Canon Rebel
T2i
 vs
Nikon
D3100

Updated (February, 2011): Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs Nikon D3100

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

59
"Excellent detail and resolution"
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's image-quality
"Since the body shell is virtually identical to the EOS 500D that it replaces, the handling is also virtually identical, meaning the grip still feels a bit fiddly unless you're got very delicate hands."
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's feel

Reasons to buy the Canon Rebel T2i

Screen resolution
 High resolution screen
1,040k dots
True resolution
 High true resolution
17.9 MP
External mic jack
 External mic jack
Record higher quality audio with a microphone
Size
 Really small
Prosumer size 129x98x62 mm
Sensor cleaning
 Self cleaning sensor
Avoids dust in your photos
Badge
 Built-in focus motor
Autofocuses with more lenses
Nikon D3100

54
Runner-up

Nikon D3100
"The D3100 offers little to complain about in terms of image quality, and its new 14Mp sensor delivers very good results."
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's image-quality
"Unusually fast Live View AF for an SLR"
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's auto-focus

Reasons to buy the Nikon D3100

Movie continuous focus
 Movie continuous focus
Makes it easy to get in-focus movies
Badge
 Autofocuses shooting video
Contrast detection
Sensor cleaning
 Self cleaning sensor
Avoids dust in your photos
Weight
 Light-weight
505 g

differences

Advantages of the Canon T2i
Screen resolution Much higher resolution screen 1,040k dots vs 230k dots
Help
 More than 4.5x higher resolution screen
External mic jack Has an external mic jack Yes vs No
Help
 Record high quality audio with an external microphone
True resolution Significantly higher true resolution 17.9 MP vs 14.2 MP
Help
 Capture around 30% more detail in your photos
Light sensitivity Better maximum light sensitivity 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO
Help
 The T2i's maximum light sensitivity is 1 f-stop better
Dynamic range More dynamic range 11.5 EV vs 11.3 EV
Help
 0.2 f-stops more dynamic range
Lens focus motor Has a built-in focus motor Yes vs No
Help
 Autofocuses with all autofocus lenses
Viewfinder size Larger viewfinder 0.54x vs 0.51x
Help
 More than 10% larger viewfinder
Shutter lag Less shutter lag 252 ms vs 279 ms
Help
 Around 10% less delay when taking photos
Continuous shooting Shoots faster 3.7 fps vs 3 fps
Help
 More than 20% faster continuous shooting
Size Smaller 129x98x62 mm vs 124x96x73 mm
Help
 More than 10% smaller
Thickness Significantly thinner 2.4" vs 2.9"
Help
 Around 20% thinner
Canon EOS Rebel T2i Learn more about
the Canon T2i

Advantages of the Nikon D3100
Low light performance Lower noise at high ISO 919 ISO vs 784 ISO
Help
 The D3100 has a slight edge (0.2 f-stops) in low noise, high ISO performance
Autofocus Video autofocus Contrast detection vs None
Help
 Automatically focuses shooting video
Color depth Better color depth 22.5 bits vs 22.1 bits
Help
 Distinguishes 0.4 more bits of color
Sensor size Larger sensor APS-C 23.1x15.4mm vs APS-C 22.3x14.9mm
Help
 Around 10% larger sensor
Overall image quality Slightly better image quality 67.0 vs 66.0
Help
 Almost the same
Battery life Longer battery life 550 shots vs 440 shots
Help
 Around 30% more shots per battery charge
Focus points More focus points 11 vs 9
Help
 Set focus accurately within the frame
Lens availability Slightly more lenses available 169 lenses vs 162 lenses
Help
 Almost the same
Weight Slightly lighter 505 g vs 530 g
Help
 Almost the same
Nikon D3100 Learn more about
the Nikon D3100
vs

recommendations

Relative to the best recent entry-level DSLRs, and ignoring price

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Canon Rebel T2i
59 vs 54
Explain scores
Nikon D3100 Nikon D3100
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Canon EOS Rebel T2i.

performance Which camera has better performance? Cast your vote!

CanonRebel T2i
 Canon EOS Rebel T2i vs Nikon D3100
NikonD3100
Uses Travel score Travel
On holiday or vacation
222
222
Vote Vote
Sports score Sports
Fast action, sometimes indoors
204
199
Vote Vote
Features Color accuracy Color accuracy
White balance in varied lighting
197
212
Vote Vote
Autofocus peformance Still image focusing
Speed and accuracy
197
198
Vote Vote
Autofocus performance Video focusing
Speed and accuracy
176
224
Vote Vote
Manual controls Manual settings
How quickly and easily you can change settings
215
192
Vote Vote
Build quality Build quality
Is it sturdy, well made, plastic or metal
201
206
Vote Vote
Green arrow Join in the discussion below!

similarities

Compared to recent entry-level DSLRs

Common Strengths Common Weaknesses
Movie format Full HD (1080p) video Help
T2i:1080p @ 30fps
D3100:1080p @ 24fps
Lens availability Many lenses available Help
T2i:162 lenses
D3100:169 lenses
Screen size Larger than average screens Help
3.0"
Supports 24p 24p support Help
For that film look
Startup delay Minimal startup delay Help
400 ms startup delay
Size Fairly small Help
T2i:129x98x62 mm
D3100:124x96x73 mm
Weight Light weight Help
T2i:530 g
D3100:505 g
Fastest shutter speed Slow max shutter speed Help
1/4000 of a second
Storage slots Fewer storage slots Help
1
Viewfinder coverage Below average viewfinder coverage Help
95%
HDR Neither has in-camera HDR Help
You could do HDR manually
Screen flips out No flip-out screens Help
Less flexible
Image stabilization No image stabilization Help
Risk of blur
Cross type focus points Few cross-type focus points Help
1
Continuous shooting Slow continuous shooting Help
T2i:3.7 fps
D3100:3 fps
Panorama Neither camera stitches together panoramas Help
You could stitch photos in post
3D Neither camera can take 3D photos Help
No 3d support
Light sensitivity Poor maximum light sensitivity Help
T2i:6,400 ISO
D3100:3,200 ISO
Dynamic range Poor dynamic range Help
T2i:11.5 EV
D3100:11.3 EV

dxomark

DXOMark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages
Canon Rebel T3i

Canon Rebel T3i

Entry-level DSLR

$609 - $800 body only

$709 - $1,180 with 18-55mm lens
Screen flips out Has a screen which flips out
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the Rebel T3i vs the D3100
Nikon D5100

Nikon D5100

Entry-level DSLR

$650 - $749 body only

$600 - $750 with 18-55mm lens
Low light performance Is significantly less noisy at high ISO
Overall image quality Has significantly better image quality
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the D5100 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the D5100 vs the D3100
Canon Rebel T3

Canon Rebel T3

Entry-level DSLR

$379 body only

$460 - $550 with 18-55mm lens
Battery life Has a slightly longer battery life
Thickness Is thicker
Sensor cleaning Lacks a self cleaning sensor
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the Rebel T3 vs the D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Canon Rebel T1i

Entry-level DSLR

$445 - $629 body only

$504 - $609 with 18-55mm lens
Shutter lag Has significantly less shutter lag
Supports 24p Doesn't record movies in 24p
Color depth Has significantly less color depth
Compare the Rebel T1i vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the Rebel T1i vs the D3100
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$869 - $897 body only

$1,099 - $1,200 with 18-105mm lens
Overall image quality Has slightly better image quality
Dynamic range Has significantly wider dynamic range
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is significantly heavier
Compare the D90 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the D90 vs the D3100
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$899 - $1,304 body only

$1,138 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder
Continuous shooting Shoots faster continuously
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is much heavier
Compare the EOS 60D vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the EOS 60D vs the D3100
Nikon D5000

Nikon D5000

Entry-level DSLR

$997 with 18-55mm lens
Overall image quality Has slightly better image quality
Dynamic range Has significantly wider dynamic range
Thickness Is thicker
Weight Is slightly heavier
Compare the D5000 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the D5000 vs the D3100

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Canon EOS Rebel T2i.

Nikon D3100 Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Nikon D3100.

appearance

Canon EOS Rebel T2i Nikon D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T2i Nikon D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T2i Nikon D3100

Find similar cameras

Here are some links to help you find other cameras with similar features to both of these:

discussion Which do you think is better?

Speech is free, but discussion at Snapsort is moderated! Please discuss your opinion of these cameras here, and discuss feedback for Snapsort at our support community.

Showing 25 comments

Dakota (7:54 AM, February 02, 2012)
I'm a Graphic Designer looking for a decent camera. I Plan on using it for photography for advertising. I do not need to blow up the image to very large sizes. Mainly magazine ads. So my question is would the d3100 be enough quality for my needs? I can get the d3100 for about about $100 less than the t2i. So what would be the better buy. 
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (9:11 PM, January 23, 2012)
I have no idea if the D3100 supports selective colouring... but I strongly doubt it.  In terms of free software, Adobe has free trials of Lightroom and Photoshop, both of which can be used to create an image with selective colouring. If you want FREE free then take a look at GIMP.
 
GuestNP (9:12 PM, January 11, 2012)
Hi. I am planning to buy DSLR and i have to choose between these 2 models. I really like the 'Selective Color' photography. So please tell me if Nikon 3100 has this feature and if not can i easily achieve this effect using some image editing software. I am looking for some easy way of doing it which is available for free. Also IS lenses are better of VR on Nikon. Which one is better?
 
Avatar for VanceChristopher S. VanceChristopher S. (0:23 AM, January 09, 2012)
I honestly think between these two, you have to go out and try them for yourself. Your personal preference will let you determine which one you want if you can't decide. For instance, I personally like the Nikon D3100 better, but I know a lot of other people adore the Canon T2i (550D) more. So, go to your local Best Buy, target, or wherever and try them out for yourselves. 
 
MERCEDES (0:19 AM, January 09, 2012)
Oh. My. Gosh. Calm the hell down. Makin' a big deal outta nothing. 
 
Guest (5:27 AM, January 05, 2012)
Not saying the nikon is a bad camera, but the canon image quality at 800
iso and above just looks better to me.  Decide for yourself at the
link below.  Select the ISO at the top and then the camera to compare to
the D3100 at the right.


http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/page16.asp
 
Jvolsenc (11:05 PM, December 13, 2011)
T2i really has built-in focus motor???? I think you are wrong....
 
ali (0:37 PM, December 05, 2011)
i want buy camera but i'm confuse please help me 
T2i 0r D3100
 
rorro (1:23 PM, December 02, 2011)
hola a todos los amantes de la fotografia, bueno dos camaras de excelente calidad en todo sentido, las dos camaras tienen muy buena calidad de imagen
pero la verdad la canon esta por encima de la D3100 por el tipo de video, megapixeles, precio, es mas axesible la canon en cuanto a precio que la nikon 
yo creo que de 10 fotografos 8 tienen cano y 2 nikon y es por lo mismo los precios, ademas la T2i a mi juicio es mejor camara en lo tecnico aunque esto les duela a los seguidores de nikon...........................
 
Kimberly (5:32 AM, November 15, 2011)
You can still manually focus it though, right? With older lenses? Or does the D3100 ONLY work with autofocus lenses?
 
Scythe (7:09 PM, August 30, 2011)
18 megapixels only means that you can crop more, the nikon has a larger sensor, and actually takes the more high quality pictures.
 
Avatar for Hammad Hammad (5:10 PM, August 26, 2011)
The build in lense that comes with it has built in motor? I will be using the built in anyhow.
 
Buford Jones (3:46 AM, July 22, 2011)
Does either of these cameras shoot stills in 16x9?
 
Stlm5991 (8:36 PM, June 26, 2011)
IS for Canon , VR for Nikon
 
Stlm5991 (8:32 PM, June 26, 2011)
more megapixel does not necessarily mean better quality image
 
Daniel Braga (6:15 PM, June 18, 2011)
This will be my first DSLR camera, I'm very confused and I don't know what choose.
Some people say Canon is better because it is better on Manual use and you a are able to "set it better".
An other thing I hear is that NIKON lenses are more expensive.
With camera is better for a beginner?
 
Avatar for Get_Real001 Get_Real001 (5:13 AM, May 20, 2011)
Buying a new Camera is a great experience. Comparing these two is real simple. Comparing both cameras the Nikon is only better in the autofocus video feature and on the price. But overall   the best Camera is the Canon t2i (a simpler version of the t3i). If you want to buy the nikon to say that you have a Nikon go ahead, but the better camera is the Canon! ---18 megapixels!. And when it comes to price at the end you'll end up paying more for the nikon than for the Canon. WHY? The lens prices are more expensive in the Nikon industries. CANON T2i is the best choice.
 
 
JRB (4:56 PM, May 16, 2011)
Based on Snapsort's comparison I chose the T2i as I have older Canon lenses from 35mm days. The T2i will be my first camera where I will try to stay away from full auto. If there are any beginner discussion groups out there, I would appreciate a link from anyone. Thanks in advance.
 
JRB (4:53 PM, May 16, 2011)
To ProspectiveDSLRBuyer - Snapsort comparison of D3100 vs EOS60D clearly states that it doesn't always make sense to compare an entry level camera with a pro model.
 
Redzonevisuals (10:07 AM, May 11, 2011)
t2i was my first dslr a year ago, no problems of any kind, 10,000 shots so far, im very happy with it. punchy colors out of it, the screen on the rear is fantastic, no autofocus while filming but nikon's 3100 system makes alot of noise, the video quality is excellent. I think EOS 550D was the better bet for my requirements :)
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (11:13 PM, April 26, 2011)
Hi Tanorosselli, I don't know. I would guess 3:2, since the D3100 takes photos in 3:2 aspect ratio by default.
 
Tanorosselli (10:43 PM, April 26, 2011)
Help!
I can not find this information anywhere. Does anyone know if the aspect ratio of the LCD of my nikon d3100 is 4:3 or 3:2?
I want to buy the Vfinder but not which model to buy if the LVF-43 or the LVF-32
HELP !!!!!!!!

Thanks, Esteban from Argentina
 
Tanorosselli (10:27 PM, April 26, 2011)
D3100 is 4:3 or 3:2 Screen aspect ratio???
 
Avatar for Snapsort Snapsort (5:32 PM, April 18, 2011)
Most DSLR do not have built in image stabilization, that is most often handled by the lenses. Look for a lens with VR (Vibration-Reduction).
 
Pinaki Chaudhuri (9:08 AM, April 18, 2011)
I am willing to buy the Nikon D3100, but I am less confident as the "Image Stabilization" feature is missing. How important is this one for an amateur photographer, graduating to DSLRs from point-n-shoot models.