Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

[karandom]

I am looking to buy my first DSLR in the next few weeks. Of course I am torn between between the Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i. Both are priced the same, both are reviewed about the same, and both come from solid brands.

Since both seem to be good starter DSLR's, I guess I should ask what "ecosystem" does everyone prefer. Are one companies lenses better/cheaper then the other? Does one have better aftermarket support?

I work on a boat so I take a lot of landscape shots, but usually at a far distance. I am thinking about getting a Tamron AF 18-270mm since it seems like a solid all around lens.

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15/

Anyway what would ot buy?

[e24mpwr]

You've just asked what shade of blue the sky is. There are Canon guys, and there are Nikon guys. Pretty much they'll give you their platform answer. If you don't have any legacy lenses, etc. to worry about, then either is a fine choice.

Looking at the Snapsort comparison (http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3i-vs-Nikon-D5100), the only real advantages of the T3i are better video features and a built-in AF motor that will let you drive lenses that don't have a built-in motor.

The D5100 has much better IQ ratings, color depth and dynamic range scores, though these aren't as definitive as you'd think. Snapsort says the T3i won't autofocus for video.

When I look at the DPReview comparisons (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Canoneos600d/page17.asp), I think the specs above show up though, especially at higher ISOs. At the end of the day, the differences aren't much to worry about though.

As far as aftermarket support and lenses, I'd say they are pretty much even as well. There are places where one has an advantage over the other, but on the whole, you balance out.

Personally, I like the usability of Nikon better, but that is what I've shot for 20 years. Get the one you can get the best deal on. Better yet, go find a store where you can hold/play with each and then grab the one that seems to fit you best. No wrong answer here IMHO.

[Don Nguyen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf7jkU1zclo

You can watch that if you'd like. It does a short comparison of the D5100 and T3i.

[Sully51]

I'd buy a D90 for the built in AF motor, and slightly better controls vs the 5100.

You give up some stuff, it being a slightly older model. And it is a little more expensive of course. It is something you should look at though

[cornflakecwl]

I just bought a T3i myself two weeks ago to take on the honeymoon. Love it, it's my first SLR as well so I am very much still learning but I did take some video and seems to have autofocused quite well, not sure why it would be said that it didn't?