DSLR: Canon - Nikon

[92skirmishgti]

Hi guys, my first time posting in the photography section of the forums but a veteran of the forums, I appreciate any and all helpful posts from ya'll.

I'm in the market for a DSLR so I can stop using my cell phone for pictures. I'm on the fence between the Canon T3i or NIkon D5100.

Now I'm not sure which to get because comparing the is basically a wash. I'm leaning more towards the Canons because of its lens compatibility. I'm also going to buy used to save some cash since I'm going back to Europe for another three months. I'd like to add since I'm buying used, I'd rather not spend north of $700 including a lens.

Which camera would the OT photographers recommend and what else should I look out for other than the obvious checking of the camera sensor, lens, (physical and front/back focusing) and general wear and tear?

Canon T3i



Nikon D5100

[Basscase]

Oh boy...here we go!

It's such a matter of taste. I prefer Canon. I like the feel, the images and how things work. I call Nikon the "backwards" camera. Every function is literally the opposite from Canon. From the way you turn the dials to the way the light meter reads. One thing I like about Nikon is it seems the images are crisper, where with Canon the images seem warmer/softer...but I like moody images.

Seriously...no one can tell you what to shoot. Try them both out and see what feels "right". You can't go "wrong".

[92skirmishgti]

^

Thanks, I figured as much. I will try and hit up my local camera store to get a feel for them.

From this forum I was hoping for answers on what to look out for when buying a used camera, if there is more to look for than what I included in my OP.

[peoples_car]

Check out each of the cameras in a store and figure out which system/menu layout makes the most sense to you.

Buy a used setup of whichever brand you choose online (keh.com), and if you choose Nikon go with the 5100 and the 35mm f/1.8 lens, a circular polarizer, a tripod and Understanding Exposure.

Wait patiently for gear delivery, read, and have fun.

[fresh_paint]

I have played around with both and in my opinion the Nikon just feels like a sturdier camera. To me, the Canon looks and feels like a toy. One other thing I like about the Nikon (not that its really that important) is that it shoots HDR in camera. Love it. I'm looking at picking one up soon. Oh and not to mention, Nikon recently announced the D3200, which means the D5200 is probably going to be coming out soon, therefore price drop on the D5100. I currently own two Canon AE-1s and love them, but just feel the quality of the Canon is not up to par with that of the Nikon. just my $.02

[Veedubin02]

What do you mean by lens compatibility? Do you already own some Canon lenses?