New DSLR time. Canon EOS600d or Nikon5100

[ChimpsInTies]

My Lumix TZ20 compact has been a good friend this year. However, it lacks in certain circumstances. Low light & indoors being just a couple.


I've always wanted a "proper" camera so I think it's time to bite the bullet. Obviously I'll be keeping my compact for when I'm out on the bike and don't want to lug the biggie around.


Price: Can only really stretch to around ?500
Type: Definitely want dSLR with changeable lenses
Brand: I'm not brand loyal so anything goes.
Lenses: Ideally I'd like something like a standard lens and a zoom lens. I do love my Lumix for it's fantastic zoom. I know lenses are expensive so maybe I could get the camera with one then buy another later on.


In the running so far are the Canon EOS600d and the Nikon5100 (or 3200 which a friend of mine has and is very nice too)

[daniel2001]

If interchangeable lenses weren't a requirement, I would suggest a Fuji X100 - absolutely brilliant camera (although a bit over the budget).

FWIW, I don't think you would be unhappy with either camera, they will both enable you to produce good images. My suggestion would be to find a shop that has both (most branches of Jessops should have) and see which one feels nicer in the hand.

Personally a Nikon fan... Very pleased with the images I got from a friends D5100 I borrowed/stole for a day


Sent from my iPhone using Siri

[Puff Scotty]

My sisters a camera nut & with no shortage of dosh she swears by Canon ; my little Lumix FS01 also has it's drawbacks......

[Funkilee]

I use a Canon 400D, had it for years on and off site, never let me down, fantastic entry level dSLR, ultimately though it's all about the lens'!

IMO it's a lot easier to use than a Nikon!

[ChimpsInTies]

I've had a canon in the past, all be it a compact. I liked it but was disappointed when I "upgraded" from the ixus400 to ixus55 and the quality of it went down. Also read that the EOS600d feels a bit cheapy.

Lenses for the Canon seem a bit cheaper. I guess you can always spend mega bucks on lenses though.

[nev coss]

being a fan of the Canon I would have to recommend it , but either will give you great pics, whichever one you choose buy a good manual to go with it

[Puff Scotty]

Nearly always the same with cameras, the 1st generation gets you hooked, my FXO1 was upgraded after a couple of years to a newer model...worse lens, less 'solid' altogether a different camera...went back to the old one....
Just spoke to my sis, she tells me the EOS600d is a development of the EOS 1D X & is a terrific camera....just her opinion.

[ChimpsInTies]

I never would have changed the isux400 but it was dropped and broke so insurance replaced it with the newer model. Was never happy with it. Hence jumped ship to Panasonic.

I think I'll have to go into a shop and have a play. See which one I like best .

[monkey66]

I shot with Lecia's for years. When I decided I needed something with a fast burst rate (to capture mini-monkey) I went off looking for a low-mid range DSLR. Cannon or Nikon was my only decision. After 3hrs in the camera shop I came out with a Panasonic G2 micro 4/3rds mirror-less system.

I realised I could not replicate the quality of the Leica without spending thousands on DSLR's and glass. I found the G2 did 90% of the equivalent cannon/Nikons but much smaller/lighter and much better value.

I frequently have access to mid-high-end DSLR's but don't feel the need to change. The Panasonic does the job for me and the size is a real clincher.

Find a real camera shop and (as you said) have a play. It completely changed my ideas (and I thought i knew what I wanted).

[ChimpsInTies]

Damn you Monkey. Throwing complications into the mix

I probably would have got a G3 insead of my TZ20 if I could have afforded it at the time.