Cameras Indepth

In this article, we compare the Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i in detail.

For cameras made by different manufacturers, these cameras do possess many similarities in so many ways. This makes choosing between them a difficult task. However, our detailed comparison of both cameras will reveal how different these cameras are.

What makes these cameras unique, what advantages do they have over each other, and what kind of photography are they most suited for? All these questions are answered in this article as we help you decide on which of these cameras you should go for.

Comparison Overview – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i are both upper-entry level amateur DSLR cameras manufactured by Nikon and Canon respectively. These cameras seem well-matched and are regarded as the most capable amateur cameras in the market.

For starters, in terms of imaging, the D5100 has a lower sensor resolution than the T3i, but it has a larger sensor. This looks like a stalemate, however, other factors that influence a camera’s image production tilts in favor of the Nikon camera. Hence, it will produce slightly better imaging than the Canon camera.

The Nikon D5100 also possesses more features than the Canon T3i. However, the difference in this regard isn’t much.

A camera being smaller doesn’t necessarily mean it will be lighter. However, the D5100 is not only smaller; it is also lighter than the T3i.

Neither camera does well when it comes to a wireless connection as they both lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Price/Value Ratio – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Which camera offers more value for money?

The D5100 does not offer more value for money than the T3i and vice versa. The Nikon D5100 is more expensive and has more unique features which include time-lapse recording, HDR, and UHS card support.

In terms of performance level, the D5100 barely wins the Canon T3i. It has an advantage ratio of 8:7 over the T3i.

Note: The Canon T3i is not the same as the Canon T3. We compared the T3 to the Nikon D5100 in this article here.

Comparison Table – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Watch this comparison of the Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i below. 

What Situation is Each Best For? – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Common Features – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

What features make these cameras similar? The answer to this question is discussed in detail in this section.

The D5100 and the T3i have the following similarities:

i. Sensor Format and Type

ii. Anti-Aliasing Filter

iii. ISO

iv. Screen Size and Type

v. Viewfinder

vi. Video Resolution

vii. Built-in Flash

viii. Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)

ix. Microphone Port

x. HDMI Port

xi. USB Port

xii. Storage

Sensor Format and Type

The sensor is a very important part of any camera. It has a significant role in determining the final and overall image quality produced. It is responsible for capturing light into the camera necessary for image production.

The sensor’s performance level is usually influenced by the sensor’s format and type. Besides, the sensor used by a camera also affects the lenses that can be used with the camera. The size and weight of the lenses that can be used are bound to be the same provided the lenses used have the same focal length and aperture.

Both cameras in comparison are fitted with the APS-C sensor format also called the DX-format by the Nikon Company. They also sport the same CMOS sensor type. The APS-C CMOS sensor is usually found in most amateur DSLR cameras.

The sensor’s format is the size category that a camera belongs to. Hence, we refer to the APS-C sensor format as medium-sized. It is smaller than the full-frame and the medium format sensors but it is larger than the 1 inch and four-thirds sensors.

These cameras make use of the CMOS sensor type and are found in many newer cameras today. The sensor type is based on the technology used to make the sensor. CMOS sensors do not consume power, unlike CCD sensors. This is an advantage for these cameras.

Anti-Aliasing Filter

Moiré is a repetitive pattern of dots or lines that usually appears on images. It is usually caused when the pattern captured is higher than the sensor’s resolution.

Many cameras including the ones in this article have a feature that counters this occurrence. This feature is called the anti-aliasing filter or low-pass filter.

As much as this serves an advantage, this is not seen as an advantage these days by many. This is because the anti-aliasing filter reduces the sharpness and details of an image. Because of this, some manufacturers do not make use of the anti-aliasing filter in their cameras.

ISO

The ISO refers to the sensor’s sensitivity to produce an image with the light that is available. Therefore, cameras that possess a high ISO range can effectively capture clear images in low light conditions.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i have an ISO range of 100 – 6400. These cameras’ ISOs, however, have the option of being expanded: This is where these cameras are different. We discuss this later on.

Screen Size and Type

The screen is also known as display screen and functions primarily for viewing purposes. It is used to view captured images, about to be captured frame, camera’s settings and menu.

The screen size is a major issue that a good number of people factor in when purchasing a camera. A bigger sized screen is advantageous as it allows you to view your images better and clearly.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i are fitted with 3 inches LCD screen.

Furthermore, both cameras have an articulating screen that offers you a flexible shooting experience. The flexibility this feature provides during shooting makes both cameras good for street photography since it requires shooting at difficult angles.

Vloggers are also bound to enjoy much out of this feature as it makes it easy for them to make their videos. This feature makes the camera selfie-friendly as well which makes capturing images with family and friends fun. The screen can also be flipped which is helpful when watching movies.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder in a camera has a sole function. Its job is to aid the photographer in proper shots and frame control. The type of viewfinder used in a camera determines the extent to which the camera can easily perform this function.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i are both fitted with an optical pentamirror viewfinder. This has its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s quickly discuss this, shall we?

The major difference between an optical and electronic viewfinder is found in just two words: “Power Consumption”. For the electronic viewfinder (also known as a digital viewfinder) to function, it has to make use of the camera’s power derived from its battery. This affects the battery, as it is used up faster than if it were to be an optical viewfinder instead.

Usually, amateur DSLR cameras do not possess amazing battery longevity which is why they are not usually fitted with electronic viewfinders. Camera manufacturers like Nikon and Canon do this to save the battery’s life.

The material employed to make the viewfinder is of great importance as well. It majorly determines the amount of light that gets to pass through to the user’s eye. If the light that passes through is sufficient, the images seen are brighter.

A viewfinder can be made from a pentamirror material like the ones used for the cameras in this comparison or it can be from a pentaprism material. The latter is better since it allows more light than the former. Hence, the Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i’s viewfinders are at a disadvantage in this regard.

Another thing is that most viewfinders are eye-level viewfinders. An eye-level viewfinder is one that has to be put close to the eye if framing and control are to be done. This is unlike those that are held at arm-length. The advantage it offers is that one can easily frame and properly control shots even when the sun is shining bright.

The viewfinders of these cameras have 95% viewfinder coverage.

Learn how to adjust your camera’s viewfinder in the next video.

Video Resolution

These cameras can not only capture still images but they can also record videos. The similarity in this video recording aspect is that both cameras shoot in the same maximum video resolution of 1920 x 1080 full HD. They also do so at 30 frames per second.

Built-in Flash

Light is essential for the production of a quality image. That’s why pictures shot in well-lit environments are of better quality than those shot in a low light condition.

Therefore, in situations where the lighting is poor, the photographer has to compensate and provide a source of light. In cameras, a built-in flash is used to supply this needed light.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i are both manufactured with this built-in flash feature. The D5100’s flash can be used with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System.

The built-in flash reduces the need for an external flash as well as the extra weight it will add.

Hot Shoe (External Flash Shoe)

The built-in flash can only do so much as it is somewhat limited in flash power. Therefore, in such cases where the built-in flash does not properly illuminate the area, one needs to employ an external flash.

The external flash can only be used if the camera being used possesses a hot shoe feature. The hot shoe is a platform usually found at the top of the camera that allows one to attach certain accessories to the camera.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i both sport a hot shoe feature.

The disadvantage of an external flash like every other camera accessory is that it will add to your camera’s overall weight which can become burdensome as one shoots for an extended period.

Besides, you’ll have to purchase it separately. Hence, if you are on a tight budget you might not be able to afford it.

Microphone Port

A camera that captures video should also be able to record audio. This is true for both cameras as their built-in microphone feature ensures that audio recording is possible. Sadly, it has been discovered that using such microphones not deliver quality audio.

What then is one who is concerned about getting good audio in his/her videos supposed to do then? Easy, we recommend you get an external microphone that can easily record high-quality audio while you shoot your videos.

You can only use an external microphone provided your camera has a microphone port. The microphone port allows you to connect an external microphone to the camera.

Both cameras in comparison possess a microphone port that supports professional microphones like this TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview Microphone.

HDMI Port

The HDMI port feature allows a larger screen to be connected to the camera via an HDMI cable.

When this connection is made, whatever is displayed on the camera’s screen will also be shown on the larger screen. Hence, one can view pictures, watch videos and easily spot angles that need editing with the larger screen.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i both have a mini HDMI port that allows them to carry out this function.

USB Port

The USB port is used to connect the camera to a USB supported device via a USB cable. The connection allows you to transfer files from the camera to the device and vice versa.

The cameras under consideration are fitted with a USB 2.0 port.

Storage

The D5100 and the T3i are manufactured with a single card slot that can house an SDXC card. This serves as the primary storage for these cameras.

The single card slot storage, however, means that these cameras are limited in terms of storage capacity. Whereas, there are cameras that have dual card slots and can make use of two cards at once. Such cameras have more storage flexibility and options.

Unique Features – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

In this section, we discuss the features found in the Nikon D5100 but not in the Canon T3i and vice versa.

Unique Features – Nikon D5100

The following are unique features found in the D5100 that are missing in the T3i:

i. Time-Lapse Recording
ii. HDR
iii. UHS Card Support
iv. EXPEED 2 Image Processor
v. Nikon F Lens Mount

Time-Lapse Recording

The Nikon D5100 is manufactured with a built-in intervalometer. This feature showcases the creativity of a photographer as it is used in creating time-lapse videos. It allows shooting to be done at low frequencies.

A time-lapse video is a short video made from some pictures of a particular scene that has been captured at different intervals. Examples of time-lapse videos are blooming plants, sunsets, sunrise, traffic in the city, etc.

HDR

The HDR mode is used when the photographer is unsure of the right exposure to use. When this mode is activated, the camera automatically captures three different images of the subject at different exposure levels.

These images are then combined together by the camera to form a single image that possesses the right amount of exposure required. Hence, this feature is handy when capturing images in tricky light conditions.

The D5100 is equipped with this mode whereas the Canon T3i lacks it.

UHS Card Support

A camera that supports the use of a UHS card enjoys reading, writing and transferring files at ultra-high speeds. File transfers can be done as fast as 104MB/s which is efficient as it saves time.

The Nikon D5100 supports the use of a UHS-I card.

EXPEED 2 Image Processor

The Nikon Company makes use of its trademark EXPEED series of image processors. Early Nikon DSLR cameras sported the first generation of the EXPEED image processor.

As time went on, the EXPEED 2 was manufactured as an upgrade on the original EXPEED. This is the image processor that runs the Nikon D5100.

This EXPEED 2 image processor enables the D5100 to process images and videos at a faster speed than the older EXPEED image processor. Also, it is responsible for the camera’s ability to record 1080p video whereas the EXPEED could only do 720p video.

Nikon F Lens Mount

Nikon DSLR cameras are fitted with exclusive lens mount manufactured by the Nikon Company. Therefore, Nikon cameras always have a unique lens mount when compared with a camera manufactured by another company.

A good number of Nikon DSLR cameras are fitted with the Nikon F lens mount and this includes the Nikon D5100.

The function of the lens mount is to hold the lens in place and attach it to the camera’s body. The number of lenses that a camera can use is dependent on the type of lens mount that it is fitted with.  

If you owned a Nikon camera that used the Nikon F lens mount, you can still use your old lenses with the Nikon D5100. This is an advantage former Nikon camera owners benefit because of this feature.

Check out the Nikon lens buying guide below.

Unique Features – Canon T3i

The following are unique features found in the T3i that are missing in the D5100:

i. Flash Sync Port
ii. DIGIC 4 Image Processor
iii. Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount

Flash Sync Port

Although the Canon T3i has a built-in flash and the option of using an external flash via a hot shoe, it didn’t stop it from having a flash sync port as well.

The flash sync port allows one to fire an external flash or several ones at the same time to provide the lighting condition desired. This feature makes the T3i a better flash photography camera than the Nikon D5100.

To make use of this feature, one has to connect a cord that is from an external flash or a flash unit to the camera’s flash sync port. When this is done a signal is then sent to these flashes when the camera’s shutter is pressed.

DIGIC 4 Image Processor

The Canon Company has image processors that are exclusive to Canon cameras. The image processor found in any Canon camera is usually a variation of the DIGIC image processor.

The Canon T3i employs the DIGIC 4 image processor. This is Canon’s 4^th generation image processor which is a successor to the DIGIC 3. The DIGIC 4 improves on everything the DIGIC 3 offered.

Canon EF/EF-S Lens Mount

Just like the Nikon Company makes use of lens mounts that are exclusive to their cameras, the Canon Company does the same. Hence, the Canon T3i can be fitted with either the Canon EF or the Canon EF-S lens mount.

If you had a Canon camera that made use of the Canon EF/EF-S lens mount, you can also make use of your old lenses with the T3i.

Unique Pros – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

There are some features that are found in both cameras but at different performance levels. These are the features we look at in this section as we discuss the advantages these cameras have over each other. 

Unique Pros – Nikon D5100

Which has a Larger Sensor D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 has a larger sensor than the T3i. It has a sensor size of 23.6 x 15.7mm while the Canon T3i has a sensor dimension of 22.3 x 14.9mm. Hence, the Nikon D5100’s sensor is 12% larger than the T3i.

Due to this difference, the format factors of these sensors are different. The D5100 and the Canon T3i have a format factor of 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. The native aspect ratio however of both cameras is the same at 3:2.

Although both cameras make use of the same APS-C sensor format, this does not make the sensors of these cameras similar in size. A larger sensor offers more advantages than smaller ones.

One of such is that a larger sensor enables the camera to detect more details when an image is to be captured. If both cameras have the same sensor resolution (megapixels), the one with the larger sensor has the upper hand.

Other advantages larger sensor offers include better low-light sensitivity, broader dynamic range, richer color depth, better single pixels, and better control in terms of depth-of-field.

Which has a Better Sensor Performance D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 has a better sensor performance than the T3i. It has an overall sensor performance of 80 while the Canon T3i has 65.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i have a color depth of 23.5 bits and 22.1 bits respectively. Hence, the D5100 does better with a higher value of 1.4 bits.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i have a dynamic range of 13.6 EV and 11.5 EV. Therefore, there is a difference of 2.1 EV with the D5100 having the advantage.

The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i have a low light ISO of 1183 and 793 respectively. This gives the D5100 an advantage of 0.6 stops over the T3i.  

In determining the sensor’s performance level, three major sensor aspects are considered and measured. These are the color depth, dynamic range, and the low light ISO. The measurements and the results are made by the DXO Company.

A camera’s color depth is the sensor’s sensitivity and ability to produce distinct colors. Therefore, cameras with higher color depth produce richer colors than those with lower color depth. A camera’s color depth is usually measured in bits.

A camera with a higher color depth is bound to produce images that are richer in color than those with lower color depth. The color depth is also a handy feature during portrait photography as it enhances the picture quality.

The dynamic range is the sensor’s ability to effectively detect details in its lightest and darkest point in the frame.

A camera with a wider dynamic range can effectively capture minute details that could be ignored with a lower dynamic range. The dynamic range comes into full effect when capturing landscape scenes.

The dynamic range is also called the DXO landscape and it influences the overall image quality of a landscape picture.

The last measurement (low light ISO) is the sensor’s sensitivity in low light conditions.

A higher low light ISO means the camera can efficiently capture clearer images in low light than one with a lower low light ISO. Noise is efficiently managed with a camera that has a high low-light ISO. The low-light ISO also enhances a camera’s shooting ability when capturing sports events; hence it is also referred to as DXO sports.

Which has a Higher Expanded Maximum ISO D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 has a higher expanded maximum ISO than the T3i. While the Nikon D5100 is capable of reaching an expanded maximum ISO value of 25600, the Canon T3i manages half of that value at 12800. This is 100% more in favor of the D5100.

It is worth mentioning that shooting at high ISO value can result in the occurrence of noise and grain. We advise that you do not exceed the 6400 ISO to avoid those occurrences. Using high ISO requires caution and skills to avoid the occurrence of grain and noise. The photographer must draw a balance between the ISO settings and the shutter exposure to avoid such negative image occurrences.

Which has More Focus Points D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 has more focus points than the T3i. The Nikon D5100 and the Canon T3i have 11 and 9 focus points respectively. This gives the D5100 the advantage of 2 more focus points.

Both cameras, however, have just 1 cross-type focus point. This type of focus points can detect details in vertical and horizontal lines.

Focus points are points within a frame whereby a camera can create exposure on thereby enhancing the details of that particular point.

Learn how to control the focus points on a Nikon and Canon DSLR in the following video.

Which has a Longer Battery Life D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 has a longer battery life than the T3i. It is powered by the 1030mAh EN-L14a power pack battery which enables it to capture 660 shots after a single charge.

While the Canon T3i is fitted with the 1120mAh LP-E17 battery and can capture 440 shots after a full charge. Therefore, the D5100 has a longer battery life of 220 shots.

The battery life of your camera determines how long you can shoot and how many shots you get to capture once you charge it. Hence, it is an important factor that needs to be considered before purchasing a camera.

Which is Smaller D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 is smaller than the T3i. It is 5mm narrower, 3mm shorter, and 1mm thinner than the Canon T3i which makes it 7% smaller. It has a size dimension of 127 x 97 x 79mm while the T3i is measured at 133 x 100 x 80mm.

A good number of photographers would readily opt for a smaller camera; given it delivers quality images. This is because such cameras can be carried about easily thereby making the job easier.

Which is Lighter D5100 or T3i?

The D5100 is 10g (2%) lighter than the T3i. It weighs 560g while the T3i has a weighs 570g.

A camera’s weight matters. If you are engaged in photography that demands you moving to different locations or shooting for long periods at a stretch, then it is all the more important. A lighter camera would ease the burden when you go ahead shooting.

It is important to remember that the lenses used will increase the weight of these cameras. Apart from the lenses used, accessories that will be used such as the external flash and the rest must be equally considered.

Which is Newer D5100 or T3i?

The Nikon D5100 is just a month and some days older than the Canon T3i. Hence, there isn’t much advantage in this regard.

Newer cameras usually enjoy the advantage of technological advancements over older cameras.

Unique Pros – Canon T3i

Which has Higher Sensor Resolution T3i or D5100?

The T3i has a better sensor resolution than the D5100. It boasts 18.0 megapixels while the Nikon D5100 has just 16.1 megapixels.

Due to the difference in these sensors’ resolutions, the pixel pitches of these cameras are different. The D5100 has a pixel pitch of 4.31µm, while the T3i has a pixel pitch of 4.80µm.  

A camera’s sensor resolution is the sensor’s sensitivity and ability to capture details thereby producing well-detailed quality images. Hence, a higher sensor resolution will produce an image that is better detailed than one produced by a lower sensor resolution.

Despite the major role which the sensor resolution plays in the final resolution of an image, other factors influence it as well. These include pixel size, sensor technology, anti-aliasing filter, and the optical elements used.

Which has a Higher Screen Resolution T3i or D5100?

The T3i has a higher screen resolution than the D5100 even though both cameras have the same screen size. It can effectively render 1,040,000 dots while the D5100 offers 921,000 dots screen resolution: That is about 119,000 dots difference.

A camera’s screen resolution is a measure of its screen’s ability to efficiently display and render a certain amount of details. A higher screen resolution will produce images that are better detailed on the screen than a lower screen resolution.

Which has a Higher Viewfinder Magnification T3i or D5100?

The T3i has a higher viewfinder magnification than the D5100. It has a value of 0.53x, while the Nikon D5100 has a viewfinder magnification of 0.51x.

This means the viewfinder of the Canon T3i will produce bolder images than the D5100.

Which has More Video Formats T3i or D5100?

The T3i has more video formats than the D5100 although both possess the same maximum video resolution. It can shoot in MPEG-4 and H.264, whereas the Nikon D5100 shots only in MPEG-4 format.

Which has a Longer Flash Coverage T3i or D5100?

The T3i has a longer flash coverage than the D5100. It has a flash coverage of 13m while the Nikon D5100’s flash can cover 12m.

The longer the flash coverage the more subjects and area a camera’s flash can illuminate.

More Available Lenses

The T3i has more available lenses than the D5100. It can make use of 319 native lenses and 107 optical stabilization lenses. Whereas, the Nikon D5100 has 304 native lenses and 101 optical stabilization lenses available for use.

We mentioned earlier that the lens mounts used for these cameras allow them to make use of a certain number of lenses. Since both cameras make use of different lens mounts which we’ve discussed already, the lens mount of the Canon T3i allows it to make use of more lens than the Nikon D5100.

The type of lenses used by these cameras include standard zoom, standard prime, wide-angle zoom, wide-angle prime, telephoto prime, telephoto zoom, superzoom, wide-angle fisheye prime, macro prime, perspective control prime, and telephoto mirror prime

Which is Cheaper T3i or D5100?

The T3i is 20% cheaper than the D5100 when we compare their launch prices.

Ultimately, the price of the camera is the final determining factor that one considers when purchasing a camera. Everyone loves to make a good deal so we opt for a camera that delivers on the goods but is also mild on our pockets.

Unique Cons – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Unique Cons – Nikon D5100

i. It lacks a flash sync port.

Unique Cons – Canon T3i

i. It cannot create time-lapse videos.

ii. It does not have HDR mode.

iii. It does not support UHS cards.

These 7 cool DSLR tricks below will improve your image quality.

Common Pros – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Common Cons – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i

Check out these other interesting comparison articles below:

Nikon D90 vs Canon 700D – In-depth Comparison

Nikon D3100 vs Canon 1000D – Which Should You Go For?

Nikon D3100 vs Canon 450D – Which Is Better For You?

Nikon D3200 vs Canon 650D – Extensive Comparison

Nikon D3200 vs D60 – In-depth Comparison

Nikon D5200 vs Canon 70D – Which Should You Go For?

General Feeling Among Users – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i (Canon 600D)

Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i – FAQs

Is the Nikon D5100 waterproof?

The Nikon D5100 is not waterproof. This means you cannot use it underwater or immerse it in water without damaging it. If water gets into it, the internal mechanism might cause irreparable damage.

The D5100 is not weather-sealed either. Hence, it is not the best camera for shooting in rainy, dusty, and snowy conditions. The absence of this weather-sealing feature is common with amateur DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D5100.

If you must use the D5100 under the rain or underwater, we recommend you get a protective weatherproof case.

Is Canon T6 better than T3i?

The Canon T6 is not better than the T3i and vice versa. Both cameras have the same 17.9 megapixels sensor resolution. Their video recording ability is the same with a maximum video recording of 1080/30p.

These cameras are not entirely the same, but they have the same number of advantages over each other. The table below reveals the differences between the T6 and the T3i:

Can you put a Canon lens on a Nikon?

You cannot put a Canon lens on a Nikon DSLR camera. This is because the distance between the sensor (focal plane) and the lens flange is longer in Nikon cameras than in Canon cameras.

The distance of the flange focal is 46.5mm in Nikon cameras whereas the EF mount from Canon is just 44mm.

Nikon lenses, on the other hand, can be used on Canon DSLR cameras. However, this is only possible if you use a Nikon to Canon lens adapter.

Is Canon T3i good for video?

The Canon T3i is good for video as far as amateur DSLR cameras are concerned. It is capable of delivering high-quality full HD (1920x 1080) video.

The T3i is equipped to record mono sound while shooting video thanks to its built-in microphone. Furthermore, it can support the use of an external microphone to allow stereo recording.

The video recording limit of the Canon T3i is 29 minutes and 59 seconds or 4GB size per clip. When a video is recorded at 1080HD, the camera will only record for 11 minutes maximum. When this limit is reached, the T3i stops recording automatically.

How do I manually focus my Canon T3i?

The steps below will guide you on how to manually focus your Canon T3i:

i. Set the lens to manual focus position.

ii. Activate live view. When you do this, a rectangle will appear on the screen. The rectangle is known as the magnification frame.

iii. Rotate the focusing ring of the lens. This action will allow you to set the approximate focus.

iv. Move the frame across your subject using the cross keys.

v. Enlarge the display by pressing the AF point selection button. You can further enlarge the display by pressing the button again.

vi. Alter the focus if necessary.

vii. When you are done, press the AF point selection button to go back to normal display.

Conclusion – Nikon D5100 vs Canon T3i