mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

I'm going to upgrade cameras again and I'm thinking of purchasing my first DSLR. I'm considering a Canon EOS Rebel T3 with a 18-55 zoom lens and an AF 75-300 telephoto lens. Would this be a good starter DSLR for me. How far away away can that lens take a clear photo? Will I be able to add other, more advanced lens to this camera later? Are there better options for me in that kind of price range? Any advice will be appreciated. Do not get too technical, please.

iresq Loc: Annapolis MD

When you say upgrade again, how long since your last upgrade. Could spend a few more dollars and move up to the T3i. Google t3 vs t3i for plenty of info. Also check out dpreview.com

Both good, the i is more than marginally better (IMO)

melphoto60

yes you can add other lenses latter on me personally I would go with the T3i. If you have a camera store close I would go and see which on you like better the T3 or T3i

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

about 6 months i bought a better fuji than what i had. my cameras are fujis and i really like them, but, i have wanted to get more advanced in photography and fuji dslr are way out of my price range. i will check on the i.

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

Im going to check on it

Paulish

In that price range right now, I'm very partial to the Panasonic Lumix DMC G3. As a mirrorless 4/3 format camera, it's much more compact than the DSLR'S you're considering yet outshines them in almost every respect. The one notable exception though, is that it's not the best choice if your main application will be high speed sports video. Its viewfinder is live view, not optical; so the viewfinder image may lag behind the action.

mollymolly Loc: In the heart of the Everglades.

thats another option. im also considering another fuji-HS20EXR. I cant understand all that technical stuff that it says about it. Would someone check and see if it might be a good camera.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

I would urge you to get the T3i and learn and grow with it. The Lumix does not have the versatility of a DSLR. It is a glorified point and shoot, and a mirrorless viewfinder does not give one the intimacy of a mirror view finder. It is like looking at things via a tv camera rather than in person. also, lens selection is limited w/lumix

rready

i'm in same boat..just getting back into photography...have lumix G-2 and was thinking about getting either T3i or 5100 to get pure DSLR....based on comments so far, think best thing for me to do is learn my current camera before buying new one...

Sensei

if you don't have a DSLR, there are a lot more choices, especially if you don't have an investment in glass. Here is a link comparing several entry level DSLR like those you mentioned.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/indepth/photography/hands-reviews/entry-level-dslr-roundup

phoenix Loc: England, but currently living in AZ

Any of the Canon DSLRs are great and extremely versatile (so are Nikons BTW) Do you need video capability and would you consider buying used? If you're not worried about video and prepared to buy used I'd advise a Canon EOS 50D - try to find one with less than 5-10K actuations (pictures taken) Oh yeh... the Canon 75-300 is not a GREAT lens and the long end (effectively 480mm) will give you image stability problems. Although the 55-250 CANON EFS lens isn't that great either it does have Image Stabilzation and is therefore more useable. save your $$$ up and go for a 70-200 f4L lens - used from about $500 which is SUPERB! Good luck!

jokescache1 Loc: SW Utah

don't know what your inclined towards.most on here are hung up on nikon/canon.many brands out there-I'm hung up on pentax..they have been a good camera for me for 50+ years.
---joe

Paulish

I must disagree vehemently with your comments relating to lack of versatility and "glorifired point and shoot"- nature of the G3. As far as your view, as it were, on the viewfinder is concerned, I've already pointed out the one significant flaw in an all Live View system. You're feelings about lack of "intimacy" may be perfectly valid *for you*, but it boils down to a matter of taste. In practical terms of perfectly previewing an image to be captured, the Lumix' viewfinder does the job flawlessly.

The G3 uses Panasonic's own range of lenses as well as the Olympus line without the need for an adaptor. That makes the camera sufficiently versatile for serious photographers in the interchangeable lens arena.

The G3 focuses *more* quickly, and at least as accurately, as it's DSLR competition. It's 4/3 sensor results in less noisy shots than those snapped by DSLR's which, in that format/price-range, have smaller sensors. The G3 offers the same array of convenient professional features offered by full sized DSLR's. It has no in-camera HDR, but its exceptionally flexible bracketing capabilities make software HDR a breeze.

There is one minor caveat relating to bracketing though. The self timer does not work with the multishot modes. If you want to bracket, you must hold your finger on the shutter button until the sequence is completed. This, of course, admits the possibility of user-introduced vibration. If, however, multishot work is essential to you, the issue can be remedied via the purchase of a remote, available from Panosonic.

Your highly critical remarks were not backed up by examples of specific deficiencies.

My suggestion is that serious shoppers disregard the possibly prejudiced opinions of both of us and read the readily available reviews in the media, talk to owners of both kinds of camera, and get some hands-on experience, if possible, in a camera store.

Paulish

Pentax definitely makes some great cameras. A friend of mine, noted for his wilderness photography, has one of their 40-mxp medium format models. It's only serious drawback, I think, is that he probably has to hire Sherpas to lug it for him on his numerous mountain treks.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

I am also a Pentaxian I am on my 3rd DSLR started with the K2000/K-m
then went to the K-x now I have a K-5 I love all my Pentax cameras and think they are one of the best values and there are as many lens options as you would ever want.