Which DSLR out of these would you guys recommend?

Ethan Music

Ethan Music

New member
So as a christmas gift to myself I will be getting a DSLR camera always wanted one finally going to do it. My budget is around $750 for just the camera. Been looking and it seems like these 3 cameras keep poping up with great reviews.

canon rebel t3i
sony alpha 580a
nikon 5100


Iv'e handled these 3 at bestbuy all feel great in my hand just want to know what one would you get based on the kind of stuff I would use it for.

Sports
wildlife
My reptiles and aquariums.
Baby crested gecko hatchlings mostly which never sit still.


Been going back and forth between the sony and canon mainly because the sensor and AF system in the sony is better from what im reading a 15 point AF system rather than a 9 on the canon. Plus you get 7fps I think with the sony. So with the wildlife, shooting my reptiles, and other fast moving objects im guessing the sony would do a better job. But I just started to learn about photography like a month ago so im super new and don't know if that should be the only reason I should choose one over the other.
 
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All of them are good cameras with lots of good points to them and I'd say pretty similar in most regards.

The one thing that you might not have thought about yet is getting additional glass (lenses). Look around and see what's available to you. If you live in an area where Cannon lenses are really easy to come by and Nikon or Sony glass are not then go with the cannon. Same goes for Nikon or Sony. Most people tend to go with Canon or Nikon because they both have lots of lenses available for them and they're often available locally (you get to try it out before you drop $500 on a new lens) Sony Lenses seem to be more difficult to come by and you don't have as many options compared to Nikon or Cannon.

Outside that spend a good long wile with each in your hand and make sure you like the way things are layed out on the camrea, you'll be holding it a lot so make sure it's comfortable in your hand. (I have a Nikon D7000 and used to have a Nikon D80 and could never switch to cannon or Sony now because I'm used to and love the control layout on Niikon)
 
there is a camera store close to my place and they rent out their DSLR ....

I have been renting different models each weekend, taking pics with them, to see which one I can work with the best and get better pics of my reef with.
might want to look into that too :)
 
Forsure T3. I have worked with T2 and T3 they both awesome. I used to take pictures of watches and jewelery so they are they are that good. Hope this helped.
 
Thanks guys will do some more searching. The renting thing is actually a cool idea will have to see if they have anything like that around here.
 
same battle for myslef:
t3i vs D5100.....

In short BOTH excellent camera's....seems in general the d5100 wins out a tad.

FYI, if your budget limited go with the canon as they are a bit cheaper as are the lenses.

I think I have narrowed my decision dow to a:
D5100 & the 18-200mm lens.....

However the canon 60D(step up from t3i) and their 18-200mm lens may be a better bang for the buck?? Plus does 5fps burst mode.

AHHHHHH

Personally I'd stay away from the sony....Canon & Nikon seem to be ahead of the game for these camera's and lenses!

I have been really battling do I need the extra fps of the 60D (5.3fps) or the D7000(6fps). Primarily for kids sports. Seems like the t3i (3.7fps) and D5100 (4fps) really will suffice for us. especially given the budget!
 
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The cool thing about the canon is it shoots really nice video. this is straight from a t2i, no editing or anything. Shot with a 50mm prime lens, which run about 100 bucks. If you are interested in shooting video, I'd definitely go for the t3i. If you just want to take pictures the nikon might be better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Rw...list=ULkQ6hR0qzXxs&lf=mfu_in_order&playnext=1

and heres a bunch of shots with the t2i. I just used the kit lens, 50mm prime, and 55-250.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gnarwall/5437661717/in/set-72157626807330956
 
I went to the store yesterdayto buy myself the the t3i. After playing with it in the store the salemen showed me a sony slv-a55v. After playing with them for about an hour, I bought the sony. To me the sony is very fast it shoots 10 frames per second in burst mode, has image stabalizer built into the camera, making buying a new lens cheaper.
 
I would say go with the brand that your circle of friends have. It's kind of like PC vs Apple, go with what your friends have since you'll be able get help.
 
I would stick with Nikon or Canon to keep your lens options open. They have alot more available than say Sony or Panasonic. I have a Canon 5D for a few years and love it.
 
I wouldn't recommend getting a t or rebel anything. Not when you are looking to spend that much. If they are coming out with a new one every 6 months or so what does that tell you? I would get a used camera of better quality. NEVERRRRR PLEASE EVERRR buy from best buy! Bh please. Go and look at the price differences. The company is top notch. For 600 you can get a used 50d and have something left for a lens the true important part.
 
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