• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 675.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon T3i advantages over Nikon L820

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.30 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    9 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon L820 advantages over Canon T3i

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 3.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Good grip; Full HD video recording; Swiveling LCD; Very fast autofocus; HDMI output.

  • Slow frame rate for sports shooting; Tendency to overexpose in bright sunlight; Live View AF is slow; No microfocus adjustment.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7000

Canon T3i
Nikon D7000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Nikon L820
Nikon D7000
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Pentax K-5

Canon T3i
Pentax K-5
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon L820
Pentax K-5
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon L810

Canon T3i
Nikon L810
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon L820
Nikon L810
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T3i
Canon T4i
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
Nikon L820
Canon T4i
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Fujifilm S8600

Canon T3i
Fujifilm S8600
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Nikon L820
Fujifilm S8600
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
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