DSLR's: Nikon vs Canon vs Sony?
What is your preferred DSLR brand and why? I'm looking to upgrade from my Nikon D5100, and was looking for some recommendations. Any favorite models? And why are certain brands better than others?
Probably the NIkon is the better choice, quality, features and overall better products…
Well these brands are the best ever, anyway you could try sony alpha series it has some good qualities, and effects, try it.
You missed out Pentax. Brand is irrelevant. All 4 produce good cameras.
You don't say why you want to upgrade.
Do you want to go full frame for better image quality? You won't significantly improve image quality by switching brand or camera unless you go full frame.
Do you need more frames per second on the motor drive?
Do you need better video? If so buy a camcorder.
The D5100 is a pretty good DSLR. If you don't have a particular requirement it might be better to put the money into better lenses.
Martin's right on both counts - I'd buy Pentax, and if there's nothing wrong with your D5100, you don't need an upgrade.
If you really want to spend money, look at lenses and a flashgun, but the D5100 is perfectly adequate - like any other DSLR - once you learn to use it properly.
I'm definitely in the camp that says, there's little wrong with the D5100 and you'd probably benefit from an extra lens or two rather than a body update. Even then, once you've bought into a "system" it's best to stick with it so that the rest of your kit still works.
Pentax, but i'm very pleased with all of them. I also agree you shouldnt upgrade your camera body unless you really want the "full frame" experience. The sensor thats in your D5100 is actually very good.
you might consider a D7100 or Sony A77 an upgrade if you want more cropping power. I briefly had a sony A77 and loved the electronic view finder, fast autofocus, auto focus during video… Downgraded to a pentax K01 to save money and get something more portable.
Lenses make the biggest difference, if you don't already have a fast prime lens I highly recommend a 35 or 50mm F1.8 or faster lens
Why do you want to upgrade? Your current dSLR uses a very good Sony Exmor sensor. IT's used in the Nikon D7000, Pentax K5, Sony NEX and some Sony dSLTs.
So going to a newer model isn't going to get you better stills or video. You will only really gain in features. Have you fully mastered the D5100 and truly outgrown it? Do you just want a new model and not need one? How much glass do you own for your Nikon? If it's just a kit lens, then feel free to jump to Nikon or Sony, it's not a big loss as you can sell your whole kit and just move on.
You might be better off just getting new glass. Do you own a prime lens? Look into a 35mm or a 50mm if you don't currently own one.
I prefer Pentax.
You are looking to upgrade your D5100.In what manner would you like to improve exactly?
Settings? Valid reason. The D5100 is basically a low-end camera. Get something mid to high end. With Nikon, you start at D7100. More range of settings allows easier shooting.
Some weird feature you've just learned about that you know you won't live without since you already now it? In that case get that specific camera where you saw that feature. You know you won't settle for anything else.
Picture quality? You will get the same picture quality whatever camera you use because that depends mostly on user skill.
Other reasons? Maybe you just need to buy a new lens. Expanding the focal length range of your lens collection increases your flexibility. This is the usual upgrade path photographers take. Replace the camera only when it dies.