Which DSLR camera to pick? O?
I'm looking to buy a dslr camera and I have narrowed my choices down to the Canon EOS 550D, Nikon D90 and Nikon D5100. My favourite I THINK would have to be the Nikon D5100 from the research I have done. Help me decide please? And could you please give me reasons and pointers?
If you want to do video forget the D90. If, on the other hand, your main purpose is photography then the D90 is a very good option
All fine choices, however the D90 is the first dSLR to shoot video (now kind of old) and can't do what current dSLRs can when it comes to video. If you don't care much for video, then leave it in your wish list.
The Canon 550 which I believe is the T2i in the US is a solid dSLR, a real value, same for the D5100. However, if the D5100 is your top choice, know two things. First, the camera is about a year old, it might be better to wait for the next model, see if the next model has anything you like or must have. If not, you'll get a better deal on the D5100 used or new.
One final thing that Nikon owners refuse to tell potential new owners most of the time, the D3100, and 5100 are entry level dSLR and Nikon does not install auto focus motors in them. This usually isn't an issue because kit lenses will have motors in the lens, but not all lenses have motors so look into any future lenses you might want.
Nikon does include AF motors in dSLRs from the mid range on up, such at the D90, D7000 etc. This issue does not exist with Sony Alpha or Canon.
It all depends on what you are using the camera for.
If you want to make videos then go for the D5100 or 550D, If you film yourself a lot the D5100 with its flip out screen is a great option.
If you are a beginner to SLR cameras I personally think the Canon 550D would be the best option.
With a going price of around $600 the 550D is a great first SLR camera. I have this camera personally and I would very much recommend it, also unlike some of the lower entry level DSLR's like the 1100D or 1000D the 550D has some more advanced features so you will be able to expand and not feel like you need a new camera body right off!
They are all great cameras though!
Like the previous user, I prefer getting a review from a real user, I have been using the canon eos550d, and I would recommend it. But if you have seriously made up your mind, then try the Nikon d3100, it was my other choice, but still I will recommend the canon eos, it is a big bargain compared to the others and does almost all, if not even better than the others. You more information from this guy, I bought mine after going through his review and also Amazon reviews of both the eos550d, nikon d3100, and the D5100. They are really all great, they go neck to neck.
I kinda think the D90 is not going to be the best because of maybe age as the previous person commented. Go with the eos550d or d3100 according to me.
I will go for Nikon D5100
Exact same sensor and processing abilities as the D7000. Some of the best Image Quality available in any DSLR. ISO 3200 is very usable with low noise.
- Swivel screen while the D7000 is fixed -- Since the contrast autofocus (ie Live View) is not very good on either of these cameras this is not really a player unless you are using a tripod. Then the swivel screen is very useful.
- 4 fps vs 6 fps for D7000 - No big deal 4 fps is plenty fast to fill your card with similar looking pictures. Also, in RAW D7000 buffers out pretty fast and then slows down anyway.
- 11 focus points vs 39 for D7000 - Most of the time not really a big deal. Sometimes all those extra points get in the way and slow you down.