Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom Lens

I'm a Nikon owner for many years now trying to switch to Canon. After receiving this camera a few days, I can give now a list of differences between this T3i and Nikon counterpart D5100.

1st T3i has four buttons on the back is defined to be used to control the "AF", "White Balance", "Drive" and "Picture Control", plus a dedicated ISO button on the shoulder, and a focus point selector on the top right corner of the back, which is good, and also the main reason why I try to switch to Canon. For the D5100, you need to go deep into the menu.

2nd T3i can trigger an external flash, the D5100 can not.

3rd T3i has white balance shift with Custom white balance Nikon D5100 Customer Balance is a one-shot setup.

4th T3i picture quality seems to be little better than the D5100. The LCD screen is brighter and looks good.

5th T3i can work with all Canon lenses, D5100 works only with AF-S lenses because of the lack of a body motor.

6th D5100 has Distortion Control, before and after shooting, T3i not.

7th D5100 is adjusting the color balance after the shot T3i not.

8th D5100 has the right function T3i not.

9th D5100 has Perspectives adjustment T3i not.

10th D5100 make smarter decisions when shooting in P, A, S modes while T3i often do you shoot at a fixed combination of "1 / 320, ISO3200, F22" ...

Common problems:

First when you are in bright sunlight, both of which have a tendency to produce yellow images, it is more like a common concern of the CMOS sensor. I've never had problems with CCD cameras, but I have experienced the same problem with all CMOS cameras, including Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, Nikon D300s.

2nd Live Mode focus very slow on both (Nikon is slightly better).


* The 18-135 lens is quite sharp IS lenses, it works as good as Nikon's VR does. But this is only 18-135 and 20-135, compared with the Nikon 18-200 VR.

All in all, both are good entry level cameras. T3i will be a better choice for a more advanced user.

Update on July 13, 2011:

11 D5100 battery lasts much longer, almost 50% longer. T3i battery is small and looks cheap.

12 T3i is WB bracketing is both ways. D5100 is only for the Amber and Blue.

13 D5100 has the HDR function, perhaps sometimes useful.

14th D5100 switch is located in an ideal location. T3i is a bit awkward.

Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

I was so surprised how easy is T3i, (compared to 7D / 50D or 60D) with its 18.0 megapixel CMOS sensor captures superb image quality with low noise and natural colors
EOS T3i, situated between the EOS 60D and EOS T2i, features Intelligent Auto scene, 3-inch variable angle Clear View LCD and a choice of five creative filters, including the new fish eye (which is great!)
Honestly, when you get this camera, no need for Photoshop.

I bought originally 7DCanon EOS 7D 18 Megapixel CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch LCD (Body Only), but then I returned it because of the more complex operation, and after image processing / editing required to make images look better .

T3i comes with an instructional guide built, like the Nikon D3100 14.2 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens. The guide tells novices (or rusty intermediates), how to set the camera to get certain types of shots. For example, if you call the macro mode it says "close-ups of small objects like flowers, shoot as close as possible."
T3i it gives me everything I want, clear and smooth image, ready to put up / out.

It uses standard SD card, no need for the expensive CF card.
longer battery life and low consumption.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens comes with the camera, and it is a good lens for beginners and provides a good opportunity to use manual focus!

Not invest in expensive lenses from scratch, think you can point and shoot, and the distribution of lenses can be a great loss.

I am not a professional photographer, or an electronic specialist, so I changed the item as a self, so if you like my review, you can evaluate it.

Canon EOS 600D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS mk II Lens

18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor of APS-C size, captures 18-megapixel CMOS sensor images that are packed with detail and clarity. Such high resolution allows for large prints and the ability to crop images in alternative compositions. ISO 100-6400 sensitivity an ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to ISO 12800, provides high-quality handheld shooting in low light without flash. 14-bit image in the heart of the Canon EOS 600D is a 14-bit DIGIC 4 image processor for superb color fidelity, smooth tonal gradations and strict control over the noise. Intelligent Scene Scene Auto Intelligent Auto analyzes each scene in detail and the right camera settings each time, so you can concentrate on what's important - your photography. On-Screen Feature Guide EOS 600D On-Screen Feature guide contains descriptions of many camera functions, plus advice on how to use them. Full HD Movie EOS record full-HD video with manual control over frame rate, exposure and sound. Video Snapshot technology allows short clip of 2, 4 or 8 seconds into a single movie file, the movie looks like it was professionally edited, while movies digital zoom gives the 3-10x magnification. 9-point wide autofocus and metering iFCL nine AF points, including a central cross-type sensors, scattered across the frame for fast, accurate focusing even outside in the middle. 63-zone iFCL metering ensures accurate exposure time after time. 1040 k-dot variable angle 7.7 cm (3.0 ") screen shots from a unique angle with a 7.7 cm (3.0") 3:2 Clear View LCD

18-megapixel CMOS sensor * Scene Intelligent Auto
Full HD EOS film * On-Screen Feature Guide
Up to 3.7fps continuous shooting * Wide-area 9-point AF
1040 k-dot variable angle 7.7 cm (3.0 ") screen * Basic and creative filters
Built-in wireless flash control * camera body is made in Japan

Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR Camera/Lens Kit, with EF 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens & EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer Lens - U.S.A. Warranty

With the new EOS 60D DSLR, Canon offers photo enthusiasts a powerful tool to promote creativity, with better picture quality, more advanced functions and automated and in-camera technology for ease of use. It is equipped with an improved APS-C sized 18.0-megapixel CMOS sensor for great images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) for uncompromised shooting even in the the darkest of situations. The new Multi Control Dial allows users to easily use the menus and enter settings with a single touch. The EOS 60D is also equipped with an EOS first: A tiltable 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (1.04 million pixels) screen for easy low or high angle view. An improved viewfinder, a new in-camera creative options and filters, as well as HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV, all making the EOS 60D invaluable for the development photographer. Over time, curved surfaces, ease of use and exudes solidity and refinement, the EOS 60D true digital inspiration!

18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor for high image quality and speed.
ISO 100 - 6400 (expandable to 12,800) for recordings from bright to dim light.
Improved EOS HD video mode with manual exposure controls, expanded recording, Movie Crop recording in 640 x 480, audio recording level adjustment and an external microphone in the terminal to gain access to improved sound quality.
Adjustable 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen for shooting at low angles and the 1.04 million-dot VGA reflection reduction using multi-occupancy and high transparency material for light and vivid display.
5.3 fps up to approx. 58 Large / JPEG and 16 RAW.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens

Excellent camera but a bit expensive - worth every penny.

Advantages:
- The 18-135mm lens is a nice upgrade to the standard kit 18-55mm lens. Especially if this is your first DSLR, and you do not want to spend more money on lenses. It's also great for travel, take pictures of children, or in any other situation where you do not want to change lenses. (And you save about $ 100 when you buy this kit, in relation to the body + 18-135mm Canon lens).
- Performance. Minimum shutter speed, good performance in low light, nice video.
- Relatively lightweight (about 1 kg / 2 pounds with lens), again great for travel.

drawbacks:
- Price
- Built-in flash is not that great. Even when you're shooting in wide-angle lens creates a shadow.
- No auto focus when zooming while the video, press the shutter button focuses the image.
- Focus in Live View mode is slow (even slower than on most point and shoot cameras)

Other recommendations:
- Make sure you get a UV filter (mostly to protect the lens) and an extra battery (I have a OPTEK for ~ $ 13).

The new flagship EOS Rebel line, gives the Canon EOS Rebel T2i EOS features in an easy to use, lightweight digital SLR, which is a pleasure to use. With class-leading 18.0 megapixel CMOS image sensor and an increased sensitivity for low light shooting, the EOS Rebel T2i also has an advanced high-definition movie mode, stunning HD movies.Able take up to 3.7 frames per second, it is ready to go for the moment it is picked up. Advanced Live View, a new WAN screens, plus features like Canon's ingenious Auto Lighting Optimizer and Highlight Tone features ensure brilliant pictures and movies easily. With some of the most advanced features for digital SLR cameras, it is simply the best Rebel Canon has ever made.