The Sony A57 can shoot full-resolution 16.1 megapixel pictures at up to 12fps whilst maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure, an incredibly fast rate for such an inexpensive camera.

The EOS Rebel T3i has an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor that captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers more than enough resolution for big enlargements or crops.

Nikon and Canon make excellent products in the DSLR market, Panasonic does well with its micro four thirds system and Sony's stronghold as underdog may well change with it's SLT line of semi-transparent mirrors.

Like all of Canon's APS-C digital SLR cameras, the EOS 600D / T3i is compatible with the manufacturer's entire line-up of lenses, including both EF and EF-S glass.

Size, it feels just right and comfortable in my hands.2- Bright 3 inches pivoting screen, that you can actually fold back when not using, thus protecting the screen.3- The EVF is excellent, bright and captures all the details.

Viewfinder: The T3i has a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage of the actual resulting image.

The a57 feels solid and heavy, as one would expect.

My previous camera was a Panasonic DMC TZ5, a great little camera that even after 3 years is still pretty impressive for it's size.

As with Live View, continuous phase-detection AF is possible whilst shooting movies on the A57, a distinct advantage over most DSLR cameras and fast enough to rival Compact System Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH series.

Enhanced metering with a 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system for accurate metering between exposures, and 9-point AF system utilizing a high precision, f/2.8 cross-type center point.3.7 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 34 JPEGs or approximately 6 RAW.