canon T5 entry level DSLR: I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor...

edwin01

I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor general scenic, nature and travel photography. Thanks.

t5

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I believe the T5 does not have an articulating LCD screen, whereas the T5i does. This is handy for low-angle shots, etc.

I have had a previous model, T3i, for two years and like it so much, I just ordered another body as they are becoming rare :)

The Canon Rebel series is perfect entry level DSLR - lighter weight, and of course, less expensive than the next step up.

Check images posted by gregoryd45. He uses a T2i and a good lens to capture incredible clarity.

There are many other happy Rebel owners on this site :)

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208064-1.html

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

edwin01 wrote:

I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor general scenic, nature and travel photography. Thanks.

t5

I agree with Linda. I own a t3i and really like the camera. It does everything I want it to. I'm not much on special effects like HDR and such because I like to see what was actually there. That's also why I don't generally edit portraits except in some "certainly would look better if" cases.

I would highly recommend the t3i if you can find one. But I'd also recommend you only buy new not used or refurb.
Refurbished is all right if it comes from Canon but new is better.

Good luck.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

B&H PhotoVideo (highly recommended on UHH, and I have used them a lot :) ) has T3i with a nice lens (18-135 mm) for $600, A T5 with 18-55 mm lens for $500, and a T5i with 18-135 for $949. Free shipping.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

edwin01 wrote:

I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor general scenic, nature and travel photography. Thanks.
t5

Hi Edwin, if it were me, I think I would look into some of the older but more robust Canons in the rugged-ability department. My first (and I still have it) Canon dslr was a 40D. Built like a tank and has never let me down. You can find them on eBay at good prices. At least it would get you out of the consumer camera into the Prosumer. Cheers.

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

Linda From Maine wrote:

B&H PhotoVideo (highly recommended on UHH, and I have used them a lot :) ) has T3i with a nice lens (18-135 mm) for $600, A T5 with 18-55 mm lens for $500, and a T5i with 18-135 for $949. Free shipping.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

I also fully support Linda's assessment. The T5 is very similar to the T3i from a sensor perspective but less versatile and less expandable for future growth. With the 18-135 STM lens the T3i is a very good value package.

The T5i would be better if you want to do a lot of video work, but for still photography has little advantage over the T3i, and not enough to justify the price difference in my opinion.

So, if you want a T3i, do not wait very long, they are disappearing fast. I'm still happy with mine.

Good luck

chapin in utah Loc: Utah

I also agree on the t3I vs. T5.
I almost spent 200 more on a nikon 3300 when my 3200 is almost the same.
Like the pros here say all the time.
"Start with a camera that you feel confortable, then upgrade lenses, and only after you outgrown your camera get a new one."
Good luck

Andrea.Jarrell Loc: Mount Airy, NC

edwin01 wrote:

I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor general scenic, nature and travel photography. Thanks.

I will also chime in with a vote for the T3i. I have had one for about 18 months and love, love, love it. I took it to Disney World this past spring and got some incredible (for me) pictures. You cannot go wrong getting a T3i if you can find one.

t5

ronwande Loc: Hendersonville NC

Seems like we have a T3i fan club going here. I bought one about a year ago from B&H, used but described as very clean. It looked new when it arrived. When I finally found a utility capable of reading the shutter count I found that to be about 1300. I am VERY happy with it. In looking at data I found that it has the same sensor and processor as the 60D but it weighs about 6 ounces less. The 60D is surely more rugged if you need that.

IShootEverything Loc: TN

Even better than a rebel. The Canon 20D. My first DSLR camera and let me tell you it was perfect! I was just starting so i went with something simple and that had auto modes and modes like TV AV P And M. It was a nice camera for a beginner.

Bren Loc: Michigan

I love my T3i and have absolutely no complaints about it. It has done everything I have asked of it and more. Although it is an entry level model it can help you create excellent photos.

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

Go with the T3i. An excellent camera....Rich

tholt

I am also interested in advice for a beginner using the Canon EOS Rebel T5i. Just bought this camera. Would like advice on it vs buying a different camera; T3...
Thank you!

anotherview Loc: California

I own and use the Canon Rebel T4i, the previous iteration of the Rebel series. I have the new Sigma 17-70mm lens mounted on it. Currently, I use this combo as my walk-around camera and lens.

The T5i closely resembles the T4i. Speaking from experience with the latter camera, I can recommend the T4i inasmuch that it functions essentially the same as the T5i.

As to its status as "an entry-level camera," let me say from usage of this camera in comparison with my other camera, the Canon EOS 6D, I can obtain superb photographs with it. One limitation of the T4i lies in its noisiness in images shot above 800 ISO. I look forward to the next iteration of the Rebel series, expecting better noise control.

That said, let me suggest you consider buying a T4i, used or refurbished, instead of the T5i. You will get pretty much the same camera at way less cost. And you will have a real DSLR in your hands with the T4i. Further, the T4i accepts all Canon EOS lenses, now more than 5 dozen.

Ken Rockwell offers a critical review of the Canon Rebel T4i (AKA 650D):

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/rebel-t4i.htm

Good luck.

edwin01 wrote:

I would like to know if anyone has recent experience with the entry level Canon T5. I am moving up from point and shoot to DSLR and do mostly outdoor general scenic, nature and travel photography. Thanks.

t5

lporrel Loc: California

I agree with the others. The T5 represents a false economy. You save a little $$$ but lose functionality.

Granted you understand the "Big three" variables of photography, the biggest challenge will probably be going from an electronic viewfinder that shows you what you'll be capturing to the optical view finder on a DSLR. Granted that, you might want to consider options that feature an electronic view finder, such as Sony (DSLR or mirrorless) or Olympus (4/3).

The second biggest challenge, which you won't want to underestimate is what a pain it is to carry around a large camera. Again, you might look into mirrorless cameras.