When I got my first digital SLR, it was actually the first Canon Rebel camera for beginners. It was the 300D, the year was 2003.
There was something really interesting I noticed fairly early in my DSLR experience. Here it is — when you have a digital SLR camera with that big ol’ lens, people naturally think you are a better photographer than someone who has a point and shoot.
So I have come up with a neat concept about the T3i (or T3) as a Canon Rebel Camera for Beginners.
Are you ready for this?
The Canon Rebel Camera will make you look like a photographer as you learn to be one.
So, the Canon Rebel has always been a good camera to learn with, but now even more so. The camera software is highly developed and is, in fact, awesome!
But in addition to that, there is the Feature Guide. This is something that is brilliant. When you change one of the settings, the Feature Guide will tell you what the camera will do on that setting. This makes it so much easier than in the old days (last year LOL) when you had to memorize the settings, or carry the manual around with you, or just plain experiment.
Of course, there are some things that the Feature Guide does not tell you. For example, it is possible to set your lens on Manual focus and not know it. You may be wondering why your pictures are all blurry.
This actually happened to a friend. So she calls, frantic, thinking she has broken the camera. It turns out that when she was at a party, she had loaned the Rebel T3i to someone she claimed was a professional. Perhaps he was a pro, because he was using manual focus. The bottom line is, that problem did not show up anywhere in the Feature Guide. I may just send Canon a little email about that.
One of the things you will want to do when you turn on your camera is check how your camera is set up. If you change the ISO or set the camera on the 10 second timer and forget you did that, you will be surprised at the results. Those things do not show up in the Feature Guide either UNLESS you change the setting. This is an important point. Even someone like me, who has been shooting with a Rebel for 8 years, can make silly mistakes like this.
Make a mental note to check your settings before you start shooting.
To recap, there are two things that make this Canon Rebel camera for beginners an excellent choice.
You look like a photographer with this camera in your hands.
The Feature Guide helps you to know what each setting does without memorizing or reading the camera manual.
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Get your very own Canon Rebel Camera (click on the link)
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Whether you want a Canon Rebel T3i or T3, you are looking in the right place. Both these digital SLR cameras for beginners are on the Top 5 Digital SLR for Beginners List.
Whether you choose a Canon Rebel T3 or T3i, you, too, can take family photos like this one.
When you are ready to buy your new Canon Rebel T3 or T3i, my personal recommendation is to get it online. There are a couple of reasons I recommend online shopping for things like cameras and other electronics.
First, you can order the exact camera you want, whether you want a Canon Rebel T3 or T3i (or even a Nikon D5100 – would you dare?). If you go to your local Best Buy or Walmart, yes, you will find lots of cameras, but you may not find the one you have decided on after all your research. Or, if you find it, you may have to settle for a “bundled deal” where you get stuff you really did not intend to buy.
Second, you save money by buying online in most cases. Even if the price is the same, you can save $30 or more on a $500 dollar Canon Rebel T3 just because you don’t have to pay the sales tax.
Third, you will usually get an excellent return policy with your purchase. And this is the reason I use Amazon almost exclusively. They take back ANYTHING without any hassle for a period of 30 days, and there is no return fee. This is really nice if you are not absolutely positive that the Canon Rebel T3 or T3i (or that Nikon D5100) is right for you. This means you can try out your new camera for a few weeks before making the final decision. This is really a sweet way to shop.
Fourth, with many of the things from Amazon, you get free shipping. This is true with quite a few of the online stores when you buy high ticket items like digital cameras. However, with Amazon, you can take this free shipping advantage to a whole new level. Purchase an Amazon Prime membership for $79 a year, and everything you buy will be free shipping, as long as it is in the “Prime” program (and most products have at least one choice that is a “Prime” choice).
Warning!! Not all Amazon deals are created equal. There are plenty of horror stories from Amazon customers about their shopping experience, so you really have to familiarize yourself with the process and the products. Amazon allows many vendors to sell on their site, and some of them are not as ethical as we all would hope. And, by the way, this is why I recommend Amazon Prime for your online purchases. Remember, with “Prime” you get free shipping and returns, so when you are not satisfied, just send the product back.
You will notice that there is a button to go to “other sellers” when you click either the Canon Rebel T3 or T3i link. Most of these sellers are fantastic, however, there may be an unscrupulous one or two sprinkled into that group. Another thing to be watchful for in this “others” group is the shipping charges, and, of course, they will probably not be “Prime” shippers, which means that if you are a Prime customer, the shipping charges are not deferred.
Buying on Amazon can always be a great deal, but if you happen to skip through the process without checking all the details of your purchase, you could be surprised at the results. Take your time and you will avoid disappointing sales experiences.
Make sure you check the product reviews before you “Add to Cart”. Disgruntled customers will usually post reviews when they think they got a bad deal. These can be a big help letting you know when to avoid a product. However, if there are an overwhelming number of folks who love the product, and it came with great customer service, one unhappy customer does should not necessarily be a deal killer… just proceed with caution.
Best Canon Rebel Vacation Lens for Canon EOS Rebel T3i
What Is A Vacation Lens?
The easy definition for a Canon Rebel vacation lens is that it is a lens that you attach to your Canon Digital Rebel when you go on vacation. Many photographers interchange the term “walk around” lens with vacation lens. Simple, huh?
Some of the qualities you want in your Rebel vacation lens are:
Takes great photos.
Takes a wide range of photos, from close-ups to wide angle landscapes, and everything in between.
Not too heavy so that it is easy to tote around for most of the day.
Compatible with your Canon Rebel’s image sensor.
Will not break the bank so you have to cancel your vacation.
Truth is that you will get an argument when you bring up this subject in photography circles, and especially on photography forums. The argument will be about which lens is bested suited for a vacation lens. And, quite honestly, it is a good subject to discuss as to the virtues of different lenses. However, when considering a Canon Rebel, we must narrow the playing field a bit, because we are probably not in the $1000 price range. If we were, we would be talking about a different (higher level) DSLR.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a couple of options.
Sigma 18-250mm – A Super Canon Rebel Vacation Lens
Sigma has been producing quality add-ons for Canon, Nikon, and other digital cameras. The 18-250mm is one of Sigma’s newest “all around” lenses. It is a true “all around” or vacation lens in terms of attaching it to your Canon Rebel and not having to change lenses for certain shots. The Sigma has the wide angle needed for landscapes or cityscapes, as well as the telephoto zoom of 250mm, enough to get those great nature photos. Sigma has a great reputation for giving the buyer great quality at great prices. This lens seems to be no exception.
Here is a short description from the folks at Sigma:
The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates Sigma’s original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. As opposed to having an anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens’s Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provides not only an anti-shake function for the camera body, but also compensates for image shaking in the view finder as the Optical Stabilizer is built in to the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi-layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.
I personally own this lens, so I am partial to it. I purchased the Sigma 18-250 just to try it out. I bought it from Amazon, knowing that if I did not want to keep it, returning it would be very simple. And I truly expected to return it after trying it out.
However, my little Sigma 18-250mm lens is still with me, and I use it more than any other lens I own, simply because it is a great “walk around” or vacation lens. I keep trying to find something wrong with it. I have found that it takes really good pictures, some of which I am displaying below. If I could name one thing I wish were different about it, I would say that the largest aperture could be f/2.8, and I would be happy. That being said, though, if the aperture was f/2.8, it would have cost way more than I could have afforded. So, bottom line – you get what you can pay for. In this case I got a very nice lens that I can keep on my camera when traveling about and not have to worry if I have “the right” lens attached.
Example Photos from Sigma 18-250mm
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
Tamron is another manufacturer that makes some quality lenses for the Canon Rebel. Again, you will save a little money buying an off brand rather than a Canon lens.
The Tamron 28-75mm lens was my very first “walk around” lens. I spent many hours agonizing over the purchase of this little beauty. I can tell you I was not disappointed in the least. Image quality is superb. In addition, it has the coveted f/2.8 wide open aperture, which is constant throughout the zoom range. All in all, it is an excellent choice as a walk around lens.
With regard to telephoto range, you can tell from the numbers that it does not have as wide or as long a range as the Sigma lens mentioned above. However, it is much better in low light because of the f/2.8, and it costs a bit less.
You can take very nice portraits. You can capture pretty good close-ups, but they will not be as close up as with a dedicated macro lens. You get pretty good landscapes. It is a bit short on range at only 75mm. But all that being said, this is a lens worthy of consideration as you weigh your needs against your budget.
Taken at night without a flash
Young photograher practicing with her Rebel Vacation Lens, a Tamron 28-75mm
Tamron 28-75mm Lens Review
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM AF Lens
The Canon 28-135mm is Canon’s second “kit” lens. It is sold with some of the DSLR’s instead of the 18-55mm lens. It is a solid performer, and it will give you much more longer focal range thatn the 18-55 lens, although is comes up a bit shy of the 18mm wide focal length of the 18-55mm kit lens. Image Stabilization is also a plus. And, of course, the Canon name lends itself to confidence that you are getting quality. (although not every Canon lens is created the same, some are not highly rated). This is a nice all around lens at an affordable price for your Canon Rebel DSLR. It sells for about $400.
One thing to consider when buying a Canon Rebel is to get an upgraded lens rather than the kit lens that is sold with most Rebels. You are not obligated to purchase the kit lens.
I do not own this one . But according to the ratings, it is an excellent performer for the price. It has decent speed at f/3.5, but it does not hold that aperture throughout the zoom range. That means that you will need more natural light when you zoom to 135mm. Of course, it does have image stabilization which is a plus for taking sharp photos.
This review was posted by a happy owner on the Canon USA web site (see all of the Canon Rebel T3i):
I had been using a point and shoot camera sense 2007 it did a good job for taking snapshots at a close range but my son started competing in bodybuilding all so I have been becoming more enthusiastic about taking better pictures and my point and shoot had a lot of wash out when taking pictures of my son on stage so I did a lot of research on cameras trying to find what I would need to take good quality pictures and would last me into the future. I am very glad I chose this one it can be used just like a point and shoot which was what I’m use to using I was able to pick this camera up and take very good shots right away I found the menus on the camera to be easy to follow and understand I started with Basic shooting and I have been able to learn advance shooting I believe this is because I can understand the menu’s on the camera images I shoot of my son on stage are very good very clear. No washout. It’s my understanding many cameras can have a lot of noise when shooting at 1600 ISO or higher photos I take are pretty clean. so if you are using a cheaper camera and would like to have better quality camera I highly recommend this camera I believe it to be good if you are a beginner like me it is very simple to shoot you can work it just like a point and shoot if you are more advance in photography I believe it has the advanced features to meet your needs . I believe it’s good for both beginners and advanced shooters.
The Canon Rebel T3i and T3 both use a Canon LP-E8 battery pack. It is good for about 440 pictures of normal use or 200 pictures when using Live View before it needs to be recharged. Keeping a spare battery on hand is an excellent idea so you are not stuck in the middle of a shooting opportunity without battery power.
Recharging A Rebel T3i Battery
There are two types of battery charges that may ship with your Canon Rebel T3i, model LC-E8 and model LC-E8E. The only difference is that one has a flip-out electrical plug and the other has a regular cord attached to the recharging unit.
When the battery needs to be recharged, simply insert it into your recharging unit and plug it into the electrical outlet. If you happen to be in Europe, make sure you have the proper adapter and your unit will work perfectly.
Recharging takes about 2 hours.
Checking the Canon Rebel T3i Battery Level
The image below shows where to find the “battery level indicator” on the LCD screen. The legend shows the four battery level indicator icons.
Tips For Battery Use
Always make sure you have a fully charged battery and a back-up when you are planning a photo shoot. It is best to plan ahead and charge your batteries the night before.
When not using the camera for a period of time, you can remove the battery from the camera to prolong the charge. Even when the camera is not being used, there may be a small amount of power current being released. Store the battery in its protective cover.
After disconnecting the charger from the power source, do not touch the plug for several seconds. It may be hot.
Use second party batteries and chargers at your own risk. Canon products are dedicated to a single use. Other products could possibly cause malfunctions in your equipment.
Battery Grip BG-E8 for Canon Rebel T3i
Canon BG-E8 Battery Grip
A Canon BG-E8 battery grip can be very handy for the Rebel T3i in several ways.
First, there is the size issue. Many photographers like the feel of a larger camera. The battery grip adds a professional feel and look to your Rebel.
Second, the battery grip extends the effective time of use without having to change batteries. Since there are two batteries in the grip, it doubles the number of photos or video you can take.
Third, the grip has controls that make taking portrait oriented shots much easier.
As a final note, you can use AA batteries in the BG-E8 grip if you are in a pinch and run out of real “Canon battery juice.” At least one comment referred to having his video shoot saved with this benefit.
This is my personal Canon Rebel T3i (600D) with a Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens. Sweet!
If you ask photographers which lenses they favor above all others, you will likely hear that their Canon 50mm lens is their favorite, or at least it is in the top 2 or 3 lenses in their arsenal. So what about beginning digital SLR photographers? Why can’t we get the Canon Rebel T3i and 50mm f/1.4 lens?
Actually, it is not a bad idea at all. The Canon 50mm f/1.4 is a truly amazing lens. And even though you may think it has limitations, being only a single focal length lens, you would be surprised at the number of uses photographers find for it.
What makes the Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens so good?
Image quality has to be tops on the list of benefits of a good 50mm lens. On a personal note, I broke my Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens. It was a sad day indeed. Even sadder than the day I dropped my 50mm f/1.8 and shattered the lens casing. The sadness is because the f/1.4 lens costs four times as much. I have several other lenses, but none is as good as that f/1.4. I actually suffered withdrawals. (Good news, though. I got it repaired, and it is as good or better than new.).
The second reason the Canon 50mm f/1.4 is so good is aperture. At f/1.4, the lens is reportedly soft, but add a couple of stops to f/2.0 and you have a tack-sharp photo every time. At any aperture of f/2.8 or wider, you will be adding lots of low-light photo opportunities that you could not have with another lens.
The third reason is price. Looking at the price from the standpoint of a Canon 50mm f/1.2L lens at nearly $1600, you will be getting practically the same benefits for about 1/4 the cost.
Use your Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens for portraits, close-ups, action sports, landscapes, night photography, street journalism.. Only your imagination can limit its uses.
What about a Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens on a Canon Rebel T3i?
There are no limits for lens choice on your Canon Rebel T3i.. NONE. You can use this lens with the pros and with the beginners. Go ahead and get one just to try it out. Almost any reputable sales facility will allow you to return it if you are dissatisfied. But the guarantee is that you will be satisfied.
Colby – shot with a Canon Rebel T3i and Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 400, aperture f/2.0, shutter speed 1/60, no flash). You can tell how sharp this image is at f/2.0. Of course, being a doxy, his nose is slightly out of focus, but that is another beautiful thing about this lens when used for portraits. See how the background has a nice blur to it? Bokeh, Baby!
Buying a new Canon digital SLR camera creates some interesting choices. One of them is for those who are either just starting in DSLR photography or those who are upgrading from other “entry-level” DSLRs.
In this article, we will consider the differences and similarities of the Canon T3i vs 60D.
Price Break on Canon 60D and Rebel T3i At B & H Photo
These are Canon’s newest offerings in the digital SLR market. The T3i is a legitimate contender in the entry level arena, but for just a couple hundred dollars more, you can get the 60D. So, it is a comparison worthy of consideration.
In the table below, you will see that there are more Highlights on the 60D side, but you would expect that if the product is going to cost more. However, before jumping to conclusions, examine the table, then let’s meet on the other side.
Just a couple of things to point out that may sway one’s decision.
First, notice that the sensor and processor are the same. This simply means that you will get the same image size and quality from both cameras. This actually is a HUGE plus for the T3i.
Video is also the same… another plus for the Rebel.
Both cameras offer similar creative options such as Soft Focus, Grainy Black and White, and a few others.. again similar.
The areas that give the 60D its edge are not as obvious to a first-time buyer, but they may be significant and therefore worth mentioning.
First, the controls of the 60D make settings a bit easier. There is a wheel on the rear of the body rather than the 4 selection buttons on the T3i. The selection wheel has more functionality. And then there are a few more buttons on top of the camera that make accessing some of your settings easier. There is no LCD settings display window at the top of the T3i as there is on the top of the 60D. This is another clear advantage for the 60D.
Canon T3i has No LCD Settings display on top of the camera body
Canon 60D has an LCD display for settings on top of the camera body Plus more settings buttons
Second, the continuous shooting in frames per second on the 60D is about 50% faster. If you are planning to shoot lots of action, the 60D has a major advantage. And along the same line, the shutter speed goes up to 1/8000 sec on the 60D.
Third, battery life on the 60D is rated more than double that of the T3i. Of course, a battery grip is available for both to extend useful shooting time, but this is an added cost.
The Canon T3i vs 60D decision is not an easy one, unless one of these feature differences is a deal-maker for you.
Hopefully, this information will make your decision easier. It is always good to know how your camera is going to fit your needs before making the purchase. Shopping smarter saves time and money.
Side-by-side video with a Canon Rebel T3i VS Canon 60D
Canon has a new external flash to accompany the new Canon Rebel T3i/600D. Keeping in line with the creative software additions to the T3i, the new Speedlite has some added functionality that has not been available on previous Canon Rebel Cameras.
A couple of things to note here:
Part of the technology of the Canon Speedlite 320ex includes a new LED light that can be used when the T3i is in video mode. This is a first for Canon DSLR camera flashes.
The Speedlite 320EX can be used to fire your Canon Rebel T3i remotely (from the flash unit), and it even has a delay so you can make sure your flash is correctly positioned.
Wireless Flash For Your T3i/600D With The Canon Speedlite 320ex
Setting up your Canon Speedlite 320ex is very "easy".
The Rebel T3i’s Easy Wireless mode makes controlling compatible Speedlites using the pop-up flash quite simple. Once the Speedlite is set to slave mode and the same channel as your Rebel, you can adjust the flashgun output using the in-camera flash exposure compensation feature.
Custom wireless mode provides even more control over the flash. It is possible to set the pop-up flash to not fire when the slave fires. You can even changes the lighting ratio between the two flash units (the pop-up and the Speedlite). This kind of control has not been available on any previous entry-level models.
From Canon about the Canon Speedlite 320ex
In a first for Canon Speedlites, the versatile new Speedlite 320EX features an LED light on the front of the flash body that can be used to illuminate nearby subjects in dim light. The light is ideal for video recording but can also be used as a modeling light or as an AF assist beam during Live View shooting. When used with EOS DSLRs that have integrated Speedlite transmitters, the Speedlite 320EX can be used as a wireless slave unit positioned off-camera. A flash release function further facilitates wireless flash shooting by enabling the shutter to be released remotely from the Speedlite 320EX with a two-second delay, which gives the photographer time to re-aim the flash if necessary. The Speedlite 320EX combines rich bounce functionality with high performance, ensuring smooth, professional-looking results.
Built-in LED light can be used to illuminate nearby subjects in dim light -
Versatile vertical and horizontal bounce capability provides an extended range of possible lighting effects.
Flash release function triggers the camera wirelessly from the flash on a 2-second delay,
Wireless Slave function supports three groups and four channels, allowing the flash to be positioned off-camera.
Flash coverage switched by extending or retracting flash head, with Normal (24mm full-frame equivalent, max. Guide No. 79 ft./24m at ISO 100)
Allows the flash to be repositioned to illuminate the subject.
Especially useful when shooting video, as a modeling light or as an AF assist beam,
Providing up to four hours of continuous lighting with fully charged AA batteries.
Tele (50mm full-frame equivalent, max. Guide No. 105 ft./32m at ISO 100) settings.
Power Source
1) Four size-AA/LR6 alkaline batteries are used. Ni-MH or lithium batteries can also be used.
2) This Speedlite is equipped with a power-saving function that turns off the power after 90 seconds if no operations are made.
Recycling Time
1) Normal flash: Approx. 0.1 – 2.3 sec.
2) Quick flash: Approx. 0.1 – 1.8 sec.
Think about this.. A Canon Rebel T3 or T3i can make you LOOK like a photographer while you become one.
It’s true. If you are carrying a digital SLR, even one of the beginner models like the Rebel T3i, people see the “professional” gear and assume that you are one. It’s WAY cool!
Check this out..These are comments from REALLY happy Canon Rebel T3 owners. This could be you!
“I purchased this camera a few days ago and I’ve had nothing but FUN with it!”
“I was able to unpack the contents & begin shooting good pictures IMMEDIATELY”
“I decided on the Canon T3 mostly because of the affordable price. (Nearly 1/2 of the T3i) I felt like I was getting a very good value for my money. I was right!”
(you can see more quotes from happy Canon Rebel T3 owners here – by the way, it is the most liked digital SLR in the beginners’ category)
There are two Canon Rebel cameras with T3 in their name. That’s what this article is all about.
First, here is the story behind the Rebel line as it stands today.
The Canon Rebel T3i (600D) is an upgrade of the very popular T2i (550D), but there was not a Rebel T2. Instead, the Canon Rebel T3 (aka Rebel 1100D) is actually an upgrade of the Canon Rebel XS (aka Rebel 1000D) which was released in 2008 alongside the Canon Rebel XSi (450D). So there have been three upgrades to the “i” series, but this is the first upgrade to the non-i models.
Canon’s goal for the T3 is to offer the camera public a bare-bones digital SLR. It is an alternative to a high-end point and shoot camera.
The one major advantage of a digital SLR over a point and shoot is the sensor size, and this is what you get in the T3. It is difficult for any point and shoot camera to out-perform a digital SLR in terms of image quality simply because of the much larger sensor in the DSLR.
So, here is the question of the day, “What is my reason for buying my first Digital SLR?”
If the answer is to get better pictures, you will accomplish that with either of these cameras, and you can save yourself about $250 by going with the Rebel T3. But if you want to have more power and control, along with more mega-pixels, then the T3i may be the right choice for you (or even the Canon 60D).
So just how do they stack up when one sets out to compare a Canon Rebel T3i vs T3?
So perhaps it would be more appropriate to compare the Rebel T3 to the XS, but because buyers will be interested in buying a newer model with the release of two Rebel cameras, this review will be between the Canon Rebel T3i vs T3.
Just one more thought… if saving money is at the top of your list, you may want to consider getting the Rebel T2i or even the T1i instead of the T3. This is especially true if the number of megapixels and video are important to you.. Just sayin..
Now for the Canon Rebel T3i vs T3 comparison.
Seeing a side-by-side comparison may be more helpful than a description:
Rebel T3i
Rebel T3
The T3i has a Swivel LCD Screen
Canon Rebel T3 has a fixed 2.7" LCD screen
Image Sensor
18-MP CMOS
12.2-MP CMOS
Image Processor
DIGIC 4
DIGIC 4
ISO
100-6400
(expandable to 12800)
100-6400
LCD
3″ Swivel Screen
2.7″ Fixed Screen
Video
HD 1080p
Video Snapshot (2, 4, 8 sec clips stitched together)
3-10x Digital Zoom
HD 720p
Auto Focus
9-point Auto Focus
9-point Auto Focus
Metering Modes
TTL maximum aperture metering with 63-zone metering sensor
Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF points)
Partial metering (center, approx. 9% of viewfinder at center)
Spot metering (center, approx. 4% of viewfinder at center)
Center-weighted average metering
63-zone SPC TTL metering with selectable modes
Evaluative metering (linkable to all AF point)
Partial metering (approx. 10% of viewfinder at center)
Center-weighted average metering
Continuous Shooting
3.7 fps
up to 34 JPEG images or 6 RAW images
3.0 fps
up to 3 JPEG images or 2 RAW images
Flash
Pop-up Flash Plus Hot shoe for flash attachment and Wireless multi-flash unit control
Pop-up Flash Plus Hot shoe for flash attachment
Compatible Lenses
Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses
(35mm-equivalent focal length is approx.1.6x the lens focal length)
Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses
(35mm-equivalent focal length is approx.1.6x the lens focal length)
Both cameras come with the new Creative settings, including Basic + and Creative Intelligent Auto to help new photographers take the best possible images right out of the box.
Both also include the new Feature Guide that gives short descriptions of the setting in the LCD screen, a huge plus for new camera owners.
There are some very obvious advantages for the Canon Rebel T3i, with the exception of price.
What are the Deal Busters?
Articulating LCD Screen – great for video and photos from weird angles.
Continuous Shooting – if you plan to shoot sports, the T3 will not be a good choice with only 3 frames in the buffer.
Video Snapshot – a new feature that gives you another very creative option only in the T3i.
Image Sensor size – many will look at the difference here – 18-MP vs 12.2-MP and balk at the T3, but for new digital SLR photographers, 12-MP is plenty big enough for large prints.
Price – Saving $300 could get you a really nice extra lens, especially if the other features are not that important to you.
The Rebel T3 has a slightly better fan base than the Rebel T3i when considering user comments at Amazon and B&H Photo. User satisfaction rates at about 4.8 Stars VS 4.7 Stars for the Rebel T3i. Here are a couple of random comments.
From B&H Photo about the Canon Rebel T3
The EOS Rebel T3 is the perfect choice for the medium DSLR user. This is my first DSLR camera and I’m amazed how easy it is to use, even in manual mode. As for the quality of the pictures, it’s amazing how such an affordable camera delivers such high quality pictures. In overall, a great buy that will do the job for you!
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
This is another happy Canon Rebel T3 customer from Amazon
I purchased this camera a few days ago and I’ve had nothing but FUN with it! Aside from my simple Kodak Easyshare point and shoot, I had a Canon EOS Elan 7 (35mm) and had been wanting to switch it over to Digital for several years. The longer I waited, the better the camera’s got and more affordable they became.
I decided on the Canon T3 mostly because of the affordable price. (Nearly 1/2 of the T3i) I felt like I was getting a very good value for my money. I was right!
This camera takes amazing photo’s! Clear, crisp, true color.
It’s very easy to use, right out of the box.
Fit’s all my old lenses and the remote from the Elan 7
All the advanced manual settings I could want topped with the instant gratification of seeing how the settings affect the picture instantly.
This camera allows you to use live screen shooting which so many people like these days and it takes HD video.
The 12 megapixels is plenty even when enlarging OVER 11 x 14″.
For a lower end Canon DSLR, it’s a huge value for the money. This camera is an excellent choice for the hobbiest/enthusiast.
Why Buy Canon Rebel T3i As Your First Digital SLR?
You get a vari-angle LCD screen when you buy Canon Rebel T3i cameras
New digital SLR buyers are really getting their money’s worth with the newest Rebel from Canon. In fact, in one buyer’s statement about the reason she decided to buy Canon Rebel T3i, she mentioned her history with 3 former Canon digital cameras and how easy the transition was for her.
The step from point and shoot (especially PowerShot users) has just gotten so much easier. Some of the features that digital point and shoot users have come to love are now incorporated into the new Rebel.
For instance, there is now the Creative Filters option. With this feature, the photographer can make some very edgy changes right in the camera. No computer upload and post processing necessary at all. Think about how this would spice up a friendly gathering. You would be the life of the party very quickly as you added edits such as “black and white grainy” or “miniature” to a photo of your friends. Other adjustments you can add are “soft focus“, “toy camera“, and everyone’s favorite, “fish eye.” There is even a way to apply more or less of each filter.
Another thing that point and shoot owners will be familiar with is the Creative Auto setting. This is a mode on the top camera dial that lets the camera control the total image. It is a great feature to use while you are learning how to take more control of your digital SLR camera. If you are not sure which settings would be best for a certain shot, simply set the mode dial to the “Green Square” and take the shot. It’s a sure-fire way to get a great image.
Staying with the creative theme, there is yet another one that is new to this Canon Rebel T3i. It is Basic+. In Basic+ there are two ways to go. You can choose the Ambiance setting or the Lighting/Scene Type setting. Basic+ is an in-camera program that makes adjustments to the picture style using the basic settings like color, contrast, sharpness, and white balance to give a more creative look to your photos.
Other Reasons to Buy Canon Rebel T3i Digital SLR Cameras
Flickr image courtesy of GearGuides (click the image to see the Photostream)
The biggest reason to buy this little entry-level camera has many former buyers literally seething. Those who purchased the T2i or the 60D are mad because Canon has included so many of the features from the 60D and the 7D. Really! They are kind of jealous that these benefits are available in an entry level camera.
Most notably, the 18-megapixel CMOS sensor is the same as the one in the more advanced 60D and 7D. The DIGIC 4 sensor is also the same as the one in the 60D. This guarantees that your image quality will be the same as in the higher level, more expensive cameras. It’s true that you will not get all of the benefits of those higher-end cameras, but image quality is what you are after, and you definitely get it.
Video is another great advantage when you buy a Rebel T3i. Capture sizes and frame rates are the same as in the T2i, 60D, and 7D. But manual focus is now possible, PLUS there is a new “video snapshot” feature that allows you to record short clips that will be stitched together in the camera. Very Cool!
Three more things that must be mentioned as new features of the Canon T3i.
1. Remote flash – the on camera flash can fire several off camera flashes remotely. This is a very professional feature not available previously on any Rebel digital SLR.
Rebel T3i Feature Guide
2. Articulating LCD screen – almost every reviewer will mention this as the biggest advantage of the T3i over the T2i. It is a major improvement allowing for taking pictures from weird angles and perspectives.
3. Feature Guide – new users will really appreciate this. There is a short description of the selected feature in the LCD panel. While a manual is always helpful, this new feature guide will save a lot of anxiety over what the camera will do if a particular button is selected. Why did is take so long to implement this?
One testimonial from the Amazon customer reviews – this one is CookieCoCoChanel “KMH”:
My first SLR..What a good choice for me. It came naturally since I’ve been using Canon’s point and shoot camera’s for 35 years. I haven’t put it down since I brought if home. Yes, I’m new, and YUP, its fast, accurate and the LCD w/o a doubt is clear, and super fun. My husband was drying our pretty Papillon, I was laying on the bed, taking pics upside down, why, cuz I could! I love how you can take pics at just about every which way your laying, standing, whatever way, its great! Since the SLR is new to me, I have some learning, but so far, it’s GREAT. Images are super sharp, clear and despite I don’t have a zoom lens, its pretty sweet. We had a nice sunset tonight, and images VERY crisp, and beautiful, along w/ the color.
If this is your first SLR, Go for it!!!
That’s good – “If this is your first SLR, Go for it!!!”
New to the digital SLR market? All the more reason to buy Canon Rebel T3i cameras.
. But according to the ratings, it is an excellent performer for the price. It has decent speed at f/3.5, but it does not hold that aperture throughout the zoom range. That means that you will need more natural light when you zoom to 135mm. Of course, it does have image stabilization which is a plus for taking sharp photos.
“I purchased this camera a few days ago and I’ve had nothing but FUN with it!”
Canon T3i VS 60D