Is switching from a Canon 550D to a Nikon D5100 worth it?
Asked 1/14/2012
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I bought a Canon 550D (Rebel T2i) with the 18-55mm kit lens about a month ago, and I now have the chance to swap it for a Nikon D5100 at no extra cost. I’m still learning, so I don’t want to blame the camera for my results yet. Looking only at these two bodies with their kit lenses, what practical advantages would the D5100 offer over the 550D, and are there any drawbacks to switching systems?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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Did you try simply comparing them? As you can see, they are pretty much the same. So the main difference is the future lenses you can get for them and that that see this question.
The last issue is of ergonomics and that is a personal matter. For going from Canon to Nikon you have to re-learn things, even the zoom and EC buttons turn the opposite way. The D5100's interface is particularly minimal, so you have to use the menu more often.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
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These two cameras are very close overall, so this is not a dramatic upgrade either way. The D5100’s main practical advantages are a fully articulating LCD, slightly faster continuous shooting (about 4 fps vs 3.7 fps), more AF points (11 vs 9), and possibly somewhat better high-ISO noise performance. It also adds features like in-camera HDR.
The 550D has slightly higher resolution (18 MP vs 16 MP), but that difference is minor in real use. Sensor size is also only slightly different and unlikely to matter much.
The bigger consideration is the system, not the body. The D5100 does not have an in-body AF motor, so autofocus is limited to Nikon lenses with built-in motors (such as AF-S). Also, switching brands means relearning controls and menus, and the D5100 relies more on menu navigation, which some users dislike.
If you’re unhappy with your photos after only a month, the camera body is probably not the main issue. Unless you specifically want the D5100’s flip screen or prefer its handling, there’s no clear advantage big enough to justify switching just on image quality.
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