wrk1234 wrote:
Thinking about getting my wife a Canon SL 1 camera. I have read all the specs and believe that it will give her enough camera to take the kind of pictures she likes to take while still being a small light camera. Right now (6-10-16) the price of the camera on many sights, including Canon's own site, shows a list price of $549.99 with a discount of $150.00 giving a net price of $399.99. I don't have a lot of insight on whether this price of $399.99 is a new standard price for the camera or whether it is a sale price that is good until xxx. Based on the past, what is everyone's guess on which the future price of this camera? FYI - I have a 5D Mark III so I won't have to buy as many new lenses if I get another Canon.
Thinking about getting my wife a Canon SL 1 camera... (
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The SL1 is a pretty basic and easy to use camera, and one of the smallest and lightest APS-C DSLRs available. In comparison, your 5DIII will seem like a big, complicated beast!
If you can, get the SL1 with a kit lens. Likely you'll find it offered with EF-S 18-55mm IS lens.... which comes in two versions: cheaper micro motor and for about $50 more an STM version that has quieter, faster, smoother auto focus.
An upgrade would be the EF-S 18-135mm IS lens... also available in multiple versions: micro motor and STM, similar to the 18-55 above. Also, there's a new USM version that's optimized for both still photography and video. Most USM lenses are not ideal for video, but this one uses a new type of USM that is quieter and smoother operating. It also is at least 2X faster focusing than the STM version, making it better for sports/action shots. In addition, for videography a new power zoom module is being offered specifically for this new lens.
If you are tempted by a kit that includes the EF
75-300mm III (non-IS, non-USM).... skip it! That's one of Canon's older, least capable and cheapest telezooms. The EF-S 55-250mm IS is a much better lens optically, has image stabilization, and is available with STM for better AF performance. Of course, if you already have an EF 70-300mm, 70-200mm or 100-400mm, all those can serve just fine on the SL1 instead.
There also is the fairly new EF-S 10-18mm IS STM wide angle lens. At under $300, it's easily one of the best values in an ultrawide for APS-C cameras (most of which cost $500 or more... and don't have as good image quality or offer image stabilization).
The EF-S lenses won't fit or work on your full frame 5DIII.... but are a better match for the SL1's APS-C format... especially the wide angle 10-18mm and the 18-55mm or 18-135mm "walk-around" zooms.
Yes, sometimes discounted prices signal a new model is on the way and they are clearing the shelves to make way.
It looks like the $150 instant rebate on the body only expired yesterday (B&H Photo).... but maybe the offer will be extended.
And, not everyone agrees that there will soon be a new SL2. According to Canon Rumors the 5D Mark IV will be the only new DSLR in 2016. Canon typically offers instant rebates every spring and again prior to the winter holidays, regardless... Especially on consumer/entry-level models such as the SL1. So it doesn't necessarily signal anything that it's on sale.
You're right... if original poster has EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM lens (which won't fit or work on his 5DIII anyway)... that's a very nice lens.... though not as light or compact as some of the kit lenses!