Canon t2i, Nikon D3100, or Nikon D3200?
I'm looking to upgrade from my point and shoot 'skills' and learn more about photography to make it a hobby.
The camera I use now to take pictures of friends and everyday things is basically a 10 year old camera that was passed down to me for free.
My dad owns a Canon t2i and I spend a lot of time playing with it and using it (with his whines for me to be careful). However, he bought a more expensive and better lens for his t2i and leaves his kit lens to collect dust.
My mom and I both would like to co-own a dslr of our own, instead of taking his and being worried the whole time about borrowing his 'property'.
I have 3 options:
1.buy another canon t2i BODY and get the kit lens for free via dad. (he was planning on selling it/giving it away anyway)
2. Try out a nikon D3100
3. Try out nikon's new model the D3200 w/ the 24 megapixels
Like I said, I'm a novice, but plan to get camera-savvy over my summer break. I'd rather not get a adv.point and shoot camera like the Canon S100 or S95 because I feel like a dslr for 200 dollars more is worth it. Plus I have my old camera that can be portable and my iphone which I feel like can do the same average job.
All of them suck.
I would suggest the t2i since you got a lens right there and it's the one I personally use. You mentioned 24 megapixels and that's good but it isn't always about megapixels. Each of these cameras will do nicely, but I dot suggest co owning one. Remember it's all about the glass.
Typically I would be saying to the fact of personal preference where some may like how Nikon feels in their hands or how the layout of the Nikon Cameras are. Vice Verse on Canon Cameras. However in this case go for the Canon since there's already Canon T2I and Lenses owned by your father where you only just have to be spending money just on the Canon Body itself instead of having to purchase an entirely new system especially when you've got access to his old lens kit.
The kit lens is truly not the right lens for great pictures.
Buy any body you like, even the T1i or the D3100 and get a 50mm f1.8 or 35mm f.20 (May be along with the kit lens).
Trust me, you will be amazed.
megapixel has little to do with image quality.
sample 50mm f1.8 pictures from flickr
http://www.flickriver.com/lenses/canon/canonef50mmf12lusm/
I really like my Canon Rebel T2i. It has an 18 mega pixel sensor and takes great photos. It also has 1080 HD video, with a choice of frame rates. The video quality is superb, it looks great on my high definition TV.
I'd get a T2i or T3i body since you already have a kit lens available to use. This will free up a little more money to get the accessories you need.
- Don't worry about Nikon's D3200 having 24 megapixels. Megapixel means nothing in an entry-level camera. Camera manufacturers like to employ the "myth of megapixel" to entice people to buy. In reality 24 MP is over-kill for the sensor this camera has. You won't see an increase in resolved detail, just a lot less shots available for your camera card.
I'm an amateur photographer, and i purchased nikon D3100. This is a great camera for a motivated amateur to bump up from point-and-shoots. It already takes amazing pictures out of the box with the 18-55mm lens it comes with and on automatic settings. But there are tons of options and settings for elevating your photography. I've had this camera for nearly a month, and I'm still learning how to use it, and loving every minute of it.
I would highly recommend this Nikon 3100 entry level DSLR. Like most people, the choice for me was also between a Canon and Nikon. While they are both excellent cameras, I liked the look of the Nikon more. I haven't purchased any additional lens yet but the kit lens has taken some gorgeous pictures. The menu is easy navigate and it is also easy to transfer pictures to my computer.
Cool stuff:
You can take photos from the live view LCD screen. I shot a few movies and seem great, in focus most of the time. You can still set AUTO ISO from the menu and set minimum shutter speed. Downside is you can't override the AUTO ISO in any mode including Manual. You have to change it back to off from menu and than loose time figuring out which is the best ISO/aperture/shutter speed.
Buy on Amazon (I've been shortened the link ). You save $100 because amazon give you special offer. You can also cutting and pasting the following address into your browser.
http://amzn.to/...00priceusa
Id go with either one of them but id choose the t2i. But really its about what you can do with the camera.
Get the T2i. I just got the t3i and its pretty awesome.
Review site linked below