Nikon D5100 vs. D3100...

Only $80 more (including kit lens on both).  I believe $470 and $549.    So considering.    I know it has a better LCD screen, a presumably better sensor, shoots a bit faster, and iI beleive it came out a bit after the D3100.

Anyway, is this a no-brainer.  My only concern is QC --- specifically "black" pictures experienced by some within warrranty of soon thereafter.   Some say this is a shutter materials issue.  I've never had a problem with a Nikon (or Canon).  I'd be very surprised.   Nikon denies an issue as per some disgruntled owners.     Anyone hear of this issue?    Tx.

There are threads here from the early days of the D5100s release talking about the dead shutter and all black photos.  My D5100 I bought in August of last year hasn't had a problem.  And I haven't seen those threads in some time so I'm guessing Nikon fixed that problem.

Of course, you could always have problems with any new bit of gear.  That's what the warranty is for.

tx, but I called Nikon just now and they said they never had problem with this camera (specifically the black pics).    or, apparently, any other problem with any camera.    too much money for a chance of a shutter problem nikon doesn't admit to.    a fix would have been OK.

leaning towards t3i due to customer support.

You seem to have had Nikon D3100. If you think that Canon 600D would be better then go for it. Good luck in your quest to find your tool and lots of good pictures.

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