Cannon V. Nikon - DSLR (T3i v D5100)

I have the Nikon D5100, it was recommended to me by my husbands friend who happens to work for Disney/Pixar as that is what he is issued for his job. But my husbands nephew who works for a major design firm as a graphic design artists uses this camera (and all it's attachments) and says it's the most user friendly for a sahm like myself. So, with two professionals recommending the Nikon D5100 I went with it and I've loved every second with my camera. I've even advanced to other lenses and learned some tricks from others online that have been so much fun.

I, like Jo W. have the Nikon D3100. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE my camera. I can't say enough about it. It is VERY easy to use if you're just learning but also has all the bells and whistles for an experienced photographer. Nikon, as a brand in general, I really like. Mine came with a DVD (that may interest you) on how to use the cameral in different situations (indoor birthday party vs. bright sunny day with the kids at the pool). I won't say anything bad about Cannon because I've never bought their camera... Cuz I got a Nikon and love it!!!!! :)

I am a professional children's photographer and I shoot Canon. So thR being said, I LOVE the Canon (I have a 5d mk II) as it shoots great portraits. However, many of my photog friends shoot Nikon only and love them. I don't really think it matters which you get, so long as you understand that whatever lenses you get from now on will have to be compatible. For instance, all my lenses are Canon lenses so I can't go back and change my mind to shoot Nikon at this point. I will say that many portrait photographers prefer Canon and most sports photogs prefer Nikon, for whatever that is worth. One thing you can do is go to the store and try them out, see which one suits you better. You may find you prefer the feel of one over the other. There are places online where you can rent cameras too - try renting one of each and see how you like it!

I would be interested where you found those reviews. Everything I have read about the Nikon D series is great. I have the D3100 and oh my god! that is an amazing camera.

An idiot can take good pictures and anyone who knows anything can take great pictures. We bought ours a month before we got married so we would have a good camera for distance shots while we were in Italy. I was disappointed in what I missed the year before with my point and shoot. It did so much more than I expected!

I have a friend who is a photographer who recommended the D series which is one of the main reasons I chose it. The other was the great reviews!!

All I can tell you is it is one of those purchases that I would make again without hesitation after having used it for almost a year! Perfect camera!! Now I just have to find time to go to the class with my husband and find out everything else it can do!

Oh when you are reading reviews look for indications of cluelessness. I swear most of the negative reviews I read said things like, I had the worst time taking the camera out of the box. Then went on to say it was a difficult camera to use. Yeah, if you are having trouble with the box perhaps you need a point and shoot, ya know?

Price wise, at Costco they have the D3100 package for 750 and I think the D5100 for 1,100ish, like give or take 100. The package come with the camera case, a wide and telephoto lens. Two DVDs to instruct and other stuff I can't remember.

Just kidding the D5100 package is on sale for 999. :) So it looks like the 3ti with the same stuff is only 50 dollars cheaper.

I have a Nikon (older model) and I absolutely love it, especially my fancy zoom lens (18-200). I don't know why it was chosen in the first place, my husband got me a gift and that's what he bought at Best Buy. Where I live now there WOULD be issues if I needed service, the local camera shop does not repair them and I'd have to send it out which would cost more and take longer. I recently had issues with a broken lens (no longer let my kids use it!) and opted to just spring for a new one rather than hunt down repair. But I got my awesome fancy one so it wasn't a problem for me. And it probably wouldn't be a big problem so close to Chicago -- I'd say check into Calumet, Helix, and Central, see who does repairs on both brands.

We have a couple of Canon dlsrs and love them. Not specifically the one you mentioned, but they are wonderful just the same. I would say go and try them out in a store if you haven't already and have them put a memory card in each camera so you can see the pictures. Like others have mentioned, once you pick a brand you are pretty much stuck to that brand. I know many Canon and many Nikon lovers, we just happen to have gone with Canon. I have heard Nikons may have better color, but Canons shoot faster. One of ours is a factory refurbished one and it has been great and we also sent one of our lenses back about a week after the year warranty and they still covered it.

We have a NIkon. I have two 3100 cameras. My SIL has the 5100. My BIL also has a Nikon SLR. We love them! They take fabulous pictures. I am not a photographer, but I get fantastic pics. I haven't been disappointed yet. I have had to deal with Nikon Customer service as well and I have no complaints. I broke the door off my sd card holder (completely my fault) and needed to get it repaired. They were helpful and prompt and not outrageous in the charges.

I have a T3i and I LOVE it.
I have been taking good pictures since I was a child and I have a lot of experience with cameras.
The Nikon's are not worth what they want for them.
www.dpreview.com is the site I used to do my research before purchasing my T3i. I got the T3i because I liked the pictures it took , with the lenses I wanted, and the price.
I can tell you that I got my T3i camera, 2 lenses , bag and SD card for less than what the D5100 alone goes for.

I too did a ton of research and was left very confused to. My best advice? Go to the store and try them both out. That is how I made my decision. I went in thinking I would like the Canon, based on the reviews, etc. but ended up buying a Nikon. The color was so much different (which I know now could have just been a setting) but I also preferred the feel of the Nikon. Go try them out. They are both great cameras and brands. You won't be disappointed with your decision.

As for Nikon customer service. Don't let that deter you too much. You have a warranty but if you are lucky, you won't have to use it. :)

I have a NIKON D3100 which I absolutely love. I got it from Costco in a bundle for a good price, and have had it for over a year now with no problems. I was sick of point and shoots that left my kids in a blurr as they whizzed past the camera!
In the past I had a NIKON which just got worn out, so i bought a CANON -which I had endless trouble with, personally I would never go there again. I find the NIKON easy enough to use for school events, children's outings and just in general. The photos it takes are great.
Good luck, I did tonnes of research too and was confused before making my decision too.