I'm finally getting a DSLR. I'm starting out on an entry/mid-level since I've only used a Film SLR in the past. I'll probably work my way up through lenses, getting acquainted, and then upgrade. Issue is, I'm stuck between two very similar cameras, the Nikon D5100 and the Canon Rebel EOS T3i.

I'm hoping to see them in person this weekend to get some hands-on. If anyone has any insight on either of these two models, I'd appreciate it. If you have a recommendation outside of these, please speak up, but also give reasons. I'm at a budget of $1000. My husband's in the USAF, and we currently live in England, planning to do some traveling while we're here. That's the main reason for the camera, as well as getting some shots of my cats, some landscape, and possibly architectural pictures. I did a lot of research before narrowing it down to these two models, but I'm still open to opinions.

my opinion:
nikon make better cameras in the lower range, i have tried several from both manufactures, previous was nikon D90 now using canon 5Dii so i am not being biased
if you can afford it look at the D90, its an awesome starter the d7000 is magnificent but the body alone is over $1k

oh and please dont take photo's of cats

I always take photos of my cats. I like to preserve memories. =-P I'd take pictures of my family, but I'm about 5000+ miles away from them for the next two years, so other than my husband, my cats are all I have. (I do realize how depressing that sounds, lol)

I considered the Nikon D90, but it's out of my price-range, considering I plan to invest in lenses.

investing in lenses is the best thing to do
so in that case go for the system you would like to stick with in the future, so when u do upgrade your body your lenses will still be usefull
there are no huge differences in the entry lvl market

i know what living thousands of miles away from family is like, i moved to dubai from south africa, i knew no1 here but made the move, now i hav most my family here
there is some beautiful architecture in the UK, and if you look hard enough some beautiful landscapes/countryside

That's awesome advice, but begs the question.. What would you recommend for a mid-range or even a professional grade dslr?

thats not an easy answer right now
a year ago there was no problem, it was canon for certain, now with the new 1Dx and 5DIII canons and the Nikon D800 it is a much tougher game
canon might be the better choice because in a year you will be able to pick up 5DII's 2nd hand at a good price, and trust me it is still a brilliant camera
canon lenses are also a little cheaper

hope that helps

Yeah, I did some researching before asking your opinion, and came up with the same conclusion as far as it's hard to tell which is best when both brands step up to the plate.

I'm usually not a fan of buying secondhand when it comes to most electronics, including cameras. Since you never know for certain how well it was used, if they took it apart, etc.

I think I'm going to base it on hands-on when I go this weekend. If Nikon's stepping up to the plate now, I would think they'll keep it up with future cameras as well. In other words, I feel like the competition is going to be pretty close from now on, since they're on the same page.

If I end up regretting my decision, I hope to know prior to buying any lenses, and then I could pick those up second-hand, provided they were well taken care of, until I have the money to upgrade the body.


You definitely helped a lot, and I really appreciate all your feedback. Hopefully we'll have a winner this weekend. =-]

I would assume that any second hand lens was most likely taken care of - as these things are not cheap to just toss around here and there. I would at least give a 2k lens the benefit of the doubt that it was taken care of. Good luck with your purchase! All what was said here was said, I believe, now it's all up to you