Entry Level DLSR - Nikon D5100 v.s. Canon 600D - Thoughts & Reviews?

kenbro on 09/07/2013 - 23:34
Last edited 11/07/2013 - 22:42 by 1 other user

Hi everyone. So lately i've been in search of an entry level dslr
No more than 600 and found that the D3100/d5100 had good reviews everywhere (amazon, cnet, etc)
As well as the canon 600d. Each having their own pros/cons.

I am an novice photographer and can play around with settings however i think i will be more of an 'auto-mode' person when i first get it. But i will quickly learn to manually set everything.

What are your thoughts on the overall camera -
How is the still-images and video? What level does it start to produce visible noise, how is autofocus, etc.

Or is there any other entry dslrs that could be noted?

Thanks.

Electrical & Electronics Camera Canon DSLR Nikon

Comments

  • ryan-m on 10/07/2013 - 07:11
    +1

    It's great for entry level. I have one and it has been great for me (if you are in melb and want to consider a 2nd hand one PM me).

    It has all the features you really want and takes good shots for the price. I recommend it.

  • srhardy on 10/07/2013 - 07:35
    +1

    I would go the D5100 or D5200 and not the 3x00 series; the 5200 would be my pick. The reason is simple the 3x00 series is an intro model to starting out in the SLR world but IMO i cant see the point going that cheap, i would recommend going an allinone alternative or even the smaller V1/2 (which ive seen very cheap here on ozbargin)

    After you go down the DSLR route the camera body isnt where you spend your money, its on glass but i still think your better off going for the better body, specs and functionality.

    try eglobaldigital

  • LaTerrible on 10/07/2013 - 09:28
    +1

    The D3100 is a great entry level camera (as is the currently extremely cheap 1100D from Canon). I've been eyeing cameras for several months now, around the same budget as you.

    Here's some quick links to browse over:

    http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/19

    (read the pros and cons list at the top of the page, and then the 'Final Word' at the bottom - very valid summary in there)

    http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_d3100_review/co…

    (similarly, read the conclusion)

    http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-1100D-vs-Nikon_D3100

    And just for comparisons sake (but do take it witha grain of salt), here is a side-by-side of the most entry level cameras. The 1100D can be had for under $350 with a kit lens from HN right now, which is an awfully compelling price. It means even if you buy it and outgrow it in 12 months, you're hardly out any money for those 12 months of learning the ropes of a DSLR.

    As others have mentioned, the real money of DSLR isn't in the body but the lenses, and that is why it is often said you are buying a 'system' rather than a camera when you jump into DSLRs. A body may only last you 12 months, but a good lens will last you a lifetime.

    Last, it is worth considering if you really need a DSLR, or if a mirrorless compact system camera (CSC) will do the job instead. Whether you buy micro 4/3 or a APS-C CSC is neither here nor there for 90% of the camera buying public and CSC's have a bunch of advantages over DSLR, while not giving up much in the way of photo-taking quality (speed of auto focus is normally the main drawback between the systems, and a lack of optical viewfinder). With that said, have a gander at the Sony NEX series, widely regarded as exceptional CSC cameras, even the entry level model the NEX-3 (http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_nex_3_review/con…). Smaller, lighter, easier to use out of the box but still with enough power features that you shouldn't miss too many photos due to technical deficiencies.

    The D5100 is a decent jump up in features to the D3100 (as it inherited alot of its tech from the super-duper D7000), so if you spot a good deal on one of them, grab it. And I'd say skip the D3200 and D5200, they're more expensive due being newer, and not worth it.

    With all that said though, you can't really buy a 'bad' camera these days (I mean, here is a quick side-by-side of some of the cameras mentioned, all of their reviews are within cooee of each other: http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?produc…). Even the $350 1100D is capable of taking stunning high-res astrophotography shots in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing (http://www.flickr.com/photos/astro_jjj_unprocessed_data/9221…), and the D3100 is certainly not a worse camera than it.

    So don't torture yourself, like I have been, over the differences between these entry and mid range cameras. It's not worth it!

    • kenbro on 10/07/2013 - 21:46

      Thanks for the extent details, much appreciated.
      Would you know where to buy the Nikon D5100 in Aus?
      I've looked in JB, Dicksmith, etc…and can't seem to find it?

      The Canon 600D is around the D5100 price range, from your experience, which one do you believe is better?

      • LaTerrible on 11/07/2013 - 07:14

        Much of a muchness. The d5100 is perhaps, on paper, the better camera but in your hands actually taking photos there is nothing to seperate them. If you can find either the 600d or 650d for a good price they won't let you down - both of them have been on my shopping list for months, just haven't found that killer deal yet (and I'm kinda wanting one of those swanky Sony NEX6's…)

        If you're interested in astrophotography at all, there is a stack of free software specifically made for the Canon EOS line of DSLR which can be enough to choose the Canon system over any other.

        odc1984 makes a good point, too. However it is worth noting that very often the basic 18-55mm kit lens camera bundle will be as cheap (or within $20) as buying just the body on its own.

        • kenbro on 11/07/2013 - 13:19

          Hi Laterrible, just wondering do you know where they sell the D5100 with single lens kit - besides Big W & Dicksmith? Binglee is out of stock and the good guys only have the twins lens kit. Harvey norman don't sell it.

          I've done some price checking and for retail, the 60D is cheaper but on Kogan, the D5100 is slightly cheaper.

    • odc on 10/07/2013 - 22:34

      I purchased a d7000 a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. Balanced weight, great feel and controls are amazing. Unlike the 5100 you want to adjust your settings i.e. iso, aperture etc while looking through the view finder at the same time. The d7000 does exactly that so you won't miss out on photo opportunities. I highly recommend it and worth the extra dollars. Otherwise the d90 is another good option you can prob pick up cheap on ebay. Also don't bother with kit lens and buy the body individually. Save the rest on a decent lens and start off with primes 35mm or 50mm 1.8.

  • LaTerrible on 11/07/2013 - 14:29

    http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=d5100&start=41&…

    A number of places there to browse through. One warning if you're not familiar with them, the really (really) cheap places are grey importers, and postage and handling will be upwards of $50 or even $75, mitigating any initial savings you spot. And of course you give up the 2 year warranty you get with Aussie stock. I think even Kogan are grey imports, though having bought things from Kogan before I don't have any trouble recommending them. Your mileage may vary, of course.

    With that said there are a few local guys with reasonable prices:

    http://www.georges.com.au/index.php/nikon-d5100-digital-slr-…

    http://www.digidirect.com.au/shopping/search?x=-1016&y=-127&…

    http://www.camerahouse.com.au/search-results.aspx?filter=&se…

    I'm not sure if you can haggle much with them, but it probably wouldn't hurt to try!

    Otherwise I don't have much advice, still not having bought one myself. The D5100 seems to be a popular camera on gumtree.com.au; depending on where you live it might be worth having a look in case someone within a few postcodes of you is selling one. There was a brand-new-in-box, with twin lens kit, bag and memory card bundle selling for $500 at the Gold Coast recently. I would have bought it myself if I lived nearby.

    Best of luck with your search!

  • kenbro on 11/07/2013 - 23:26

    Has anyone have any experiences from buying off 'Digital Rev'? I heard they are a pretty good online 'grey import store'. The online reviews are pretty good. Anyone who could share their experiences with them? I've browsed around a few stores, and digital rev is one of the cheapest for the D5100.

    • Stargazer5 on 30/08/2013 - 16:15

      I like digital rev, when I bought my d90 it was cheap. But now there a bit more normal price on most items. Which is sad. Now I buy from kogan or DWI online or photo contenintal in brisbane.

  • srhardy on 12/07/2013 - 14:52

    If in doubt, dont spend too much!

    http://www.harveynorman.com.au/canon-eos-1100d-dslr-camera-w…

    At $350 (with an awesome lens, love the 19-55mm=28-80mm of a full frame lens; its awesome value…

    I prefer a nikon, but a cheap canon like this is amazing way to get started.

  • Stargazer5 on 30/08/2013 - 16:17

    I don't know about video for d5100, I wouldn't think it was that good. But the photos would be.
    I like the d3200. It's small light, cheap as the d5100. Newer. Good video. I own it, I like it.

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