Canon 500D v Nikon D3100

[Merrel]

Which one will you pick?

I can get both at almost the same price with two kit lenses.

This is not intended to be a Canon v Nikon debate at all. Just want opinion about which camera you would pick if comparing the specs.

I'm not a newcomer to SLRs but this will be my first DSLR.
Image quality is very important to me but unfortunately this is all my budget allows for.

Will be used primarily for family photos, weekends away(wildlife and scenery) and lots of action shots of my little ones doing sport(rugby/cricket/swimming) or silly stuff around the house.

Video is NOT important to me.

Thanks in advance for the help and advice.

 

[Anthro]

have you had each in hand yet ?
I have always been a Canon man - partially because that was the only cameras my paretns and friends had, and partially because I was pushed in that direction by their statements about Nikon's glass (lenses)

Having said that, I have found the Nikon to be more comfortable in hand than the Canon.
Planning to buy myself one of these as well - so a good thread - will be watching others opinions.

Or as they say "It just feels right"

 

[Merrel]

I have played around with both, not too much with the Nikon because not everyone has stock yet.

But I can honestly say I feel comfortable with both. Of course they feel different but both are comfortable and buttons are easily accessible on both.

Thus me creating this thread and asking other opinions. I just can't decide.

 

[Jola]

.. their statements about Nikon's glass (lenses)

??? Nikon's glass has always been regarded as amongst the best.

I have owned Canon equipment myself, and there are various reasons for buying Canon, but that does not make sense.

In some cases Canon may have a few better lenses, and in other cases the Nikon lenses may be better. But a sweeping statement like that is ludicrous.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Well, you are comparing an older mid-level consumer camera, with a new entry-level consumer camera. They are actually pretty closely matched, with the 500D probably having a slight edge on the Nikon (except with 1080p video). You must think about what the future holds too, what is your upgrade going to be in a few years?

Me... I'm a Nikon man now. I would go for the D3100.

 

[Merrel]

I'm not looking to sell images or become professional but obviously I would like to grow as a photographer.

Will invest in further glassware later on rather than upgrading the body. So this is my initial investment for now.

Why do you say the 500D has the slight edge? Is the sensor better? Surely that 1MP will not make such a big difference?

I have noticed that the D3100 does not allow for a battery grip and does not have a DOF preview button.

 

[APoc184]

I am on the verge of buying the D3100.

Will keep an eye on this thread before I transfer the money tomorrow.

I opted for the D3100 because it is probably newer technology. (Or so I assume)

 

[APoc184]

does not have a DOF preview button.

What does this do and how important is it in the bigger picture?

 

[Anthro]

??? Nikon's glass has always been regarded as amongst the best.

I have owned Canon equipment myself, and there are various reasons for buying Canon, but that does not make sense.

In some cases Canon may have a few better lenses, and in other cases the Nikon lenses may be better. But a sweeping statement like that is ludicrous.

I want to put a interesting quote here:

Canon has historically had the holy trinity of 16-35/4 L, 24-105/4L and 70-200/4 IS L which dominated mid-range glass, but Nikon is fighting back there

That was my reason to go Canon, but I'm still sticking around to see if someone can swing me to Nikon, I do love the feel and comfortableness of the camera - but in the end I guess it never depends on the camera, just the capable hands it's held in

 

[Quantum Theory]

Why do you say the 500D has the slight edge? Is the sensor better? Surely that 1MP will not make such a big difference?

I said it had a slight edge because of slightly higher MP, slightly higher FPS... and probably slightly better body. This is because the Canon is previous generation mid-level consumer camera. Whatever replaces the Canon 1000D will be a real competitor to the Nikon D3100. I see that the Nikon has 11 point AF as opposed to the Canon's 9 points.

 

[Merrel]

I opted for the D3100 because it is probably newer technology. (Or so I assume)

Anybody? Does this ring true?

I said it had a slight edge because of slightly higher MP, slightly higher FPS... and probably slightly better body. This is because the Canon is previous generation mid-level consumer camera. Whatever replaces the Canon 1000D will be a real competitor to the Nikon D3100. I see that the Nikon has 11 point AF as opposed to the Canon's 9 points.

So except for the higher FPS which I doubt I will ever need, and the better body? Will you say the Nikon is a better buy?

After sales service? Both cameras good or is there reason for concern regarding Canon or Nikon?

And just a final question. What are the prices like for lenses? Both coming in at about the same price?

 

[bwana]

So except for the higher FPS which I doubt I will ever need, and the better body? Will you say the Nikon is a better buy?

I'm not sure why you're choosing to ignore those two, you must really want that nikon so why not just get it?

After sales service? Both cameras good or is there reason for concern regarding Canon or Nikon?

A better body might negate the need for after sales service.

And just a final question. What are the prices like for lenses? Both coming in at about the same price?

The common consensus seems to be that nikon lenses are more expensive than their canon counterparts.

 

[jxharding]

best price i saw for D3100 : R5800 at orms in cape town

 

[klokx]

Every new to the whole camera story, Planning on buying my first every DSLR camera just to get myself into photography abit more. These 2 camera's being really what i was considering getting, was personally leaning towards the canon just cause i saw a friend of mine had one and took really amazing photos with it. However havnt really seen what the nikon is capable of yet so still unsure has to what to get.

I would really like to get a lens to take sport shots and wildlife. So would love to know what would anyone regard as the better option.

 

[GTi]

I too was looking out for these 2 camera's including the newer Canon 550D, but bought the Nikon D90 instead as it is considered a semi pro and price drop due to the Nikon D7000 showing it's face. D90 is an awesome camera with amazing features.