Canon T1i or Nikon D3100

[Masked Bandit]

So I'm looking at getting my first DSLR camera. I've got it narrowed down to these two. From what I've read on CNET the Canon seems to have a slight edge but I want to hear from some people that have had real world expience with one or the other.

The two key features that we are comparing is the time from shot to shot (Canon wins) and the low light imaging (unknown).

I'm not interested in any other brands at this point.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.


Thanks.

[Mitsu3000gt]

CNET is not a great place to read camera reviews.

What I would recommend you do though is spend an extra $150 and pick up a D90. It's a LOT more camera than either of the ones you listed and hardly more expensive. Nothing can touch it right now in that price range for bang for the buck. It used to be $1000+ body only when it came out.

Between the T1i and D3100, they are both entry level cameras with significant drawbacks in certain areas. A beginner is unlikely to notice much difference between the two but you will as you learn a bit more.

If your dead set on the T1i or D3100, the D3100 would be my pick of the two, and is significantly newer. Shot to shot time is instant on both cameras, so I'm not too sure what you mean by that. The T1i shoots 0.4 FPS faster though in continuous mode, if that's what you meant (3.0 vs 3.4).

The sensor in the D3100 is brand new and better than the one in the T1i for high ISO noise handling. Metering is also better on the D3100. The 15 MP sensor in the Canon isn't terrible but its the worst sensor for noise handling of the ones Canon has put out in the last few years.

There is a better AF system in the D3100, which IMO is one of the more important things.

Video is slightly better on the Canon (30fps vs Nikon 24 fps).

The D3100 cannot use older screw drive AF lenses (a non issue for most people).

The entry level system as a whole is better on the Nikon side (lens variety, flashes, etc.).

Both cameras have significant drawbacks as they are the entry level offerings from both manufactures. Again, I would look at spending a tiny bit more money for a lot more camera.

[Masked Bandit]

What is drawing me to the T1i over the D3100 is the time from power on to first shot and the time from shot to shot. The Canon is quicker (according to CNET anyway) than the Nikon.

I'll admit though I haven't looked at the D90 at all.

[89s1]

Did they film the television commercials for each using the camera itself?

Thats a big selling feature these days it seems :D




Sorry, I had to.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Shot to shot time is literally instantaneous on both cameras. I'm not sure what you mean by that. Shutter lag is also within 1/10th of a second of each other, again not something a human can notice under any normal circumstances.

As for startup time to first shot, the D3100 is 0.4 seconds and the T1i is 0.3 seconds. You would barely even be able to move your hand from the power on switch to the shutter in that time on either camera. IMO that is a completely irreverent thing to use as a comparison. It's basically instant on both cameras.

Forget CNET, look at sites like imaging resource, dpreview, etc. They do by far the most accurate and comprehensive testing.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/D3100/D3100A6.HTM

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T1I/T1IA6.HTM

A D90 is a lot more camera than either the T1i or D3100, for $150 more it is an easy decision IMO unless you're on an extremely tight budget.

[Masked Bandit]

Futureshop:
D3100 w/18-55 - $629
D90 w/18-55 - $899

Best Buy
D3100 w/18-55 & 55-200 - $799 (best deal I can find so far)
D90 w/18-55 - $749 but all sold out
D5000 w-18*55 - $699

Mitsu you haven't mentioned the D5000 yet. Any particular reason?

BTW I really appreciate your insight.

[C4S]

Again ....

Answer is simple ..

If you want Canon .. go for 500D ..

If you want Nikon, and wouldn't mind to go a bit basic/lower end, go for D3100. (but made in thailand .. I think)

[msommers]

I'm with Mits, D90 is friggin sweet for its price. Wow, and prices on these keep dropping!

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-cameras-camcorders-Nikon-D90-W0QQAdIdZ251183174

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-cameras-camcorders-Nikon-D90-F60-assorted-lenses-goodies-W0QQAdIdZ245213857

That said, D3100 spec wise looks awesome. Coupled with some good glass, would likely be better than the D90 with mediocre glass.

This is a common piece of advice that I know a lot of photogs preach. Hold each of them. Seriously! It can make a big difference in your end decision.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
Futureshop:
D3100 w/18-55 - $629
D90 w/18-55 - $899

Best Buy
D3100 w/18-55 & 55-200 - $799 (best deal I can find so far)
D90 w/18-55 - $749 but all sold out
D5000 w-18*55 - $699

Mitsu you haven't mentioned the D5000 yet. Any particular reason?

BTW I really appreciate your insight.

The Camera Store is a better place to look for prices, unless you use TCS's prices and get Future Shop to beat it.

The D3100 is better than the D5000 in some ways because it's newer, and the D5000 is too close to the D90 for it to be a good option IMO. That didn't always used to be the case but now that the D90 is so cheap I don't know who would buy a D5000. The D3100 and D5000 are very much on the entry level of things, the D90 is a fairly high end body. It's larger, built better, has a top LCD, has way more hard buttons for changing common settings, can wirelessly control flashes via the on board flash, can use older screw-drive AF lenses, etc. It is a hell of a camera for how cheap it is right now. The AF is excellent, and it shares the same sensor as the much more expensive D300 & D300s.

The D5000 uses the same sensor as the D90/D300/D300s but it's just in an entry level body. If you are OK spending a bit more to get a lot more, the D90 is the way to go.

If you got a D90 and the 50mm F1.8 lens (only $130) you would have a great starter kit. You would be sacrificing the ability to zoom for a higher quality lens and a fast aperture though, so I am not sure what you would prefer. Nikon's kit lenses are excellent for the price as well, even their 18-55 VR. If you get the 18-55 make sure it's the VR version, obviously it has VR but it's optically better than the non-VR version as well.

The Camera Store has D90 bodies in stock, you would need to buy a lens separately though. If you don't need a zoom the 50/1.8 or 35/1.8 would be the obvious bang for the buck choices. If you do want a zoom, the 18-55VR or 18-105VR would be your next best bets.

As for buying a D3100 and better glass, that can go both ways. It is typically better to invest in lenses rather than the camera body but if the camera body is the most entry level body, you may find it's limitations annoying very quickly and wish you spent just a tiny bit more money on a better body to start with. After that, dump all your money into lenses - the D90 still king of its price category at 2 years old.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt
As for buying a D3100 and better glass, that can go both ways. It is typically better to invest in lenses rather than the camera body but if the camera body is the most entry level body, you may find it's limitations annoying very quickly and wish you spent just a tiny bit more money on a better body to start with. After that, dump all your money into lenses - the D90 still king of its price category at 2 years old.

I was going to start with a lesser model but for this reason alone I started with D90. D90 has a great price right now. Almost everyone recommend D90 as a starting point.

I got the 18-105 kit but hindsight, I think a body + 18-200 would be a better combo for day to day use.