Canon 1100D (rebel T3) vs Nikon D3100

**Ch96067** · 10-16-2011, 05:11 AM

Hello guys,

I am thinking of getting a DSLR aiming at nice/creative detailing pics. Money wise I can only do entry level for now and my research so far has led me to these 2 models.

Feedback from people who have shoot with either or both of these is more than welcome. Apart from the stock 18-55 lens what other kind of lense have you found as a valuable addition?

Apologies if my questions are too open ended. I am trying to get my head around photography at the same through reading `Understanding exposure 3rd ed.`

**Dan** · 10-16-2011, 08:24 AM

Both are great cameras. Do any of your friends or family members have an extensive lens collection? If so, go with the brand they have as borrowing lenses before buying is a much bigger advantage than what your (throwaway) beginner body will provide.

**Ch96067** · 10-16-2011, 09:36 AM

My one friend who is into photography is into canons. So potentialy borrowing or buying used lenses off him in the future could be an option.

Just to understand your point; by throwaway are you reffering to the stock 18-55 lense both kits provide?

**Dan** · 10-16-2011, 09:45 AM

both the lens and the body are throwaway. The lens will be a good start but once you try a better one, you`ll want to get rid of it. The body is a consumable. If you use it regularly, it will eventually wear out. My point is the only thing you are buying into is "the family" Once you invest in lenses and accessories, you are more or less stuck in that brand.

**maxepr1** · 10-16-2011, 10:47 AM

Ch96067, are there any camera shops over there that rent cameras? Here in the states shops will rent you camera`s and lens set-ups so you can try them out. If you can go that route you test both and make your decision from there. I just bought a D7000 myself and although its more money than the D3100 you can`t go wrong with Nikon equipment.

**Brad B** · 10-16-2011, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Ch96067

I am thinking of getting a DSLR aiming at nice/creative detailing pics. Money wise I can only do entry level for now and my research so far has led me to these to these 2 models. `

Me too. Interested to hear peoples thoughts.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-16-2011, 02:32 PM

Canon vs. Nikon is like GM vs. Ford.... you`re always going to have guys gravitate to one or the other and in a lot of ways it`s hard to say which is better and why.

That said, I`ve always shot Canon and know their equipment so that`s what I recommend to others by default.

**Brad B** · 10-16-2011, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

Canon vs. Nikon is like GM vs. Ford.... you`re always going to have guys gravitate to one or the other...

Yea but with GM vs Ford the right choice is so obvious.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-16-2011, 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by Brad B.

Yea but with GM vs Ford the right choice is so obvious.

Granted, GM is obviously superior to Ford, but in my mind Canon is obviously superior to Nikon as well :p

**Brad B** · 10-16-2011, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by Shiny Lil Detlr

Granted, GM is obviously superior to Ford, but in my mind Canon is obviously superior to Nikon as well :p

It`s just common knowledge. I mean, who could argue with that?

Seriously, I went to a local camera store in the hopes of getting some pro knowledge and instead I felt a definite arrogance in the shop. I felt intimidated and looked down upon since I had a limited budget and was only interested in the `low end` stuff. It was very frustrating. They weren`t busy but still were too bored with me to answer any questions without some sarcastic remark regarding `cheap` cameras. Grrrr.

**Dan** · 10-16-2011, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Brad B.

It`s just common knowledge. I mean, who could argue with that?

Seriously, I went to a local camera store in the hopes of getting some pro knowledge and instead I felt a definite arrogance in the shop. I felt intimidated and looked down upon since I had a limited budget and was only interested in the `low end` stuff. It was very frustrating. They weren`t busy but still were too bored with me to answer any questions without some sarcastic remark regarding `cheap` cameras. Grrrr.

Its like going to a pro detailing shop asking about Meguiars cleaner wax. Those guys probably only get excited about Cameras over $10k.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 10-16-2011, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by Brad B.

It`s just common knowledge. I mean, who could argue with that?

Seriously, I went to a local camera store in the hopes of getting some pro knowledge and instead I felt a definite arrogance in the shop. I felt intimidated and looked down upon since I had a limited budget and was only interested in the `low end` stuff. It was very frustrating. They weren`t busy but still were too bored with me to answer any questions without some sarcastic remark regarding `cheap` cameras. Grrrr.

Been there, experienced that. Went into a store to look at what they had in lenses and as I was standing there waiting for the girl at the counter to finish with another customer who was asking questions, her boss walked up, looked at the guy, and told him "Look, either make a purchase or get out of my store." He`d only been there asking questions for maybe 5 minutes total.

I turned around and walked out of the shop right along with the other guy.

Would be one thing if I knew exactly what I wanted and understood everything about photography, but I only know enough to know which equipment attaches to what camera body and where to find the options and settings in the menu on the camera. Past that I rely on asking people who know what they`re doing questions to guide me toward the specific setup that will help me do what I want to do.

**Ch96067** · 10-17-2011, 01:54 AM

I hope I do not come accross that kind of treatment, even though I am afraid I will because service level/customer orientation in GR is very low.

You would expect in a time when purchases have subsided, because of the crisis, that people would do anything to get a customer. I will go to some shops at first opportunity to ask different things and negotiate a bargain.

The comments about choosing a `side` more than a specific camera make sense if no 3rd party lenses exist. I know they do, I am just not sure to the extend. For example, if I can find a 35 prime and a 55-200 from a 3rd party then it is about the body more or less. In that case TBH both will be more than enough for me as a newbie. I have taken the Nikon a bit more warmly for some reason...

@ maxepr1: It would be great to have this kind of hiring service. I don`t think there is one in GR, but I will check as well.

**Dan** · 10-17-2011, 06:23 AM

Those 3rd party lenses fit only one mount, and as a general rule, Canon and Nikon glass is much better than 3rd party.

**tom p.** · 10-17-2011, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Dan

Those 3rd party lenses fit only one mount, and as a general rule, Canon and Nikon glass is much better than 3rd party.

Yeah, and this is a key take-away. Both Nikon and Canon can give great pictures. It`s ultimately the lense that can make a significant difference. And lenses can end up costing thou$and$.

I`ve elected to standardize around Nikon. I had some reliability issues with Canon that got me pissed off and forced my switch to Nikon.

I try to read user reviews prior to any sort of $ignificant purchase. You`ll likely find dozens of reviews over at B&H. That`s a good place to start.

I think the Nikon D5100 kit will be an excellent starting point.