• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 355.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Nikon D3100

  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.5 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Nikon D3100 advantages over Canon XSi

  • Less expensive
    $700 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Higher effective ISO
    919 vs 692 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    100 vs 53 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D60

Canon XSi
Nikon D60
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Nikon D60

Nikon D3100
Nikon D60
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • HDMI out
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Nikon D60

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Pentax K2000

Nikon D3100
Pentax K2000
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out

Compare Canon XSi vs Canon T1i

Nikon D3100
Canon T1i
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Canon T1i

Compared to Sony DSLR-A380

Canon XSi
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A380

Nikon D3100
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony DSLR-A380

Compared to Sony A33

Canon XSi
Sony A33
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony A33

Nikon D3100
Sony A33
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D3100 vs Sony A33

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