Nikon D3100 vs. Canon T3
1697749
@Jeffrey... I will agree with you that the Nikon D3100 feels better than the T3 in the hand. Actually the most solid-feeling entry-level DSLR out there right now is the Pentax K-r but that's beside the point. It does have more intuitively laid-out controls. However I have shot with both the D3100 and the T3 and had a much more enjoyable shooting experience with the T3 than the D3100. The T3 seems faster in just about every aspect than the D3100, it has a better viewfinder, and despite its screen being low-res, I actually didn't think it was that bad and it's better than the D3100's. And it has impressive photo quality (even with the kit lens). I think Canon was smart to only have the sensor @ 12mp. So I think overall the T3 is the better DSLR. However, I think Canon should be worried about the Nikon D5100 as a competitor to their T3i.
960605
The Nikon d3100 does not have a mic input. Canon is a better solution for dslr video.
2212638
For me major difference was Canon having ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light whereas Nikon D3100 only has ISO up to 3200. That makes Canon a much better option as far picture clarity in dim light is concerned. I do agree that it is 12 mp but that's not too less compared to 14mp. Major CONS of canon do include 720mp video but if video isn't that important, i would stick with CANON..
2016003
The D3100 is lighter and smaller-but not by much either way. The swivel screen is a big deal; it definitely increases the functionality of the camera, e.g., self-portraits, low and overhead shots, and video. Image quality is a wash. Yes, the D5100 has better dynamic range, but that will only matter if you shoot RAW and post-process. The D3100 is significantly more user friendly for noobies. Its controls are better arranged and better thought out, so it won't be hard to quickly get started. The D5100 has a few more capabilities that advanced beginners and enthusiasts on a budget will appreciate. Bracketing for HDR shooting is the feature that stands out. There are also a few more options in video including the option for an external mic on the D5100. As an enthusiast looking for a small, compact, economical camera to complement my enthusiast-level Canon cameras, I opted for the D5100 instead of one of the Canon Rebel series (I've owned three and finally concluded that the Rebel AF was inadequate for my needs). However, making a recommendation to someone who had never used a DSLR or SLR, and just wants to get better pictures of family and friends, I would unequivocally recommend the D3100. However, for someone who thought that photography might become a serious hobby, the D5100 is the obvious step-up choice to get instead of the D3100. Another consideration is how it feels in your hands. Both cameras are very small for DSLRs. Users with big hands are well-advised to try these cameras before buying. I've heard lots of complaints that these cameras are simply too small to comfortably use.
1818648
Yup, if you're comfortable using manual focus this will work with your D3100. With that said, I'd probably put my money towards the 35mm 1.8 (Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras). It's more expensive and can be a little hard to get your hands on, but it will auto focus with the D3100. However, if you want a great lens to shoot static images (product shots, nature shots, even portraits) you really can't go wrong for the price. If you plan on taking candid pics of your kids or other non-posed pics, expect to loose some nice shots while you're trying to manually focus.
913709
I have never used the canon rebel, but we got a Nikon d3100 several months ago. I am a beginner, and I have still been able to use and take good pictures with the Nikon. We got a great deal for it on Amazon and are super happy with it.
1672484
I'd recommend you get the D3100. It is a marvelous DSLR with great image quality and versatility at a bargain price. The D3200 has a better sensor but the kit lens can not take advantage of that sensor. So unless you are prepared to spend a lot of money on glass (way more $ than the cost of the camera), you will not see any image quality improvement with the D3200. You can get the D3100 with the kit lens and the marvelous Nikkor 35 mm f/1.8 prime for the same price as the D3200 with only the kit lens.
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Yes, but why spend the extra money on this version, which is for full frame cameras ("FX") when the "DX" version is only $200 or so and is more suited for your D3100.
1657448
Yes. I am extremely inexperienced and am easily learning how to take some great pictures. I did purchase the T3 for dummy's as a companion to learn more, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet so have relied on the instinct of the camera.
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Hi Amanda, D300? I don't know. I have a NIKON D3100, and is NOT compatible with. :(
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I had both and ended up keeping the F31 mainly because A/S priority modes and better performance in low light shooting. Both are great cameras
1365222
Your decision is a personal preference. I had Nikon lenses which which were usable in the 3100...and I like Nikon.
2212640
d3100 doesn't support auto-exposure bracketing, which makes HDR photography a nightmare. Even the t3 supports it ... not sure what nikon was thinking except to keep some features for their higher end cameras.
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The t3i isnt a heavy camera. I used it with my d7000 and a heavier leans without an issue.
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Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is my pick over either d3200 or d3100, more features and the sensor is better. It is priced between the the 3100 and 3200 also. I think the D3200 overall is an improvement over the d3100. D3200 has entry level features like the d3100, but the sensor is has more megapixel so you get more detail, but at the same time might get more noise in darker situation. I heard the d3200 has improve video.
287141
I don't think the T300 is in the same class as the G10 and LX3, in terms of features and image quality. I'm a Canon guy and I really wanted to get the G10. But it was a marginal improvement over the G9. And the low light performance is still lacking. I tend to shoot a lot of indoor and night time pics, so the LX3 was a better choice for me. But if you're more of an outdoor daylight shooter, the G10 blows the LX3 away. And I have to say that Canon has a better menu system and user interface. The Panasonic UI takes some getting used to. I would highly recommend browsing through Flickr to get an idea of the image quality that comes from each of the cameras. It should help you decide on the best camera for your needs. And Amazon uses automated scripts to adjust pricing. If a Marketplace reseller offers it for a lower/higher price, the Amazon price will drop/increase by X dollars. So if you're looking for the best price from Amazon, it helps to be a little obsessive and check every half hour or so. :-)
2083386
The T3 is actually the new version of the old Rebel XS Canon budget model. The T3i is essentially a Rebel T2i with some extra features such as an articulating LCD screen. The T3 is aimed at the casual photographer who wants to step up to better quality from a point and shoot camera while the T3i is aimed more towards enthusiast photographers who want every advantage an advanced model can afford them.