Canon Rebel
T2i
 vs
Nikon
D3100

Updated (April, 2012): Compare the Canon Rebel T3i vs Nikon D3200

Canon EOS Rebel T2i

58
"Quite simply, taken as a whole, it is the best camera of its class that we've ever seen, and one of those rare cameras that won't look out of date in a couple of years' time."
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's overall-performance
"Excellent detail and resolution"
dpreview.com | talking about the T2i's image-quality

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
Badge
 Built-in focus motor
Autofocuses with more lenses
Thickness
 Thin
2.4"
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
"It's almost impossible to pick up without your hand falling into a sensible position with the key controls at your fingertips."
dpreview.com | talking about the D3100's button-layout

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

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
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
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
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
Size Smaller 129x98x62 mm vs 124x96x73 mm
Help
 More than 10% smaller
Thickness Significantly thinner 2.4" vs 2.9"
Help
 Around 20% thinner
Continuous shooting Shoots slightly faster 3.7 fps vs 3 fps
Help
 More than 20% faster continuous shooting
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
Color depth Better color depth 22.5 bits vs 22.1 bits
Help
 Distinguishes 0.4 more bits of color
Autofocus Video autofocus Contrast detection vs None
Help
 Automatically focuses shooting video
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
58 vs 54
Explain scores
Nikon D3100 Nikon D3100
Green arrow Snapsort recommends the Canon EOS Rebel T2i.

advice

Need help deciding?

Ask the community!
I am considering either the Canon T2i or the Nikon D3100,
For example: Taking photos in low light or great family photos or ability to take great photos underwater

Select aspects that are most important to you: (max 3)

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Are you a camera expert? Share your knowledge!
1
votes
by Steve last month
Canon T2i vs Nikon D3100

I am looking to get my first DSLR and am bombarded with so many choices. I am looking at the Ni...

One person recommends the Nikon D3100:

" As I'm sure you've read they're both great cameras. I'd recommend go for the cheaper camera! Y..."
0
votes
by Tanmay-Misra last month
Canon T2i vs Nikon D3100

I am a beginner...and i'm an amateur...would like to stay as one but i'm very passionate about t...

2 people recommend the Canon T2i:

" Better all around camera.. Have both and prefer the Canon T3i"

" Tanmay, these are both great cameras for a beginner (as are the T3i and D5100). I think you'll ..."
0
votes
by Kathleen-Bolamba last week
Canon T2i vs Nikon D3100

I am a beginner. I love taking photos and I'm ready to upgrade to a DSLR. I have a fettish for h...
0
votes
by Cindy-Harmon last month
Canon T2i vs Nikon D3100

i am an intermediate photog....need to take some pics for publications, but mostly for self enjo...
0
votes
by dbarreda last week
Canon T1i vs Canon T2i

I like photography but I am and I will not be dedicated to this, I just want to take good photos...

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
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
Thickness Thin Help
T2i:2.4"
D3100:2.9"
Lowest price Inexpensive Help
T2i:$544.00
D3100:$499.99
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
Weather sealed Neither is weather sealed Help
Need to shelter it from weather
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

$619 - $700 body only

$745 - $1,000 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

$500 - $597 body only

$600 - $697 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

$333 body only

$489 - $500 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
Nikon D3200

Nikon D3200

Entry-level DSLR

$699 - $700 with 18-55mm lens
True resolution Takes significantly higher resolution photos
Thickness Is thicker
Size Is slightly larger
Compare the D3200 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the D3200 vs the D3100
Nikon D90

Nikon D90

Entry-level DSLR

$897 body only

$1,047 with 55-200mm lens
Overall image quality Has slightly better image quality
Dynamic range Has significantly wider dynamic range
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the D90 vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the D90 vs the D3100
Canon EOS Rebel T1i

Canon Rebel T1i

Entry-level DSLR

$475 - $629 body only

$549 - $580 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
Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

Pro DSLR

$848 - $1,304 body only

$1,177 - $1,342 with 18-135mm lens
Viewfinder size Slightly larger viewfinder
Continuous shooting Shoots faster continuously
Lowest price Is slightly more expensive
Thickness Is thicker
Compare the EOS 60D vs the Rebel T2i
Compare the EOS 60D 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

discussion

Showing 25 comments

Jon (3:27 AM, February 29, 2012)
 Not to mentione more focal points, larger sensor..ALL of which contribute to a much better image in any situation. whoever said the t2i is a better performer obviously has no clue.
 
Jon (3:23 AM, February 29, 2012)
  I am not casting judgement solely because i own either of the two body's listed
in this comparison. I am only posting cause i see major flaws in the
comparison. for one, to say the t2i is a better camera just because its
slightly smaller and lighter and higher megapixels (higher does not mean
better!!)...does not contribute to the Picture Quality, which is the
end result and the MAIN concern of 90% of consumers looking to purchase
an entry level DSLR setup. The ONLY advantages i see the t2i has over
the D3100 is the higher screen resolution (for viewing images on body)
and the external mic jack if you are buying this setup to film video.
the D3100 has MAJOR advantages, for one, less noise at higher ISO! also
has 2 more focus points, larger sensor! also has better color depth,
better image quality (for obvious reasons!!!) to say the t2i is a better
buy makes absolutely no sense when you buy these cameras to take
pictures! why on earth would you suggest to buy the t2i over the D3100 when it does not
take better images? I have worked with both canon and Nikon, i am by no
means bias in any way! this comparison has to be questioned considering
you excluded the main focal point in this comparison...which takes
better pictures?? the D3100! You missed the most important aspect..and
having a motor for lenses that don't have motors is not a huge downfall
obviously. Nikon recently came out with the 50mm 1.8g, which has a AF-S
motor built in, which is compatible with this model. there are more
lenses being available is not a concern. I do not think anybody took any
of the main concerns into account and this review is flawed....to only
give the win to the t2i cause of cosmetic features, and features that do not contribute to a better image, makes no sense. which is take better quality pictures? The Nikon D3100...end of story.
 
Avatar for kvestil kvestil (11:03 AM, February 10, 2012)
I slightly agree on that. I have both nikon and canon dslrs. With the Canon EOS 60D, I guess for the price you can do much more with the Nikon D3100; however, Canon EOS Rebel t2i still is better than the Nikon D3100 overall. Nikon D3100 has a better built and I would say manual controls in a way, but for most consumers I believe that Canon EOS Rebel t2i has more great features and more user-friendly.
 
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