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D3100 vs. T3

nkucz
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I'm looking for a DSLR mainly for still photos but also video recording. This will be my first DSLR and I'm looking for a used camera on amazon for around $300. I have found I can get the D3100 used for $300 or the T3 used for $300.

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From Snapsort.com:

 

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3-vs-Nikon_D3100

 

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3-vs-Nikon_D3100/specs

 

SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES OF THE D3100 (VS THE T3)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"
  • Supports 24p

SIGNIFICANT DISADVANTAGES OF THE D3100 (VS THE T3)

  • Doesn't have a built-in focus motor

COMMON STRENGTHS OF THE D3100 AND T3

  • Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms
  • Many lenses available: 205 lenses vs 197 lenses

"M. Aronnax." replied the Canadian, "your arguments are rotten at the foundation. You speak in the future, 'We shall be there! we shall be here!' I speak in the present, 'We are here, and we must profit by it.'"

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From Snapsort.com:

 

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3-vs-Nikon_D3100

 

http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3-vs-Nikon_D3100/specs

 

SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES OF THE D3100 (VS THE T3)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 30fps
  • Significantly larger screen: 3.0" vs 2.7"
  • Supports 24p

SIGNIFICANT DISADVANTAGES OF THE D3100 (VS THE T3)

  • Doesn't have a built-in focus motor

COMMON STRENGTHS OF THE D3100 AND T3

  • Minimal startup delay: 400 ms vs 300 ms
  • Many lenses available: 205 lenses vs 197 lenses

 

What does "Doesn't have a built-in focus motor" mean? Sorry I'm new to this, no auto-focus?

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Thinking about buying the EZCORP used one..

f5VZQpP.png

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What does "Doesn't have a built-in focus motor" mean? Sorry I'm new to this, no auto-focus?

 

I believe it means that auto-focus isn't present on the camera body itself, but may be present on the lenses you buy.

"M. Aronnax." replied the Canadian, "your arguments are rotten at the foundation. You speak in the future, 'We shall be there! we shall be here!' I speak in the present, 'We are here, and we must profit by it.'"

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I believe it means that auto-focus isn't present on the camera body itself, but may be present on the lenses you buy.

Do you think it is safe to buy the one shown in the picture above from EZCORP?

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Do you think it is safe to buy the one shown in the picture above from EZCORP?

 

The accessories seem nice, but I would see what sort of warranty/RMA options EZCORP has.

"M. Aronnax." replied the Canadian, "your arguments are rotten at the foundation. You speak in the future, 'We shall be there! we shall be here!' I speak in the present, 'We are here, and we must profit by it.'"

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It doesn't... My Canon Lens doesn't have one either. In Canons term they call this USM, basically its a motor inside the lens rather than gears. All the motor does it make the AF faster and quieter. Unless your shooting videos on AF (Should not do) or are taking sport shots you don't need a focus motor. If you have to choose between these two I think I would go D3100 but if you can step up to a T3i it takes rather good pictures. Ill post some of mine below that were taken with the T3i.

 

IMG_1145_zps13d884b4.jpg

 

IMG_1308_zps550018ce.jpg

 

IMG_1333_zps97cda5c5.jpg

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I'd probably go for the Nikon, though either will give you some great pictures. The nice thing with the Nikon is that you can get some cheaper, old used lenses off ebay or wherever and use them on your camera. You won't have autofocus, but otherwise they will work. That's all the no built in focusing motor means. Most of the newer lenses have focusing motors built in to the lens (that's how canon does it as well), but some of the older ones do not and so you won't be able to autofocus those lenses.

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I own a D3100 + 50mm f/1.8 and i have to say, Its miles better in terms of image quality. A friend of mine has a 1100D/T3 with his 50mm f/1.8 and its very noisy (image noise). Also it feels very flimsy like i can fall out of your hand anytime. With my D3100 i have decent amount of grip. One slight minus for me is that the D3100 is a bit smaller than the T3. But that shouldnt be a problem for you.

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If it was a choice between D3100 and 1100D (I refuse to call it T3), then definitely go with D3100, as 1100D is utter shite compared to D3100. If it was a choice between for example D3200 and 600D, then it would be more comparable. But in this case, even though I'm a bit of a Canon fanboy, I'd say forget the 1100D. I mean it's still a decent camera, but D3100 is better in almost every way.

Never trust my advice. Only take any and all advice from me with a grain of salt. Just a heads up.

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If it was a choice between D3100 and 1100D (I refuse to call it T3), then definitely go with D3100, as 1100D is utter shite compared to D3100. If it was a choice between for example D3200 and 600D, then it would be more comparable. But in this case, even though I'm a bit of a Canon fanboy, I'd say forget the 1100D. I mean it's still a decent camera, but D3100 is better in almost every way.

 

Really, in either of those cases, I would go for the Nikon, but 3100 vs 1100d is IMO a no brainer for the nikon.

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What does "Doesn't have a built-in focus motor" mean? Sorry I'm new to this, no auto-focus?

It means that the camera itself doesn't have a built in focus motor. Most lower end cameras (and I really mean, MOST) don't have one. Chances are, if you buy a lens, it has auto focus. If you ever have questions about a lens before you buy it, feel free to post here. 

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I think Canon is renowned for having better video quality, especially at that price point, but I'd say just go for whatever. I have the T3 and it's alright, but if anything I would have to recommend a T3i or something a little better.

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