mm prime, and does AF-S or f/1.4 matter?
Affordable long-zoom lens options for a Nikon D5100