Nikon D5100 vs. Canon T3i (600D): Comparison 

I much prefer the colours of the 5100. More dynamic range, so it really pops after colour correction.

Great comparison, trying to decide between the two. Thanks.

@lamme929 thanks, i'm still undecided on which body, overall, i do prefer good photography over video, anyway, it's great time for all of us that tools are readily available and we're only limited by our creativity.

As far as I can see, the Canon 600d appears to add a little more contrast to the picture than the Nikon d5100 at the same settings

You can achieve the look of the Canon with the Nikon D5100 in post production.. the contrast and everything.

its really hard to tell but it looks like the colors pop just a tad on the canon but both look great

no matter how many comparison videos I watch, I just can't seem to decide!

@ FenchelJanisch can you help me to choose dslr ?

From a personal standpoint, I would recommend the Nikon if you want point-and-shoot video. Just because the record button works in all mode dials, compared to Canon where you have to switch the dial to video mode first before you shoot video. But if you're really into film-making, I would recommend Canon in a heartbeat, because you can change the iso and exposure without having to deal with automated features and the AE-Lock buttons. One of the reasons why I'm switching from my D5100 for a T3i.

@MrFilm3d It's called Anti-aliasing filter, Nikon added it to the new cameras because when an image is TOO sharp it's easier too look at the pixels, if you want a sharper image you can always sharp it in edition programs and add smoothness too.

How much does the battery of Canon 600D (t3i) lasts while in Live Mode and recording?

Hallo. Ich hätte da ne Frage. Welche dieser Dslrs würdet ihr mir eher empfehlen? Interessiere mich mehr für die Kinematographie als für Die Fotographie. Eigentlich wollte ich von Anfang an die 5100 haben ,da sie etwas Kontrastreicher als die 600D ist. Der Autofokus gefällt mir bei beiden nicht, da ich aber sowieso MF bevorzuge ist es für mich kein Ding. Man kann einiges an der D5100 nur mühsam Manuell einstellen zB. ISO soviel ich weiß .. oder gibt es da noch etwas zu beachten ? Gruß aus Wien

in which camera u used the 50 mm?

@Gabsterboy could that be cause of the higher mp?

@luquey949 You can do it in post And how isn't rack focus available on the Nikon? Isn't it just a matter of using manual focus?

Some pointers: 1. You have to record with both cameras at the same time. 2. You have to make sure you're using the same PICTURE STYLE, not only the same settings. 3. Lenses have contrast, color, CA (chromatic aberrations) and various other differences. If you're to use two different cameras, you have to make the comparison with the same lens. There are lots of nikon to canon mount adapters out there. Want to do video? Get canon. Want to do stills? That's just a matter of taste.

sorry, wich setting were choosen on the cameras? i have the problem with my d5100 that the contrast is to high not like here

@syton745 Yeah I noticed that too. Why wasn't it shot simultaneously? Hmmm....

but what could be better in PHOTOGRAFY?!! Iike you say! I like the 600d contrast but is the same in photography?! please help me cause Im debating wich to buy a: d5100 or 600dt3i

It used to be taboo, but now sensors in DSLRs have become so good that they also do awesome video that you can use with your favorite lenses and camera settings to help really churn out a nice cinematic look. Handycams generally aren't as good for this but the really compact ones (like sports cams) can have their advantages over a good DSLR. If you are into both and are willing to learn - go DSLR with good video capabilities. My 2 cents.

I want see test betwenn d5100 and d7000, please, do it that

hey mate. You can take great photos with say the canon 600D. Also you can record with fullHD 1080p. With full manual control over your focus,Aperture,zoom, ISO etc. Really awesome. You may have to pay quite alot of money to get a video camera with a sensor as high in quality as these cams. Also you can change the lenses out easily to suit your needs and there are heaps of attachments, LCD screen, Microphone, frames/mounts, mate boxes etc. You can monitor with earphones aswell. Hope this helps!!!

@Victorayde well the only times I use AF is when I have an angle where I cannot see through the viewfinder correctly such as wehn I lay on the drive trying to frame the shot, and there just wasn't enough light to be sure of a good focus (car headlights a bit back) so used AF with flash illumination :) and i don't really do video shooting a lot :)

@tbfenton1 I agree with your comment here, I went with Nikon basically because of the PHOTO abilities. While some say that the Canon is richer in color, I think the RAW format on both cameras produces the same quality thus post editing can create the tones you desire otherwise. I am new to Photography, this is just what some have told me in my researching

YES! i think the t3i is slightly better looking. i just bought that camera thanks to your test videos. :D you guys rock!

@stepheng101 sooooo D5100 or 600D??? HELP ME

Slightly sharper on the 600d. Thanks for the video comparison.

Music you used?

Can you please indicate which lens you used for which camera? Why not use a nikon lens for the nikon camera and a canon lens for the canon camera (same if not similar specs, of course)? Because the differences in IQ may be due to the lens used... just my thoughts...

D5100 Vs. D7000 please?

Deeper shadows on the Canon, but the difference is so slight that it hardly matters. Is there a place to compare photos side-by-side?

@simoneim7 DLSR's are pretty standard video cameras these days. There are a billion other comparison videos that will talk all about the photo difference. I really appreciate the video focus.

Bin DSLR einsteiger ,wobei ich dazu sagen muss das ich eher an der Semi Pro DSLR klasse interessiert bin . Was mir noch aufgefallen ist ,ist das die D5100 bessere Low Light Quali bietet bzw das habe ich auch irgendwo gelesen . Ist dies wahr oder bietet die 600D bei entsprechenden Einstellungen ganz ähnliche oder die selben ergebnisse ?

creo que la comparación sería D5100 vs EOS 550

I am stuck in a rut... you see I almost don't like how crisp the t3i is because ive seen some video's where it looks the color contrast is boosted to much, where as the d5100 has that flat clean look.

@lukibu SIGMA lenses on both cameras.

Both camera is wanderfull, is depent what suit u on d setting site.

Amo la Nikon!

i thought that they were both bretty good so can someone tell me which one ?

Never used the Nikon, but I have heard great things about it. I own a T3i (600D) and it has lot's of different manual controls for video which both good but can be confusing and take a bit to learn. I found the auto focus mode for video on the t3i was pretty poor with video ... but if cinematic is your thing manual is the only way to go anyway. Sorry no info on the Nikon, I think it has less manual controls for video than the t3i - you'll have to keep checking for info, that's about all I got =)

I agree. My decision is also purchasing the D5100. What better image.

They're about identical except the D5100 has a bigger sensor and better low lighting (high ISO) image quality. It's closer to a 7D than a T3i. For video, the T3i has more manual settings, while the D5100 pretty much is all auto except you can hold the Lock button to lock exposure. The D5100 has auto focus during video, but it's not as good as a camcoder's so it's not really a selling point for me. I bought the D5100 for the picture quality and use a Sony camcorder for more demanding video.

I was all the way for the D5100 but that lack of the "rack rocus" available on the Cannon makes myself wonder...Indeed both are great!

I probably thought this because since they say The Nikon D5100 doesnt have much manual control in movie mode, but thanks for correcting me.

Nice video ... Altough I always had a Nikon, I find the Canon a little bit better, because of a higher contrast without loosing the dynamic range ...

I also preferred the Canon. Current Amazon prices (3/25/2013) are almost identical for both kits (with 18-55 lens): $597 D5100 vs $579 T3i

Only thing the Nikon needs is a little bit of color correcting, very simple.. I have been stuck between getting the D5100 or 600D but i've made up my decision on getting the Nikon.. The image quality is better.

@Jumina82 The nikon D5100 has 30fps at 1080p as well! ;)

But think about this, with the Nikon, if i am correct, you can not Do manual focus while in movie mode, so whats the point?

@simoneim7 Because Alot of filmakers are using the DSLR's for film making now. There are other video's that show you still photos. So go find them.

I would say that the only thing that changes is contrast... Can you set it on the Nikon D5100? Because I prefer the Canon's contrast. Sharpness depends on the lens, doesn't it?

Seems like Canon have a small edge; but Nikon is fine as well.

@Victorayde i usually use AF for video shooting :)

looks sooo close. think id go with canon though. does anyone know wheres the cheapest place to get lenses. at a reveiwer a 18-135 is crucial but only 14 and that thijg is frickin expensive

THANKS FOR THIS VIDEOS,IT HELP ME A LOT TO DECIDE,AT LONG LAST IT OPEN MY EYES. I END UP BUYING NIKON D5100. NIKON HAS SOMETHING WHICH IT CAN NOT SHARE WITH OTHER COMPETITORS-ITS VERSATILE OPERATIONS AND COLOR MANANGEMENT.THIS ARE THE THING I HAD BEEN SEARCHING SO LONG. GOOD VIDEO, THANKS GOD BLESS.

@ferguido This is a good video, but it doesn't give the full picture. The MAJOR difference between the D5100 and the T3i is that you have full manual control of ISO, shutter speed and aperture with the T3i. You only have aperture control with the D5100. Thus, while these are shot at the same settings, you have a hell of a lot more control of those settings with a Canon. This is coming from a D5100 owner hoping for a firmware update that'll change this!

you compare how they render flesh tones... live models mixed with architectural please...

I don't have an optical eye for video as much as I do photography, but it looked like it was a tie in some parts and in others one be the other.

Canon is a little bit aggressive with the contrast. I love Canon but.. Nikon win here.

I'll give it to the Canon, colors look just a tad more vibrant... but is this a who's got more contrast kind of perspective?

i dun see much diff, except that the leaf is slightly greener on 600D

which one best canon 600d vs nikon d5100

@094ken Oh, I think you are right. The specs seem to be better. I might seriously consider buying it. Thanks. :)

Looks like Nikon has more dynamic range (especially in shadows) and flatter and more neutral color profile (which is good for color grading). Canon looks slightly better straight out of the camera because the image is bit more contrasty.

600D or D90?

@copech If you're anyway serious about video then you'll accept that. The autofocus on the Nikon is not great anyway and adds a noise to the video unless you dont mind covering that up with music. You can actually hold the autofocus (shutter) button on the Canon while recording though and it will focus for you (or so I'm told).

Great comparision video, but honestly, does anyone really think there is that much difference between these two video samples? Even blown up to full-screen on a decent monitor/tv you have to look closely to see any real difference in sharpness. At normal viewing distances nobody would complain about either one of these - the quality is excellent, although a lot of credit has to go to the photographer for his skill in using the cameras! Good video, thanks for uploading it.

Alot of people is discussing about, which Canon 600D or Nikon d5100 is the best. If you don't know which to choose, go out to your local photography store, and try out both of them. You can't really see which is the best on RU-vid, because it's the matter what you like, not what somebody else likes.

D5200 or D7000?

little bit more contrast and brighter colors on canon footage

I think there just happened to be more wind when recording with the Nikon than the Canon.

sharpness, contrast, white balance etc. can easily be changed in either camera's settings :/ its a tough comparison

It really comes down to whether you want to shoot photos or videos. The Nikon trumps the cannon easy in the still department with its better kit lens, Higher dynamic range, and lower SnR, but it cant touch the canon in the video department with its full manual control and digital crop feature.

I agree with the fact that the 600D is a bit more sharper than the D5100 but other than that, they're probably the same.

awesome! its really hard to tell the difference...

@simoneim7 link dont work, send me to youtube homes page

@Andre121194 now you mention, it does have little 3d effect XD

I like both of them,the 600D is sleightly better in video becauce of more manual control,but if you whant to take photo's then the D5100 is better because it has less noise and a bigger sensor.

@TheWhysoweird But Nikon has larger sensor, so it gets more light.

I just got the Canon 600D and it works GREAT!

very very close in my opinion but I thought the Canon looked a wee bit sharper in some of the details like grass and dirt. For video I don't think one could go wrong either way.

I though that the vs for The Nikon D5100 was the Canon 550D, not the 600D.

u didnt explain why its better

The headline should say "video" in it somewhere.

@Dagamster2345 As a jogger you don't want to stand still for a traffic light, so you keep moving. The pole is not in front of him but to the side, you can't really tell the depth.

Nice video, but WTF is that guy doing to the poll at 00:45 ?

Thanks

Very close in comparison... I say the Canon was crisper in some areas and then a tie in others. (like the portrait mode on the fence)

why does it seem like it's windier in the nikon video over the canon

You never know what picture settings it was on though. I think the t3i would be far better because of cinestyle and magic lantern.

@094ken Examples?...

You're confusing sharpness for contrast. But as for sharpness itself thats really a test more suited for the lens, but both these videos were shot with 2 very different lenses... a normal prime, and a wide angle zoom.

Your memory card is too small thats the problem or not fast enough. mines 32gb and i can record for a long time

I looked into it...Nikon has the new weather control feature. It's set to windy by default.

the canon is a bit more clear but honestly its not a breathe taking difference the camera's are so similar that its up to you to make a good photo/video.

@tycusX hmm many people own DSLRs these days to take really high quality videos. I own a canon 600D and I can say that it's video quality can easily outmatch many video cameras, especially in low light situations. Apart from that, with the amount of lenses that DSLRs have, it is much easier to get more artistic shots etc.

@TheSisterPrincess Canon i sharper, and has a more realistic(and better looking) saturation and contrast. Not to mention the 60 f/ps we have in 720p, and the 30 f/ps we have in 1080p. this video had both cameras on 25f/ps.

The only difference is that Canons have more sharpening applied by default. Same refers to still imaging (where d5100 outperforms 600d IMHO).

Depends on the lens bro...

I shoot Nikon and I love the photos it produces. Perfect in so many ways. However I always get frustrated when it comes to video. For example last Sunday I was photographing a convention, took a couple hundred photos and filmed one interview as well as one song the band played. After importing the photos looked great! However the video needed some post production work. I use Final Cut so it didn't take long to fix the video. But it's still frustrating. BTW I'm still a Nikon fanboy :P