Should I get a Canon T3i or the Nikon d5100?

If you're a beginner, you're most likely asking yourself: Nikon or Canon? Really, I feel confident in saying that you can't go wrong with either. I've used both brand's cameras extensively and find that they both offer amazing image quality with well-built, solid cameras that, if taken care of, will last decades. There are two differences between the cameras, though, that can be taken into consideration.

The user-interface: If cameras were computers, Nikons would be PCs and Canons would be MACs. PCs are built for people not afraid of technology whereas Macs are built for people who want things super-easy. Nikons excel at customization options which means you'll see so many more options with the Advanced features of a Nikon than you will with a Canon. Canons, on the other hand, excel at ease-of-use for beginners. Canons offer less advanced options and can be easier to learn on. This can be frustrating down the line, though, once you've learned a lot about photography. At that point you may want all of the options that Nikon offers and be frustrated with your Canon. If you're someone who really likes to delve deep into your hobbies or if you're intent on becoming a professional photographer, I'd say a Nikon would be your best bet. If you're someone who wants to learn the basics of photography and only imagine yourself being a hobbyist, Canon would be a better option for you.

Where Nikon d5100 excels: Flash photography. I often find myself in situations where I'm shooting event photography (weddings, movie premiers, benefits and galas) where I need to use a lot of flash. For this kind of photography, I'll always prefer to be shooting with a Nikon. Nikon's flash metering (how the camera magically decides how much light to fire out of the flash) is much more consistent than Canon's. You can take a Canon and shoot the same scene three times in a row with flash and all three images will be at different brightness levels. You can do the same thing with a Nikon and all three images will be wonderfully the same. If you're somebody who plans on shooting a lot with flash (indoor photography, event photography, etc.) you'll want to consider going with Nikon.

Where Canon T3i excels: Richness of colors. I've been in numerous situations where I've been on the red carpet taking the exact same picture as the photographer next to me. I'll have a Canon and the person next to me will have a Nikon. This has provided quite a few opportunities to compare the images side-by-side. What I've found is that the colors on the Canon's images look richer and make the image pop more. If I'm doing fine art photography (anything I'd like to someday hang in a gallery), I'll always want to be shooting with a Canon for this reason

The T3i is still an active model, while the D5100 has been discontinued. That may not be a good thing if you're gonna be buying accessories etc., but they're both great models.

I'd go for the T3i or Nikon D3200.

Here's a DSLR Buying Guide - http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/which-dslr-ca...

Actually there is no "better"... different yes but probably not better. I happen to prefer Canon and I own a

t3i and it's an excellent camera but I suppose so is the 5100. Fact is both companies world class equipment so either would be excellent. It just depends on what you prefer.

You should define exactly the type of pictures you'd like to take: urban, animals, weddings, wildlife, portraits? The type of photography you do will dictate the kind of camera you need. Once you figure out that, look at the features of the cameras you are considering and see which one has the features you want.

Here is a side by side comparison of both cameras from dpreview

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-s...

Here is a link to the Canon.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/canon/slrs/canon_...

And here is link to the Nikon.

http://www.dpreview.com/products/nikon/slrs/nikon_...

They also have a glossary if you run into any terms you don't understand.

Well I don't care for either because of their "bulk". But that said they are excellent cameras. But the real problem here is that you think you need to ask us. You pick out a camera in this league by the way if "feels" in your hands and the location of the controls. But most important, how comfortable it is to see through!

Good Luck!