Canon T3 and Nikon D3100 is the entry level DSLR camera in 2011. Both cameras are selling at the same price (around $599 with kit lens). Both cameras are intended for beginners or people who do not use DSLR camera before, so both cameras are beginner-friendly, small and lightweight.
Like most of DSLR cameras today, both cameras are able to record video clip. They don’t have many differences.
So what are their differences?
Canon T3 advantages
- Canon T3 has built-in auto focus motor, so it is compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses
- Canon user interface especially Quick button and dedicated iso and wb are great
- Color choice (Black, red, white)
Nikon D3100 advantages
Better image quality especially in low light situation (high ISO)- Higher video resolution (1080 vs 720p)
- Slightly bigger LCD screen
Overall, If you concern about image and video quality, then Nikon D3100 is the winner. But if you are looking for a camera that has plenty of dedicated buttons so you can change settings in a breeze, then Canon T3 is the better choice. My other concern about D3100 is that it does not has built-in AF motor, so auto focus will only work when you mount Nikon AF-S lenses (not AF-D or AF lenses). Usually AF-S lenses are more expensive.
| Features | Canon T3 | Nikon D3100 |
|---|---|---|
| Image | 12 MP | 14 MP |
| Auto Focus | 9 AF points | 11 AF points |
| Video | 720p | FULL HD 1080p |
| LCD Screen | 2.7″ 230k | 3″ 230k |
| Size and weight | 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in.
(130 x 100 x 78 mm) 17.5 oz (495 g) body only |
4.9 x 3.3 x 2.9 in.
(124 x 84 x 74 mm) 777 g with battery and kit lens |
| ISO | up to 6400, recommended up to 1600 | up to 12800, recommended up to 1600 |
| Build Quality | Plastic | Plastic |
| Continuous shooting | 3 fps | 2.89 fps |
| Price | $599 | $599 |
Top: Canon T3, Bottom: Nikon D3100
Top: Canon T3, Bottom: Nikon D3100
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