lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

The T6S or 70D would be next for her. The T6S is quite remarkable for the money (as is the 70D, actually, but the T6S is a newer model). :thumbup:

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Gee, and here I was waiting for a good, technical recommendation of which Canon to buy. :cry:

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

If she likes the camera, then I would get some new glass. Canon is having a refurbished sale also I recently bought a 24-105 L lens from Ebay which was a US model and priced under $600. Good luck.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Like you, I'm not a Canon expert. Look at lens comparisons.

http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu
http://www.imaging-resource.com/cameras/compare/

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

1. What does she use the camera for?
2. Is photography a serious interest of hers? Is she interested in going to the next level?
3. What is your budget?
As you may already know, it is easy to spend money on cameras. The trick, which many of us have not quite mastered, is to spend it wisely.
If you go to canon.com and check their products pages you can compare cameras and lenses. As already suggested, a lens may be your best gift.

slewis Loc: Marshallberg, NC

Hello Kemo. I've been reading the replies to this thread with great interest. I don't post much on the Hog, but I am an avid reader and there's good suggestions offered over this site as a whole in addition to the advice you're being offered here. Don't forget your search capabilities on keywords.

I shoot SL1 as a person who has returned to photography from many years away and entering the digital world. I was gifted the SL1 with the two kit lenses. For me, at my current level of learning, it has been a versatile camera and quite frankly has challenged me to become a better photographer. I am following because at some point I want to upgrade and go to full frame with the better quality lenses.

However, I am challenging myself to do quality work with my current level of equipment. This past weekend I opened my first large format booth at a trade show level and my work was on par with many seasoned artists of all genre's there. My point here is focus on technique. I can say that the SL1 does well doing nature photography and I'm just getting into small weddings. I've taken it on the trail and it's light weight has it's advantages. My next purchase will be better lenses.

I think that the question you should also consider is - with the upgrade to the camera body - will the need for full frame be in the future. If so, then now may be the time to invest in that direction since she has lenses that she likes.

I will probably always keep my SL1 because we've grown up together so to speak. It has way too many shutter clicks for anyone to want to purchase used. It's a great learning tool and has a ton of features that I've yet to explore. I can say it's a great camera for me. I've seen SL1 kits in the $300 - $400 range just recently.

Good luck in your search and I hope you find just the right fit.

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

BTW, if you decide to give your daughter a lens, and if you think she will eventually upgrade her camera to a full frame, then keep in mind that Canon EF-S lenses will only work on APS-C cameras, such as the T3, T6i, 7DII, etc. Only Canon EF lenses will work on both APS-C and full frame.
A good lens will easily outlast several camera bodies.

londonfire Loc: NY to NC

I bought the SL1 on a whim because of it's small size. Most reviews point out that the size advantage disappears quickly once you put a 'normal' size Canon lens on it. It works very well and takes very good pictures. I find that if you're backpacking in somewhere and breaking down your equipment for the hike it is easier to stow than any Canon. What you lose is the ability to take it out and shoot a quick series.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

As a confirmed Canonista, the 70D with the 18-135mm lens can't be beat for flexibility and great photos. Look to Amazon, B&H, Adorama (esp.) for deals on this kit.

http://www.adorama.com/ICA70DK1OB.html

If you are VERY CAREFUL eBay is another possibility:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=canon+70d+18-135&_sop=15

thelazya Loc: Wendell, MN

T5i has a digic 5, 5 fps.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Yes, knowing that the t3 needed to be replaced from the outset would have changed the makeup of this thread considerably.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I'm shooting an 18mp Canon t3i and love it. I do lots of video with mine and it gives me great full 1080 results.
Still shots are always crisp and clean.

Though the model is discontinued it's still available and at good prices also.

bv Loc: MN

I agree.

I have a new full frame 6D with 24-105 4L where as my daughter has T3 with a single lens (I guess she use Quantary 18-200 or standard 18-55)

Any time, her photos are way better with T3 than what I take with my full frame camera.
It is all passion, patience and then photography

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thanks for the explanation, what lenses does she already have?

The problems such as they are with the T3, T5, SL1, is that they are by design limited from the 'system level expansion' perspective, battery life, available accessories and so on. They are decent cameras, but focused on people that want a small / light weight camera and are happy to stay within the bounds of its limitations.

In this situation, changing brands or form factor is possible, but takes a significant expenditure and effort.

If budget is a consideration I would recommend a lightly used T2i, T3i, or T5i. They will be very familiar to her, while expanding her scope. I do not include the T4i only because it seemed to be the shortest lived of all the other equivalent Rebels.

The advantages of the T3i/T5i include a good step up in resolution (12MP to 18MP) and an articulated rear screen, plus enhanced expansion capability.

The T6i or T6s are a significant upgrade from the earlier Rebels, but also cost significantly more.

Thanks for clarifying, and good luck.