DSLRChuck Loc: Wisconsin

I'm looking to get a DSLR. I'm looking at a Canon 600D/T3i Rebel or a EOS 60D. Any opinions on which is best, or something else. Also, what is a good lens for the selected camera?

Mary P

What type of photography do you do?

DSLRChuck Loc: Wisconsin

Really, any type I can come up with. I'd try anything.

846Studios

My best answer is this:

1. Go to a store that has a large variety especially the cameras that you're considering. Check them out, hold them, compare the features VS price factor. Just because it's more expensive doesn't mean it's better. Do your homework at home. Unless you go to a professional camera store meaning one that only sells cameras, nobody will be able to answer your questions. A camera only retailer will probably be higher on price than say a place like Best Buy. The place you want to buy it is the place that has the best price because if it ever needs service it's going back to the manufacturer anyway. If you want to give your money to a local business regardless, I can appreciate that too.

Don't concern yourself with megapixels, concern yourself with the image sensor type and size. Most cameras today are going to have a high megapixel count anyway, but don't let that be the deciding factor of your purchase.

If you take two cameras that both have the same size and type of sensor and one is say 10MP and the other is say 18MP the 10MP will theoretically produce a better image. The more MP you pack into the same size sensor the more noise that will be introduced into your image. The two main types of sensors are CCD and CMOS, I won't even get into the differences. You can read it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_sensor#CCD_vs_CMOS

2. The best camera you can buy is the one that offers the greatest flexibility at the time. You can almost bet that a "new and improved" model of your camera will come out six months after you buy it. You just have to take the plunge.

You may want to narrow down your choices then rent one to see if you like it or not. Well, that's money you could be putting toward your camera, but you won't be stuck with something hate either. This place is reasonable: http://www.atsrentals.com/cat--Rent-Digital-Cameras--133.html

3. As far as lenses go, most cameras that come with a lens will probably have an 18-55mm so you're not quite full frame on the wide angle. You might want a lens under 18mm for a wider wide angle. On the other end you might want a lens to zoom in closer on far subjects. Something like a 75-300mm for that. The main thing is don't buy cheap glass. For Canon generally Canon or Sigma are the most popular. They all come in different grades and prices. Good=$, better=$$, best=$$$, top of the line=$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :)

Don't go cheap on the glass but you don't have to go top of the line either. Again do your homework. Hope all this helps!

Oh, and case you're wondering I've always been a Canon shooter. Currently I shoot on the T2i (EOS 550D) and I love it.

bobmielke Loc: Portland, OR

RPMustang Loc: The Great State of Texas

My wife uses a Canon T2i and I use a 7D. Both are awesome cameras and loaded with features. We looked at the T3i when we purchased them. The swivel LCD display looked a bit flimsy, and in my opinion was something that could be a problem down the road. The T2i came with a 18-55MM lens which is a very basic low end lens. The 7D came with a 28-135MM lens which is much better constructed, and is a great everyday walk around lens.
We also looked a several Nikon cameras which are equally good cameras, but we got a better deal on the Canons.
Good luck!

condor

846 You commented that the 10mp camera will take better pics than the 18mp. If that's true why didn't we stick with the original 1.2mp cameras, why do they keep getting bigger every year???

FuzMuz Loc: Southern Utah

good info on image sensors, thanks for sharing

billybob40

RENT IT THEN BUY WHAT YOU LIKE. TRY www.adorama.com We can tell you this and that, its what feels good in your hands.

Greg Loc: Maryland

What he stated in general terms is true, but that also doesn't take into account that the 18MP sensor may be newer and have less gain noise to to technological advances.

DSLRChuck Loc: Wisconsin

Hey, Thanks for the info.

larrycumba

I have a T3i, had a 60D. Bought a 5D markII. Didn't want to keep all three. Decided to keep the T3i because of the size and weight. Wanted something I could grab for quick family shots at restaurants, etc. If I had to choose solely between the T3i and the 60D without regard to anything else I would have kept the 60D.

DSLRChuck Loc: Wisconsin

Thank you very much. I went to the store yesterday and looked at both. My choice was always the 60D, but wanted to hold them both. The $400 difference seems worth it for the body and the better lens packaged with it.

846Studios

This is true there are many other factors to deal with here and I was speaking in very general terms.

846Studios

You're quite welcome.