Hello!
Alright--I've been researching cameras for about a month now as part of my search for my first dslr. I've now narrowed it down to two, both of which I know are great mid-level entry dslrs and I'm sure I can't go wrong really: Canon t4i and Nikon d5100.
But given that it's my first dslr, I'd like to ensure I'm buying into a system (Canon or Nikon) that's right for me and will allow me the most growth and freedom going forward when it comes to camera capabilities/setting, potentially upgrading or having lens options. I plan to take a brief tutorial in-store with both of these as a way to see which I prefer personally, but I wanted to understand the specs too, as image quality and the ability to "trade up" with the brand family later or expand my knowledge/skills with the camera I select is important to me.
In short, I'm looking to use my new camera to capture beautiful images of landscapes and architecture while traveling this fall, and also to take excellent stills/portraits of my nephews as they grow up to give my sister as a meaningful gift. As a result, I want something with excellent image quality, something that's easy to use (great autofocus, etc. to initially get me started until I take more classes), something that's great in low-light for the nephews and also can capture high quality stills when the boys are playing outside or I'm taking pictures of landscapes/architecture on sunny days while traveling. Great video capabilities would be an added bonus, and I'd like something I can learn more about and grow into--try out new lenses, settings, or effects.
I know the t4i was just released and therefore doesn't have a lot of production-model reviews yet, plus because I'm new on all the terminolgy when it comes to dslr, I thought I'd throw this out to you guys to get your thoughts. I also have a few general questions:
1. How important is it that Canon has the built-in autofocus motor for someone like me? Some friends absolutely love their Nikons, but one has said she's become frustrated by the lack of a built-in AF motor in hers.
2. Does one camera have better quality images overall (given my purposes and the fact I may want to blow these up just a bit as gifts)?
3. Do Canon's STM lenses benefit it at all for still photography? or only video?
4. Is it true that Nikons can only use Nikon lenses, but Canon's can use either?
5. Is one brand (Canon or Nikon, in this case) known for having a better processor or sensor when it comes to entry-level dslrs? If new models for the Rebel and d5100 are released next year with substantial changes and I'd like to trade up, does one seem to have an advantage over the other?
Any thoughts would be great--Thank you!!
