Nikon d3100 or Cannon 550d

[MRO]

I cant decide between these two camera: d3100 or 550d. Anyone have any suggestions? I have ready a lot on the internet already and seem quite similar.

It will be the first DSLR for me. Will mainly be used for photos of family, cars, landscapes etc. It will need to be a bit versatile.

At the moment i looking at both with the twin lens kit from Myer or Harvey Norman. Nikon is $998 and Cannon is $1198.

Appreciate your opinions.

Cheers
MRO

[NoOg_sTaR]

I am Canon biased as per most the guys here, so I would say choose the Canon. I started off using a 400D then jumped to a 40D, and now the 5DMKII. I have used a mates Nikon in the past and I found their menu system and button layout to be confusing compared to Canons.

If you decided to go the Canon I would recommend you to look into a 2nd hand option of the XX series over the XXX series. Most people jump to the double digits quite soon after owning a XXX series.

Now for a shameless plug:
http://perth.gumtree.com.au/c-Stuff-for-Sale-video-camera-digital-camera-digital-cameras-Canon-40D-body-Canon-BG-E2N-Canon-EF-50mm-f-1-8-II-W0QQAdIdZ270623079

[mitchy]

Go pick both of them up and buy the most comfortable one.

[morgazmatron]

Go pick both of them up and buy the most comfortable one.


+1
Both will do what you want it to. Have a little play with them side by side.

I was tossing up between the 2 brands and did this. Ended up with nikon

[mr_rotary]

I'm also biased towards Canon. If you want to get into the technical sides of things, I suggest to have a look at dpreview.com to get a good look at what each can and can't do and to compare them side by side. They have placed the Canon as 'mid level' and the Nikon as 'entry level'. The Canon also got higher brownie points.

Canon 550D
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/

Nikon D3100
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/

[Butcher]

One thing to keep in mind is what camera you would like to use in the future? ie if you would really like to to get a 5d in the future for example, it would be expensive and annoying to have to sell up all nikon gear to make the switch. Where as if you go with the canon you can slowly build up a collection of lenses and flashes that you can carry over to a newer body.

[mitchy]

One thing to keep in mind is what camera you would like to use in the future? ie if you would really like to to get a 5d in the future for example, it would be expensive and annoying to have to sell up all nikon gear to make the switch. Where as if you go with the canon you can slowly build up a collection of lenses and flashes that you can carry over to a newer body.

That makes little sense... Nikon have their own competitor to the Canon range, buy whatever you find best to use.

Not to mention the models are forever changing. My 7D didn't exist when I originally bought my 450D.

[Butcher]

Im not talking about the bodies or whether canon is better than nikon, what i am trying to get at is choose carefully what camp you intend to stay with long term to avoid the hassle of selling up all your equipment and starting again with a different manufacturer as the lenses and flashes etc are usually not interchangeable between the two.

[mitchy]

That's my point... Why would you change?

[Butcher]

I see what your saying it is just,
I know of a few photogs that started with nikon before making the expensive change to canon when their work started becoming somewhat professional.

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

Butcher,

You make no valid point. Nikon's lenses are just as good as Canon's L glass. Flashes can be mounted to either two bodie's (most canon users by nikon flashes because of $$) Canon don't do anything that Nikon cannot.

People get caught up thinking the camera makes the image. Far from it... Its all the user.

@OP - Like Mitchy said above... Go into your local store, pick up both camera's and which ever feels comfortable is be the body for you.

[SEXUAL TYRANNOSAURUS]

I see what your saying it is just,
I know of a few photogs that started with nikon before making the expensive change to canon when their work started becoming somewhat professional.

I know plenty of 'togs that have done the opposite.

Until recently, canon's have been uncomfortable to hold.

[DRKWRX]

its pretty much same same these days, you can't go wrong with either and they will both give you more control then you will need for a long time! and same as corbin there are a lot of pros that love Nikon! its not like the old days where Nikon's were noisy as shit.

[ovaxitd]

i love my 550d... bought when they first came out and now for 1200 its fkn cheap.... does everything in need to do (my first slr) and is simple enough for giving to others who can use for point and shoot.... i let my camera own as im a noob but the shots that have come from it are fkn awsome and 1080p recording is amazing...

p.s im bias and love my canon xo

[manna_85]

Agree with whats been said. Its all about the mug behind the camera. If its your first camera id get it second hand. will save u a lot of money but obviously be vigilant bout what your buying.

http://perth.gumtree.com.au/c-Stuff-for-Sale-video-camera-digital-camera-digital-cameras-CANON-EOS-550D-Body-only-W0QQAdIdZ265758773

Im biased toward canon as well but either one will make a good first camera.
The sooner you decide the sooner u can start snapping :)

[KB90]

dont want to start another thread but whats a decent starter canon?

[AGIT8D]

dont want to start another thread but whats a decent starter canon?

Powershot SX210

[duste]

Haven't tried any others, but my 550D is easy to use with no prior DSLR experience.