One of the most popular Nikon digital cameras, the D5100 is a mid to upper-entry-level DSLR camera aimed at beginners who are looking for more than just a basic model. One major competitor of the Nikon D5100 is the Canon Rebel T3i (also known as the Canon EOS 600D). So, let’s take a look at the Nikon D5100 vs Canon Rebel T3i.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 optional kit lens is a complete picture taking machine. Those two compete head to head with each other. So, which one is better for you?
First of all you have to know that both digital cameras target beginners or amateurs of digital photography. That doesn’t mean they are bad quality. It simply means that they have their own limitations.
My first question will be- which one is best suited for you personally? On the surface they seem to share much in common with high-resolution still images, fully articulated screen and Full HD video with an external microphone inputs. They are also about the same size and weight, not to mention the price when purchased in a kit with their respective 18-55mm kit lens. While both Nikon and Canon lenses are widely available Canon lenses tend to be more expensive. If you don’t have an established lens collection, then Nikon may be a more affordable option.
When it comes to focusing, Canon Rebel T3i employs the same nine-point, diamond shape, auto focus system as it predecessors. It’s good, but when compare it to the Nikon D5100 there is no competition. Nikon use eleven-point auto focus, and is more accurate then Rebel T3i. Also with Nikon, features like 3D Point Tracking give it an edge over the Rebel T3i.
For exposure modes and metering Nikon D5100 shares the same modes as its’ predecessor with few changes. As for the Canon it also shares modes and metering with predecessors like TTL Evaluative, center-weighted, Spot (4% of the viewfinder area) and partial (9% of the viewfinder area). As well the viewfinder uses a circle to indicate the spot metering area. Also, it uses the 63 zone Focus Color Luminance or iCFL metering system found in the advanced EOS 7D. But this time engineers from Canon made some tweaks in this configuration and it works great. Mostly even better then Nikon system.
As for the sensors the Canon Rebel T3i features an 18 MP CMOS. This is the same resolution as the EOS 60D, EOS 550D / T2i and the high-end EOS 7D. On the other hand D5100 uses the same 16.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor as the more advanced D7000. This gives the D5100 four additional Megapixels over the D5100.
In conclusion both cameras are great in their class, but if I had to choose one right now I would choose the Nikon D5100. Canon Rebel T3i is a very good digital camera, but for amateur photographers the Nikon D5100 provides more overall value and will tend to cost less when it comes to lenses.
