Nikon D5100 Vs Canon EOS 600D:Which Entry-Level DSLR Would You Want?

Japanese camera giants Canon announced the EOS600D (also known as the EOS Kiss X5 in Japan and EOS Rebel T3i in the US and Canada) in February last year. The camera is a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) unit with an automatic shooting mode for the entry-level model.

Meanwhile, the Nikon D5100 - a DX-format DSLR camera for entry-level users - made its debut in April. The camera is equipped with a vari-angle monitor and the EXPEED 2 processing engine. The D5100 is the successor to Nikon's D5000, which was the company's first DSLR camera to feature vari-angle monitor.

Check out how the two perform against each other.

Image Quality: The Canon EOS 600D features an APS-C CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 18 megapixels. The Nikon D5100, in contrast, features a DX-format CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 16.2 megapixels.

Processor: The Canon EOS 600D is powered by a 14-bit DIGIC 4 image processor that provides extraordinary colour reproduction and control over background noise. The Nikon D5100 is powered by the EXPEED 2 image processing engine.

Video Quality: The Canon EOS 600D can record full HD videos at 1080p and 30 frames per second (fps). The camera is equipped with a "film shooting mode" that can switch between stills and HD videos. It also allows users to capture distant subjects using Movie Digital Zoom and offers manual control over frame rate, exposure and sound. The Nikon D5100 can also record HD videos like the EOS. It also offers in-film editing options and is equipped with built-in support for stereo audio recording.

Monitor: The Canon sports a 3-in-1, 040000-dot ClearView LCD screen, whereas the Nikon D5100 sports a 3-in-1 921,000-dot TFT LCD screen.

Battery: The Canon EOS 600D is powered by a rechargeable Li-ion LP-E8 battery which delivers approximately 440 shots per charge. The Nikon D5100 is powered by a Li-ion EN-EL14 battery delivering 660 shots per charge.

Connectivity: The Canon and Nikon cameras both support Eye-Fi cards, which can send photographs and films wirelessly to a PC.

ISO Range/ Expand ISO:The Canon EOS 600D offers an ISO sensitivity range of 100-6400 and can be expandable to ISO 12,800. The Nikon D5100 offers an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6400 and the ISO range can be expanded to 25,600.

FPS and AF: The Canon has nine auto-focus points and delivers up to 3.7 fps of continuous shooting. The Nikon has 11 auto-focus points and delivers up to 4 fps continuous shooting.

Dimension and Weight: The Canon measures 133.3 x 99.5 x 79.9mm and weighs about 570g. The Nikon measures 128 x 97 x 79mm and weighs 560g at its heaviest.

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