Nikon d5100 VS Canon Ti3

[todpod]

I am more concerned with lens compatibility then anything. Currently looking to upgrade my Pentax *istdl. Would like to just get another pentax but the K-R has been discontinued and the K-Z if one is to believe rumors may come out, but who knows when. The K-5 is out of my budget. I may have $700 total.

For my Pentax I currently have a
50mm f2.0 manual focus lens
28-135 Sigma Zoom
a 70-300 mm Tamron Zoom
35-105 pentax Zoom

I probably don't have much more then $150 tied up in lens. They do what I need to do and would like to basically replace then with they same as what I have, but eliminate one of the short zooms. The 2 zooms would come first. I would be more flexible on the short zoom. I want the reach of the 300m at the long end for birds and wildlife, would like to be longer.

It looks like I would have a better selection on the low end with the Canons, because if I understand it right the D5100 needs AF-S to auto focus.

BTW, the *istdl is dead, thought about used but not sold on that idea. I just want to get out and shoot, its been a while.

 

[fralexandr]

if you want to get a pentax k-7 the price has dropped significantly since the k-5 release
they're going for ~$500-600 in excellent condition ~10k shutter actuations
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/photographic-equipment-sale/

note: you'll have to make a few posts before you can pm people
a good place to start might be in the welcomes/intro thread
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/welcomes-introductions/

otherwise, the d5100 and t3i are both great cameras
a lot of the older AF lenses won't work on the d5100 as you pointed out
you'll probably have to buy some used lenses if going with a canon t3i or nikon d5100 due to your budget

 

[todpod]

And there doesn't seem to be alot for the Nikon that would work. Another option is the T2i, specs seem very similar to the T3i but about $100 cheaper on Amazon. I can hit my price point fairly easy with that.

I have been lurking the pentax forums for a while. I am just not convinced that I want to go used. I am giving up mega-pixels, warranty, and I really don't know how the build quality compares to the Canons. I am thinking it should be better to some extent due where it falls on the product line/

I hate making these decisions.

 

[AkumaX]

The only major differences between T2i and T3i are the swiveling screen and wireless flash. Otherwise they take the same identical pictures. There's something about movies (practically-optical-zoom) but not exactly a deal breaker. It's up to you if you feel you need those features. Anyways, here's a snapsort comparison of D5100 vs T3i:
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon-D5100-vs-Canon-T3i

 

[currahee440]

I had the D5100, but strangely I got shutter issues within 2 weeks of owning the camera. It was really inconvenient when it happened because I lost some great photo opporunities to take with friends.

Anyway, I returned it. Best Buy had it for $900 with a 55-200mm kit lens.

Newegg this weekend had the T2i on sale, so I got that. It comes on Thursday. This one was $749 but it came with a 18-135mm kit lens, something you might want to keep in mind. It's handy I think because I won't need to swap lenses on the field. So keep that in mind.

One thing that I might not like is that it seems that from reviews, it seems Canons don't have auto correction for chromatic abberations from the lens while the Nikons do. It seems less noticible in RAW mode if I remember.

 

[blastingcap]

http://www.digitalreview.ca/content/Canon-Rebel-T3i-EOS-600D-Compared-to-Nikon-D5100.shtml

Side by side review of the d5100 and t3i cameras.

 

[Romoko]

Potentially influencing your decision... All canon referbs are 20% off using the code 20SLR412. Then free shipping using the code NEW412. This lasts until tomorrow only. So you might need to jump on it.

 

[todpod]

Thanks for the help. Leaning Hard towards the t2i, unless pentax announces something in the next week. Canon referbs from were Canon?

 

[Zaap]

They do what I need to do and would like to basically replace then with they same as what I have, but eliminate one of the short zooms.

If you go with the Canon, look into an adaptor from your existing lens type to Canon EOS. They usually run $15 to $20. Well worth it.

For example.

Make sure to get one with the AF confirm chip. (Of course this won't give you full autofocus, but the camera will beep to confirm manual focus.)

I use an M42 adaptor and several older Pentax lenses with my T3i and I love using them.

Rather than replace your exact lenses with Canon equivalents, you could try completely different lenses as suits your needs.

 

[currahee440]

Yes its from the canon website. Get it! Its a good deal!

 

[todpod]

I may just get that adapter for the 50mm. Shipping from Hong Kong kinda of scares me but we will see. The t2i seems like the deal to have. Its a $100 cheaper then the T3i on Amazon for new. Does Canon offer extended warranties, there website lists a 90 day warranty?

Probably get 2 lenses to start, this:
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE07000005500N?r=FE
and
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE099990417090?r=FE

The go from there. What adapters do the make for the EOS. There are tons of old manual lens for FD, Nikon, K mount etc that would be cool.

Thanks Todd

 

[stormkroe]

I've got a t2i and love it lots. I came from point and shoots, did my research, decided that the better digital screen and external mic input were well worth the extra over the t3 (not the t3i).

 

[todpod]

Well The new Nikon D3200 adds a interesting twist to the mix here. I am going to have to do some more thinking.

 

[Anteaus]

Out of those to I would personally go with the D5100 because it has the better sensor, but honestly you'd get great results out of both. If your think about using it for video, the D5100 has better video capabilities.

Waiting to check out the D3200 is a good idea. It comes out soon.

 

[blastingcap]

Well The new Nikon D3200 adds a interesting twist to the mix here. I am going to have to do some more thinking.

Yeah the reviews for the d3200 should be coming out soon, so it's worth waiting a little longer before deciding.

 

[todpod]

I wish Pentax would announce the upgrade to the K-R, it may use the same sensor. Summer is coming and I want to get out and shoot. Adorama is taking pre-orders for the 3200

 

[iGas]

I would trade in the Pentax or Sigma lens to get a flash or a wider zoom.

 

[todpod]

So the wife said I have $1000 to spend, but I also need to include a point and shoot for camping.
Here is what I was thinking for the point and shoot
http://www.adorama.com/INKCPS30BL.html

And unless Pentax comes out with a new entry level body I need A whole new system. I need Short zoom and a 70-300. Maybe getting the d3200 which comes with an 18-55 so then just need a 70-300, new is about $170 for Tamaron or Sigma with built in motor. Hopefully find something at KEH for less.

 

[todpod]

Damn, gonna have to buy a new 70-300, KEH has one that has a built in focus motor and thats $450. B&H and Adorama have a Sigma for $164.

 

[todpod]

Here is what I think I am going to do.

Canon T2i referb from Canon

then these 3 lenses
28-90mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE099991119320?r=FE

70-300mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE09999052993J?r=FE

50mm Macro Kinda kill 2 birds with this one and always wanted to do macro photography

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CE089990336720?r=FE

$50 less then the Nikon d3200 with 2 lenses, I am giving up some megapixels but i really don't think thats an issue. Next lens would be a wide angle lens.

 

[blastingcap]

To satisfy your wife and you at the same time, you may want to consider a Micro Four Thirds camera which is small enough for camping and backpacking but powerful enough to rival entry-level DSLRs like the T2i. Also, some models are outstanding for video, like the GH2 which even at stock is powerful. When hacked using free software online like Vitaly's hacks, the GH2 rivals the 5dMarkII and III in video quality. http://www.eoshd.com/content/7722/5d-mark-iii-vs-gh2-vs-nex-7

The GH2 is somewhat smaller than an entry-level DSLR but the real size/weight differences are in the lenses, where MFT lenses are way smaller and lighter than DSLR lenses. And the MFT lenses are very sharp with few exceptions.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/PanasonicDMCGH2

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_DMC_GH2/

The GH3 is rumored to come out this year which is why GH2 prices have been declining recently. But the GH3 is likely to cost $1000, whereas a used GH2 is way cheaper.

If you don't need video there is also the GX1 and G3 (or the E-M5 but that costs $1k+). I would stay away from 12MegaPixel MFT cameras though because the older 12MP sensor used in those cameras isn't nearly as good as the newer 16MP sensors.

Also consider other mirrorless systems but imho the MFT system is most fleshed out. Thom Hogan wrote a pretty accurate summary of the current state of mirrorless: http://www.sansmirror.com/newsviews/are-we-there-yet.html

 

[todpod]

If I am going to change brands from Pentax I figure I will change to something more popular opening up more used lenses. That is my big issue with the Nikon, AF Lens selection is limited for these cameras esp used stuff. I like my Pentax but it doesn't look like they will release the K-R successor any time soon, hence the need for change. Canon will give me the upgrade path that I want.

 

[AkumaX]

Here is what I think I am going to do.

Canon T2i referb from Canon

then these 3 lenses
28-90mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE099991119320?r=FE

70-300mm
http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-CE09999052993J?r=FE

50mm Macro Kinda kill 2 birds with this one and always wanted to do macro photography

http://www.keh.com/camera/Canon-EOS-Non-Mfg-Fixed-Focal-Length-Lenses/1/sku-CE089990336720?r=FE

$50 less then the Nikon d3200 with 2 lenses, I am giving up some megapixels but i really don't think thats an issue. Next lens would be a wide angle lens.

If I am going to change brands from Pentax I figure I will change to something more popular opening up more used lenses. That is my big issue with the Nikon, AF Lens selection is limited for these cameras esp used stuff. I like my Pentax but it doesn't look like they will release the K-R successor any time soon, hence the need for change. Canon will give me the upgrade path that I want.

Why the 1st 2 lenses? If you're gonna be on a crop body, the 1st lens isn't going to be wide enough. Also, I don't think either of those lenses have IS. You're better off getting the kit 18-55mm IS and 55-250mm IS

 

[todpod]

the 55-250 is $300 at the canon store for a refurb compared to $62 for the one I have listed. I do want something in the 300mm+ range for birds.

It will cost me about $40 more to go with the 18-55mm rather then the 28-90mm.

This is all about budget and bringing it in under. There are trade offs that need to be made its just a matter of which one. I don't aspire to be a pro or anythng near that just want some decent equipment to work with. I have had good luck with lower end lenses for my Pentax and hope to have the same luck here. IS would be nice, but with the exception of the kit lens it is for the most part out of reach.

I like the focal length I had with the 35-105mm with the Pentax with the crop body and the 28-90 should be about the same with bigger crop factor the Canon has. I think I will save my nickels and dimes for a wider lens the the kit lens in a couple years. I have never really experimented much with wide angle photography, most of my stuff has been on the longer end.

 

[AkumaX]

the 55-250 is $300 at the canon store for a refurb compared to $62 for the one I have listed. I do want something in the 300mm+ range for birds.

It will cost me about $40 more to go with the 18-55mm rather then the 28-90mm.

This is all about budget and bringing it in under. There are trade offs that need to be made its just a matter of which one. I don't aspire to be a pro or anythng near that just want some decent equipment to work with. I have had good luck with lower end lenses for my Pentax and hope to have the same luck here. IS would be nice, but with the exception of the kit lens it is for the most part out of reach.

I like the focal length I had with the 35-105mm with the Pentax with the crop body and the 28-90 should be about the same with bigger crop factor the Canon has. I think I will save my nickels and dimes for a wider lens the the kit lens in a couple years. I have never really experimented much with wide angle photography, most of my stuff has been on the longer end.

Street value on the 18-55 IS is around ~$100, and the 55-250 IS is around ~$150. I had trouble selling mine for $140!

I don't think you'll tell that much difference between 250 and 300, but you would definitely tell a difference between non-IS and IS. The 70-300 IS costs much more (around $400), so sacrificing down to 250 is almost like a no-brainer.

Consider a 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5?