DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I along with OP thank you for your advice and counsel.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Elmo,

Tell your niece to slow down and take a deep breath. Unless she has a huge budget and an assistant to help carry around her gear, she is going to need to compromise.

First, to put this all in perspective, the T3i is a decent little Rebel-series camera from early 2011 with 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Digic 4 processor and 9-point AF system (f/5.6 limited, one higher performance cross type point at the center), with an articulated LCD screen, but using slower contrast detection AF in Live View. It can shoot continuously at up to 3.7 frames per second, has a native ISO range from 100 to 6400 (expands one stop to12800), has shutter speed range from 30 seconds to 1/4000, 1/200 flash sync and uses a penta-mirror to save weight and cost, with a 95% coverage viewfinder that has 0.85X magnification.

The 1Ds Mark III is not a good choice for a number of reasons. First, while it's full frame, it has only a 21MP CMOS sensor. And it uses a pair of one generation older Digic III processors to handle the images. It does not have Live View (or video) and doesn't have an articulated LCD screen, so there is no need for it to have any form of Live View/video focusing. It does have a better AF 45-point, 19 cross-type AF system than the T3i, as well as a 100%, 1.0X magnification viewfinder, bigger and brighter than the T3i's thanks to using a true pentaprism. And it has a higher specification shutter with 30 sec to 1/8000 speed range and higher durability (300,000 actuations versus 75,000 with T3i). But, it's also got less native ISO range: 100 to 1600 (expandable to 50 and 3200). It's top continuous shooting speed is 5 frames per sec. 1DsIII is also more than double the weight and far larger camera. It also uses a much larger and more expensive LP-E4/E4N battery ($160 ea., compared to the $50 LP-E8 the T3i uses).

1DsIII compared to T3i (also called 600D):
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-1Ds-Mark-III-vs-Canon-EOS-600D

In fact, the Canon 5D Mark II that was introduced less than a year later than the 1Ds III may be a little better choice, except that it's AF system is poor for wildlife photography. The 5DII uses the same full frame 21MP CMOS sensor, but uses a Digic 4 processor (one gen newer than 1DsIII, same gen as T3i/600D) that makes it able to shoot video (first full frame camera to have HD, revolutionized the movie industry!), provide Live View (without an articulated LCD), and offers a much higher native ISO range: 100 to 12800 (expands to 50 and 25600). It's still slow at only 4 frames per sec. And, although it has a good 98% coverage viewfinder with a pentaprism, it's AF system appears quite similar to the T3i's... 9-point, one cross type, f/5.6 limited. Actually the 5DII has 6 more "hidden" AF "assist" points, but they are only of marginal help with active wildlife.

5DII compared to T3i:
https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II-vs-Canon-EOS-600D

The Canon 5D Mark III that came next got a much better 61-point AF system, faster 6 frames per sec shooting, higher native ISO range: 100-25600 (expands to 50 and up to 102400)... BUT it's still only 22MP full frame CMOS. Both the Canon 5DII and 5DIII use more affordable LP-E6/E6N batteries (approx. $60 ea.)

All the above full frame cameras really only increase resolution over T3i by a few megapixels. For landscape photos, your niece might actually be better served continuing to use the T3i, but learning to make multi-shot panoramas with it. That's one way to "multiply" the ability of an APS-C camera and make images every bit as good as is possible with full frame... without the added size, weight and expense.

The main drawback of any full frame camera is that it will require full frame lenses. She would need to replace any and all APS-C/crop sensor lenses she now has. That can be significant added cost on top of the camera purchase. And, particularly when it comes to the powerful telephotos needed for wildlife photography, the size, weight and price are substantially higher than what can be done with APS-C format cameras like her T3i.

For example, I use an easily hand held, < 3 lb. Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM lens quite a bit on my APS-C cameras for wildlife. It costs around $1350 new (I bought used for around $900). To have the same "reach" for wildlife with a full frame camera, she would need a 500mm lens. I've got the Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM. It cost around $9000 new and weighs 8 lb..... so add the cost of a sturdy tripod to use it.

I suggest your niece compromise a bit. APS-C cameras are MUCH more affordable... and there are some excellent alternatives.

For a little over her budget, she could get the new Canon 90D with a 32.5MP CMOS APS-C sensor.... 100% viewfinder with 0.95X magnification and a true pentaprism (bigger and brighter), 45-point AF system (all high performance cross type), f/8 capability and focusing as low as -3EV light levels (moonlight0, able to shoot 10 frames per second, and using Digic 8 processor to offer a native ISO range 100 to 25600 (expands to 51200). It has an articulated LCD Touchscreen with far higher resolution than the T3i's and 4K video capability.

Best of all, being an APS-C camera she can continue to use all lenses she has for T3i (note: some older 3rd party lenses may not work properly with newer cameras... but any and all Canon EF or EF-S lenses will work fine). And she can buy much more affordable and practical, premium quality telephotos for wildlife photography.

The only problem is that the EOS 90D costs $1199.... more than she wanted to spend. But it might be worth the stretch, if at all possible! The 80D is a cheaper alternative, can be bought new for $900 (or less used)... but is 24MP instead, and slower with a top speed around 7 frame per sec. Uses essentially the same AF system (not quite as good Live View/video focusing... but still much better than the T3i's in those modes). 80D is durability rated for 100,000 shutter actuations. 90D has slightly increased rating... 120,000 clicks. (The 20MP 7D Mark II is rated to give 200,000.)

Lenses actually might make more difference than the camera she uses them on. There are a lot of people (me included) who think that glass should be a bigger concern and is a better place to invest, if your goal is top image quality.

Some excellent but more affordable and not too big/heavy choices for use on 90D/80D/T3i...

Landscape: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (~$550), Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM (< $300), Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (~$800), EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM (~$800). All prices approx and for new... might find used for a lot less.

Wildlife: Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM ($1350), Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM II (~$2200), Canon EF 400mm f/5.6 USM (~$1150. Note: No IS), Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 VC HSM G2 (~$1200), Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 OS HSM "C" ($900). (Note: Will probably want a tripod with those 150-600s... ea. around 4.5 lb.) Canon 1.4X II (used, $250) or 1.4X III ($430) teleconverter works very well with EF 300mm or EF 100-400mm II. Don't know if image quality would hold up using it on either of the 150-600mm, AF is likely to hunt or fail, too.

Astrophotography: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (any version, $450 new), Canon 10-22mm (see above), Canon 10-18mm (above), Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 (above).

Compare to premium lenses that might be needed for full frame:

Landscape: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III (~$1900), Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM (~$1000), Canon EF 14mm f/2.8 II (~$2100), Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II (~$1600) , Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM (~$900). Prices are approx. for new. Used copies and earlier versions might be found for a bit less.

Wildlife: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 OS HSM "Sport" ($1750), Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO II (~$6900), Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM II (~$9000), Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS USM III (~$13000), Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4X ($11,000, w/built in teleconverter). Prices are approx. for new. Used copies and earlier versions might be found for a bit less.

Astro: Largely the same as landscape, above.

Figure another $1000 to $2000 for a good, sturdy tripod and gimbal head to work with those big wildlife telephotos, too.

Depending upon lens selection, an APS-C kit might weigh 15 to 25 lb. A full frame kit with similar "reach" will be more like 30 to 50 lb.

There is potential to work with even smaller, lighter mirrorless cameras too. However, lens selection for those is somewhat limited... Nowhere near what's available for Canon APS-C DSLRs (around 90 EF and EF-S lenses) or even Canon full frame DSLRs (around 60 EF lenses). Fuji and Sony have more extensive native system lenses for their mirrorless, but still only half or less than what's available for Canon APS-C DSLRs.

Again, for really huge prints, she might want to look into doing multi-image composites that "build" a high resolution image in post-processing, using an APS-C camera.... instead of trying to take the shot in a single image with a full frame camera. For example, the APS-C sensor of a 20MP Canon 7D Mark II has almost identical pixel size and density as the full frame sensor of a 50MP Canon 5Ds! So three or four shots taken with the 7DII with a good lens might be pretty close to the quality of a single shot taken with the full frame camera... without all the added cost, size and weight. A 24MP 80D or 32.5MP 90D can do the same with fewer image needed to make the composite.

Elmo55 Loc: Illinois

Thanks to all for your in put on this question, it is greatly appreciated, and has been passed on to my niece. Hopefully, I can post some of her work here when we get together late June early July. Again a BIG THANK YOU. Elmo

Nickaroo

Tell her that she should just turn her T3i into the camera for astrophotography and then upgrade herself to a Nikon D7200 or a D7500. I happen to be a Nikon shooter and I'am also a Nikon Beta-Tester. I was an ambassador for Nikon, but I gave that up due to the demands of it. I never had any time to do my work for Merrill Lynch and I'm still handling 2 clients for them now through their Merrill Edge program. But, back to the subject at hand, she should also look for a good telescope. I have a Celestron but it is probably more money than she would be to afford. When my friend and I were young we poured our own 5ft. base and we were able to mount our Celestron to the base and we bolted it into the plate that my Father made while working at G.M.. It was a pretty neat setup. We attached our low-voltage motor to the base of the scope for rotating the scope just to keep up with rotation of whatever we were observing that night (usually from midnight until morning). We were featured in a Scientific Issue and another Astronomy publication as well. They could not believe that a 14yr. old, me, and a 15yr. old built such an amazing setup. Needless to say, my very best friend went on to graduate from the University of Michigan then went to MIT and received his degree in Astrophysics all by the age of 22. He was actually a genius and went on to be a Professor at Cal.Tech at the ripe old age of 24. He now has since retired, but does a class out of the University of Arizona teaching Astronomy. I remained to do my studies at Oakland University then went to U of M to finish my Medical degree and now I'm retired as well. Of course my friend and I reminisce about our younger years and we have done some good old-fashion Astronomy out of one of the observatories in California and Arizona, we let the wives hangout while we return to our truest love of all, Astrophotography. I really that she follows the path that she is on because it is a heavenly and a rewarding experience. I often observe on my 200 acres that I own with my Brothers in Northern Michigan. Since it is still only about 2.75 hours North of Detroit, I have taken friends to one of the highest points that is only 20 min. from my property, I can zero in on the G.M. headquarters, which was known as the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. I lost my youngest Son 14.5yrs. ago to Cystic Fibrosis and it was 2yrs. prior to that which I lost my oldest Son in Afghanistan in the war. I had to raise both of them on my own since we lost their Mother while they were young. Every time that I look through my telescope, it makes me feel as though I'am seeing them running around on the Rings of Saturn or maybe sitting atop of the Horse Head Nebulae. Sorry for such a long winded reply, but seeing a kid like your niece really is very exciting. Please help her out if this is really something that she will really seek out as you can do it with her and I promise that you will build the fondest of memories.

Nickaroo

I turned my Nikon D750 into my full time camera for Astrophotography. I use my Nikon D5 and my D850 for doing landscape and Wildlife shooting, although I still use my Nikon D500 for Wildlife and even some sports photography as well. I happen to be one of the photogs for U of M sports as well.