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D3200 vs T3i vs A57 vs other? - Need some imput

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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
I'm getting my first DSLR soon and have basically narrowed it down to these three cameras. I'm no expert so I could use some opinions.

I've done a good bit of photography and videography in my past (some on a film SLR) and I know the basics at least so it's not like I just discovered how to take a picture or shoot a video.

I plan on doing a fair amount of video on top of photography so that's where I got the options. I recently stumbled upon the Sony as I was casually searching for 1080p 60fps DSLRs. Having to resort to 720p to shoot 60fps on a different camera isn't a big deal but I don't think the Sony is a bad camera anyway.

What would you guys recommend?

+k and thanks to anyone that's helpful!

Jun 15 2013 2:18PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
Out of those 3, probably the T3i.

Honestly, if you're going to be going with Sony and doing video, get an NEX cam... the SLT sony cameras are pretty 'meh' for photography as it is, and they don't have optical viewfinders anyways. Plus, with the pellicle mirror, only 70% of the light that enters the camera hits the sensor.

I'm honestly not sure how that works out for low-light conditions, but it doesn't sound like a great idea. If you're going to be mostly using it for Skiing and such, though, you'll probably be absolutely fine with it.



Jun 15 2013 2:30PM
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CheddarJack
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 7,380
Thanks a lot man! I appreciate it. And I'll be mostly shooting things other than skiing actually. Why the T3i over the D3200 though?
Jun 15 2013 2:53PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
I guess I was thinking D3100... which would suck. D3200 would be fine, but it's not going to give you much that the T3i can't offer.

Perhaps better low light performance due to the sensor?
Jun 15 2013 3:50PM
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Daski
Posts: 658 - Karma: 2,348
If you're gonna do more video, get the T3i. If you're gonna do more photo stuff, D3200 is what you need. Dont have anything to say about the Sony, but I love my T3i.
Jun 15 2013 3:52PM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
Does the 1080p 60fps on the sony look much better than the 720p 60fps on the canon? I'm trying to decide between these two, mostly for video, probably 70-30% difference
Jun 15 2013 4:50PM
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NMMedia
Posts: 982 - Karma: 1,700
I run a Sony a65, as stated in this thread with translucent mirror some of the light doesnt actually hit the mirror, but skiing it doesnt seem to matter. My footage looks better on my camera than some of my friends that have sunk 3 times as much into their cannon and nikon cameras. And what you lose with the translucent mirror you gain in crazy fast AF even while shooting your video. Also gotta love 60p in full resolution is amazing for slow motion. So Id say the sony is a good bet for video, the still image quality is good but nothing to rave about.
Jun 20 2013 12:32AM
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NMMedia
Posts: 982 - Karma: 1,700
I run a Sony a65, as stated in this thread with translucent mirror some of the light doesnt actually hit the mirror, but skiing it doesnt seem to matter. My footage looks better on my camera than some of my friends that have sunk 3 times as much into their cannon and nikon cameras. And what you lose with the translucent mirror you gain in crazy fast AF even while shooting your video. Also gotta love 60p in full resolution is amazing for slow motion. So Id say the sony is a good bet for video, the still image quality is good but nothing to rave about.
Jun 20 2013 12:32AM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
Go to a shop and see which one you prefer. Touch it, play with it, get a feel.

Then think about what lenses you will get in the future. Each system has a different offer of lenses and different prices. If you don't care about lenses, you don't really need a DSLR.

All of these cameras will work fine if you put your mind to it. If you must have the best technically, skip the aging T3i and get a D5200. It has one of the best photo sensors out there, and it also produces excellent video + plenty of choice of affordable lenses.

http://www.eoshd.com/content/9653/nikon-d5200-review
Jun 20 2013 9:19AM
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Forcillo
Posts: 3801 - Karma: 3,580
Only get a Nikon for video if you're sure you'll never use slow motion as long as you have it. In my mind, Nikon's biggest flaw is their lack of high framerates in video.
Jun 20 2013 2:55PM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
???

The D7100 shoots 720p at 60 fps and 1080i at 60 fps. A 5D Mark III does not do better.
Jun 20 2013 5:41PM
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michael_bc
Posts: 1386 - Karma: 720
^ I meant D5200, but the D7100 does it as well.
Jun 20 2013 5:42PM
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,328
d3200 does as well
Jun 20 2013 11:47PM
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MatRich
Posts: 4789 - Karma: 1,813
Most of what you said here was false.

nex vs a57: oled view finder, faster af, 12 FPS, better grip, more lens choices/ cheaper.

The semi translucent mirror only makes you lose about 1/3 of a stop of light which is greatly compensated by the sensor being far better than canons old t2i sensor.

Jun 21 2013 1:40PM
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Mag
Posts: 8155 - Karma: 14,809
Pentax k500 might be worth a gander to you, maybe not, but maybe.
Jun 21 2013 5:56PM
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