Sony A55 vs Canon 600D vs Nikon 5100

Solus · 29 Apr 2012 at 23:55

Hi, hoping to get in to slr's and the main usage will be for our upcoming child, mostly in doors and on day trips etc.

Mostly will be still photos while using videos rarely to capture moments. It will be used a fair bit on auto-mode as we will need to be able to use it as we learn, so a good auto mode is essential.

We're quite confused on which to buy, as have read mixed reviews on each. All are available for around £500 inc standard lens so we really need some input from some experienced people.

Thanks in advance for any response

Demon · 30 Apr 2012 at 00:09

I'd be happy with any of them.

The odd one out is the Sony, it has an EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) which some like, some don't.. The idea is to allow it to have faster focussing in video, more responsive when shooting with the rear screen and loads of P&S features like panorama etc..

If I just wanted the best practical photography tool, I'd probably pick the Nikon, if I wanted a DSLR that bridges the gap from P&S with DSLR performance, I'd go and check out the A55, if you like the EVF, then I can see the bells and whistles being handy for family 'fun'.. if you hate it, look at the Nikon/Canon..

Other then that, there isn't a great deal to say, teh new Nikon D3200 is just about out, the new Sony A57 has landed, so might be worth checking out as well.

I'd go and read the reviews on www.dpreview.com, they are quite fair and give good insight into the camera's..

James J · 30 Apr 2012 at 00:22

I had the D5100 before upgrading to the Canon 5D mk2 and really liked the camera. I picked it over the canon 600D at the time as the reviews I read suggested slightly better iso performance, inbuilt HDR mode and some decent glass at a low price.

If you get the D5100, get a 35mm AF-S lens to go along side it and start taking nice photos straight away. Avoid cheap telephotos like the sigma 70-300 f4.5-5.6 which was awful on that body though!

fozzybear · 30 Apr 2012 at 08:33

I'd forget the Sony A55 nowadays.

If you're going to get a Sony, look at the upcoming A37 (June ish) or A57.

magicroundabout · 30 Apr 2012 at 12:15

Sorry for a thread hyjack but I've found the Nikon 5100 for £409. This is obviously a far better buy over the Nikon 3100 which is £330. But is it £80 better?

vanandjuanunited · 30 Apr 2012 at 12:17

is it uk stock

For £80 imo it is - even just for the screen and extra res on the sensor.

magicroundabout · 30 Apr 2012 at 12:43

upon further inspection now i'm home it appears not. It's from across the pond unfortunately. Extra £75 for import duty

ShakenNstirred · 30 Apr 2012 at 17:59

magicroundabout said:
Sorry for a thread hyjack but I've found the Nikon 5100 for £409. This is obviously a far better buy over the Nikon 3100 which is £330. But is it £80 better?

yes its a lot better than the D3100

Solus · 18 May 2016 at 22:26

Sorry, I've been looking back through my threads and thought I owed it to you all for replying to let you know our decision even though 4 years ago!

We went for the Sony a57, only thing bad about it is it does have frame rate lag through the evf, so it's not really true to life.