i have owned my t2i (very similar to the t3i) for more than a year, and have never regretted the purchase. i upgraded from an old canon a620, which was a nicer point-and-shoot to the t2i and the learning curve isn't bad. if you enjoy photography and want to move into a 'real' camera, the t3i is a great place to start.

Sparkstalker wrote:I just upgraded from an XTi to a T4i about a month ago. A couple of thoughts:

The 18-55 IS lens, while not STM, is still a good basic lens for photography. If you want an STM lens, the 40mm pancake is very affordable ($199), and I recommend it. It's great for both photo and video.

The touchscreen, while seeming gimmicky at first, is actually really, really useful. My first inclination was to disable it, but after actually using it, it's a brilliant addition, especially when shooting in live view from a low or high angle.

Finally - the big selling point for me over the T3i and the 60D is the improved live view focusing. I compared it with my cousin's 60D (which is the same as the T3i CMOS), and the T4i wins hands down.

I was looking at the video autofocusing. Is it any good? While recording too? Does it seem to use all the focal points? Is it compatible with Bacon? I was going for a 7D, but this may be the way to go...

chrysops wrote:i have owned my t2i (very similar to the t3i) for more than a year, and have never regretted the purchase. i upgraded from an old canon a620, which was a nicer point-and-shoot to the t2i and the learning curve isn't bad. if you enjoy photography and want to move into a 'real' camera, the t3i is a great place to start.

I was going to post the same thing. I love my T2i. It's a great entry-level DSLR and is almost exactly the same as the T3i, just without the movable LCD screen. I got mine last December and it only took me a few weeks to start tweaking aperture and ISO settings to produce some great shots.

Canon makes great cameras, you can't go wrong with any of these choices.

I have been trying for the last few weeks to decide between the Canon T3i and the Nikon D5100. I found this review compairing the two and still can't decide http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T3i_600D_vs_Nikon_D5100_comparison/. Does anyone here have experience with with what one would be better for a first time DSLR user?

A note to those "in the gym" shooters wanting magazine cover shots of of Jenny or Johny scoring the winning basket. You need a better lens than the one supplied, and it will cost a LOT more.

Note these specs:

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

See the "5.6?" That's the biggest the lens will open when zoomed out (where you will be spending most of the time).

At ISO 800 that gives you perhaps a 1/30th to 1/60th of a second shutter speed...too slow to stop action. Double the ISO to 1600 and get 1/125th of a second, still too slow. Double it again to 3200 and maybe, maybe sometimes you might get a shot at 1/250th, but image quality from the high ISO will suffer.

Don't know what these numbers mean and don't want to take time to buy a book and learn this stuff? Wait five years and things will get better.

Can't wait that long and still not willing to take the time to learn the basics? Too bad, so sad.

For outdoor shots, the lenses will be just fine, but you'll never quite understand why they don't work indoors and the shots are "blurry."

Ruger9mm wrote:I have been trying for the last few weeks to decide between the Canon T3i and the Nikon D5100. I found this review compairing the two and still can't decide http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T3i_600D_vs_Nikon_D5100_comparison/. Does anyone here have experience with with what one would be better for a first time DSLR user?

I ended up getting the D5100 from Sears this past week. They had a great deal on it....around $630 after discounts and using a Discover card for 10% cashback. Check slickdeals for the link.

Overall, think I made a good choice. I think the two are pretty much neck and neck. If you don't already have a lens collection, just pick a brand and roll with it...

I housed the T3 just for shooting some family and vaycays and such this spring... I've been perfectly happy with it. Take really nice photos. The video quality is solid too.

Here's an album of San Diego i took with the T3:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3352652809958.140020.1078026481&type=3&l=7c59996876

Does anyone know much about the Nikon D3200 which is 24.3 MP. At Best Buy for $699.

drunkenalien wrote:Hmmm
Find the T4i for less in several places, although not from as well known websites.

$819, $0 S&H


$759, Unknown S&H


Question is, do you go for a well known supplier like woot or others, or do you save a few buck to a lesser known website.

Buying from Woot you risk not being able to return the camera if you don't like it. You're pretty much stuck with it unless it's defective...

T3 package price is a good deal on a great camera (I bought one a few weeks ago) - can't speak for the other models.

Ruger9mm wrote:I have been trying for the last few weeks to decide between the Canon T3i and the Nikon D5100. I found this review compairing the two and still can't decide http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T3i_600D_vs_Nikon_D5100_comparison/. Does anyone here have experience with with what one would be better for a first time DSLR user?

Earlier this year I had the same question and went with the T3i. They are both good first time DSLR cameras. The only reason I went with the Canon is at the time I found a better deal on it. Keep in mind that if you choose a Canon, you will most likely be a Canon user for the rest of your life. Same holds true for Nikon. Lenses are expensive so once you start your collection you will want to stick with your choice.


If I was going to buy my first DSLR from Woot today I would choose the T3 or the T3i. The extra money for the T4i in my opinion is not worth it for a beginner. I would put the extra money towards a camera bag, lens filters,a flash or an extra lens. I could also put the extra towards a class or two so I could make the most of the camera I just bought.

drunkenalien wrote:Hmmm
Find the T4i for less in several places, although not from as well known websites.

$819, $0 S&H


$759, Unknown S&H


Question is, do you go for a well known supplier like woot or others, or do you save a few buck to a lesser known website.

The first link 42nd St Photo is a real website for a real store. Not sure what their return policy is, but then again although a longtime wooter, woot return policy is no picnic either. If I was buying one, I would save $60 and buy from 42nd Street photo (first link).

I have an opportunity to buy these through the canon loyalty program for a lot less than what they are selling for at woot.

My question is: my last dSLR experience was with a Nikon D40x. That went with my ex husband in the divorce. I am currently using a Canon G12, so my feeling is that I would like to stick with Canon.

As someone who is just getting back in to dSLRs, do you think that i am best off going for (all with the basic lens kit):

T3i for $512
T2i for $448
T3 for $352

I prefer Nikon because the zoom feels more natural. With Canon, if you screw the lens toward whatever picture you're taking (righty tighty) as if the lens were a screw and you were driving it into the picture, it zooms out. With the Nikon, this is exactly the opposite, turning the lens right zooms in. However, with Nikon the way you attach and detach lenses is exactly opposite of what you'd think, right to loosen etc. That the zoom motion feels more natural is more important to me than how you attach/detach lenses. And that's why I prefer Nikon.

ongware wrote:I was looking at the video autofocusing. Is it any good? While recording too? Does it seem to use all the focal points? Is it compatible with Bacon? I was going for a 7D, but this may be the way to go...

If you're trying to compare a 7D and a Rebel you can't really. The 7D is leaps and bounds better than any Rebel for photography. 7D's are pretty much the last step in the Canon line before you hit the Mark II's and full-frame's.

Oh, and I've had a t4i for 2 months now and, no, the auto-focusing is not that great. The STM lenses are nice and quiet, but they're slow.

Costco has the t3 for $499 with a 32GB card http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11771198&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInCategory

Their t31 bundle is $949 - 2 lenses and card, and bag

For those deciding between the T3i and T3... the movable screen is worth a lot, IMO. Being able to shoot over stuff while tilting the screen down to compose is a life saver (this is often referred to as a "Hail Mary" shot). Also, if you think you're ever going to want to use the camera to shoot any sort of high-res video clips, the T3i will do a better job. If you just want great pictures, the T3 is plenty awesome.

For those on the fence between the T3i and T4i, one added benefit of the T4i is in-camera HDR processing. Basically, this takes multiple shots of one scene and combines the detail from each photo into one. This can make a huge difference in difficult lighting situations. A few images showing the difference are available on Canon's web site... click the bulletted section that starts with "Expand your creativity with..."

T4i full kit at BuyDig.com for $949 and you can buy the Canon Pixma Pro9000 Mk II for $400 (an awesome printer) and then mail in for a rebate...for $400. I'll take the $100 pro printer thanks!

I'm not sure on some of pricing from woot on these cameras. I'm finding lower prices form other online sites.

radi0j0hn wrote:A note to those "in the gym" shooters wanting magazine cover shots of of Jenny or Johny scoring the winning basket. You need a better lens than the one supplied, and it will cost a LOT more.

Note these specs:

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III

See the "5.6?" That's the biggest the lens will open when zoomed out (where you will be spending most of the time).

At ISO 800 that gives you perhaps a 1/30th to 1/60th of a second shutter speed...too slow to stop action. Double the ISO to 1600 and get 1/125th of a second, still too slow. Double it again to 3200 and maybe, maybe sometimes you might get a shot at 1/250th, but image quality from the high ISO will suffer.

Don't know what these numbers mean and don't want to take time to buy a book and learn this stuff? Wait five years and things will get better.

Can't wait that long and still not willing to take the time to learn the basics? Too bad, so sad.

For outdoor shots, the lenses will be just fine, but you'll never quite understand why they don't work indoors and the shots are "blurry."

LOL, did that make you feel better to get all that pent up condescension out?

wwaymanww wrote:Is that price including taxes?

Depends on where you live. Most states don't pay taxes to Woot but several do (they are owned by Amazon, so if you pay taxes on Amazon, you'll likely pay taxes to woot, too).

I think this is an earlier model...

I see Woot and PostSecret are now working together ... One of Today's secrets:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o5KNxCKEIXo/UDlgQS28elI/AAAAAAAAUug/BkW7mX0klTI/s1600/judge.jpg

I cant speak for the T4i, but the kit lenses that come with the T3 and T3i are complete crap, and I would bet this is true for the T4i as well. If you are serious about pics (and if you are spending over $500 on a camera I assume you are) just buy the body by itself and pitch in a little extra for decent glass. I'f go with the Canon 50mm 1.8 and the Canon L-Series 70-200 IS. That will cover all your bases for the causal shooter.

Ruger9mm wrote:I have been trying for the last few weeks to decide between the Canon T3i and the Nikon D5100. I found this review compairing the two and still can't decide http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T3i_600D_vs_Nikon_D5100_comparison/. Does anyone here have experience with with what one would be better for a first time DSLR user?

We were in the same boat a few months ago. We went with the Canon 3ti after a ton of research. We also went to a local brick and mortar and physically tried out both cameras. We felt more comfortable with the Canon, plus we found a great rebate deal.

I would definitely get to know terminology and the technology of dslr cameras, then compare what each offers, and if you can go to a local place to try each out. Finally, search online for the best deal.

since woot doesn't have a customer service number, and seems to not be open on sundays anyway....they lost my business cause I went to ebay and found a t3i for 600 with all the stuff included, plus an extra batttery and memory card....so screw you woot for not having customer service on sunday! lol

Canon and Nikon are the big boys of the DSLR industry and have the lion's share of the market.

For the most part on the entry-level market, the image stabilization systems for Canon and Nikon are in the lens.

There is a cult of users out there (including me) who are fans of Pentax where the IS system is in body, making lenses (theoretically) cheaper since you don't pay for IS for every single lens purchase. Plus Pentax lens mount has not changed in decades making nearly every lens from the 70/80s usable on new cameras.

You'll see dozens of these Canons at weekend kid's soccer games (my brother calls them the official camera of Soccer Moms) Very few buyers spend extra money for zoom or macro lenses.

I hope with new corporate owners that Pentax grabs more market share to end the blandness of the zombie Canon and Nikon markets.

hec24000 wrote:Costco has the t3 for $499 with a 32GB card http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11771198&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInCategory

Their t31 bundle is $949 - 2 lenses and card, and bag

Costco has the t3i bundle for $829.99 before tax on their website right now - there's a $150 off promotion at the moment. You have to put the item in the shopping cart and get almost to the final click to see the promotional discount actually applied. I was at a local Costco yesterday but didn't look at the cameras. Sometimes the price is higher or lower in the store vs. costco.com

I have owned many canon cameras (mostly film) and I have a large collection of compatible lenses. I have the original rebel that is still a great camera for me. What I need is a HD video device.

I don't understand the differences between these for video, and I was hoping someone could help me with the following:

Can it output to firewire, or someone be used as a HD streaming source?

Do they have mic input or can you only use the internal mic?

How are they for HD video? Can the T3 do the job? Most of what I shoot is well lit, so low light is not an issue.

Thanks.

locotodd wrote:Found the T3 for less. $389 no tax free shipping @ DAXmart.

http://daxmart.com/product.php?id_product=24

Found the item but seller has a less than stellar reputaion it seems.

Ruger9mm wrote:I have been trying for the last few weeks to decide between the Canon T3i and the Nikon D5100. I found this review compairing the two and still can't decide http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_Rebel_T3i_600D_vs_Nikon_D5100_comparison/. Does anyone here have experience with with what one would be better for a first time DSLR user?

I just watched both videos in the comparison review. Man, I thought I was confused before...

cownose wrote:I cant speak for the T4i, but the kit lenses that come with the T3 and T3i are complete crap, and I would bet this is true for the T4i as well. If you are serious about pics (and if you are spending over $500 on a camera I assume you are) just buy the body by itself and pitch in a little extra for decent glass. I'f go with the Canon 50mm 1.8 and the Canon L-Series 70-200 IS. That will cover all your bases for the causal shooter.

People rag on the kit lens, but these shots show that it's no slouch. It's real virtue is that it's a cheap, light, go-everywhere lens that has respectable image quality. It's $150 new if you don't buy it as part of a camera kit. The cons? Yes, you'll need to trade off between using a flash or having very grainy pictures indoors or at night. It has some distortions, and it's not the sharpest lens ever. The autofocus is a bit slow and noisy. Build quality is not going to stand up to a warzone for long. Most beginning photographers will shoot with that lens for a year before they really understand its limitations and start to lust for something else.

Let's look at the possible replacements. The most likely replacement is the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. This is a $900 lens, and it is very sharp, and about 3x larger and far heavier than the kit lens. I own this lens, and it's great, but it's not 6x better ($900 vs $150) except in narrowly-defined ways. Depending on the focal length (zoom), it lets in between 50% (f/3.5 vs f/2.8) and 784% (f/5.6 vs. f/2.8) more light. Distortions are quite minor on this lens, and everything is pretty sharp.

The other alternatives are lenses like the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, which is $2,000. You will need a better camera body before you need that lens, and like the other alternatives, this lens doesn't cover the same zoom range as the kit lens, so it's not a total replacement.

tonespliff wrote:since woot doesn't have a customer service number, and seems to not be open on sundays anyway....they lost my business cause I went to ebay and found a t3i for 600 with all the stuff included, plus an extra batttery and memory card....so screw you woot for not having customer service on sunday! lol

I have no idea what you're talking about.....what did you think customer service was going to do, match an eBay price?

Good luck with eBay, you probably just bought a gray market camera with a knockoff SDHC card and a battery with fewer milliamps. And if you don't know what all that means or why it really matters, then you paid too much no matter how much you paid.

ghengis wrote:I have owned many canon cameras (mostly film) and I have a large collection of compatible lenses. I have the original rebel that is still a great camera for me. What I need is a HD video device.

I don't understand the differences between these for video, and I was hoping someone could help me with the following:

Can it output to firewire, or someone be used as a HD streaming source?

Do they have mic input or can you only use the internal mic?

How are they for HD video? Can the T3 do the job? Most of what I shoot is well lit, so low light is not an issue.

Thanks.

The T3 is very limited on video capabilities. The T3i and T4i are virtually identical.

There's no firewire, only A/V out (composite video/audio) and HDMI out (HD quality video audio).

You CAN use it as an HD streaming source, but you'll need to get a converter box. Blackmagic Design is a pro video company that builds A/V converters, and one of them will let you ingest HDMI and pump video out via USB 3.0 to your laptop. So if you're using something like Flash Media Encoder to go out to your video server as F4V or H.264 then you've got a decent video streaming capable camera here.

Be aware that the audio on these things is notoriously awful. It has a mic input but it's still gonna be bad audio due to the low quality preamps and the auto gain (there's no volume level knob on the camera).

I know a LOT of professional videographers who are shooting wedding videos and other projects on the T3i these days. I'd really never want to do that, but it is possible if you create the proper rig (handheld cage, shotgun mic and external audio recorder). As far as the video quality itself, it's not bad...better than most, but not as good as most true professional camcorders.

jstjred wrote:Keep in mind that if you are adjusting ISO to faster speeds (increased light sensitivity) you are also (likely) degrading the picture quality. Anything over 800 puts a lot of grain/noise in the picture. It is more sensitive, yes, but (like with the older film camera) reaction speed and quality are often inverse functions. Fine enough if you are really hurting for light, or the subject is wicked fast, but really you are better off getting a better f/stop range (wider open, lets more light in) if you are willing to drop the depth of field sightly. Then adjust the shutter speed accordingly. (Or set the desired priority, and let the camera balance it for you.)

(And you can get a lower(wider) f/stop based on a lens, which would go great with any of these cameras. And the great thing about Canon is they have (or used to have) a cheap little fixed focal 50mm f/1.8 for a hundred bucks (which is a great intro to a wide open aperture lens. Hard to find low f/stops for decent prices) You could also go for a slightly better one that is harder to find that is 50mm f/1.4 for $300. Not sure current pricing...I got mine about six or seven years ago.

Yep, I totally agree with you there. But I've only considered high ISO on extreme conditions (which may be useful). I usually stay under the 400 ISO as much as I can.

I also have the 50mm f/1.8 prime (aka nifty fifty) and it's a must have for those who take portraits, close ups, and low lighting.

If your already shelling out 650 for the t3i why not pay 80 more and get all this extra stuff? I know some of it is crap but extra battery, sd card, and bag would be worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T3i-Kit/dp/B0062MYUXS/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1346003593&sr=1-9&keywords=canon+t3i

Opinions?

ghengis wrote:
Do they have mic input or can you only use the internal mic?

They do have capability for an external mic. And nothing I've read says anything about firewire. Can't answer the other question.

We own one of these already. Not a DSLR expert, but familiar enough. There are 2+1 major brands in this area. Canon/Nikon are the bigs, Pentax is sort of the little camera that wants to be a big boy.

The big investments are lenses. Once you start spending money on those, you're sort of locked into your chosen brand.

Very pleased with our Canon model. Even if you know little to nothing about photography, you'll find that at least some of your pictures turn out AMAZING, like professional photog amazing. It's fun. We end up with a lot of crappy pics but a good number of outstanding ones, too. If you have kids that aren't uggos, you'll never regret buying a good DSLR.

Here's a t3i plus a printer on e-bay for $899 with a $400 rebate, making it just $499!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130729634819

Seller has very positive feedback.

steve6611 wrote:Here's a t3i plus a printer on e-bay for $899 with a $400 rebate, making it just $499!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/130729634819

Seller has very positive feedback.

I was wondering about that one myself.