bigo1

I bought a T3I am very happy with it. Got a complete bundle from Amazon and have bought other goodies along the way. So far The T3I fits all my needs. But I still used all my Cameras. I take pictures of family and landscapes, people. Not trying to be a pro, but enjoying what I take. But what ever you do don't stop taking pictures of everything and anything digital makes that so easy. Good Shooting.

psbeehler Loc: INDIANA

T3i was my first camera and now my back up to my 7d. Just told my sister about B&H bundle with 2 kit lenses that they still have for $499!! That gives you extra $ to save for better lens. I bought a used 2.8 70-200 L lens that takes amazing images. My sister shot last night at her son's basketball game. Gyms are hard! Practice in sports mode and then look at the settings of your favorite shots. Learn your camera and manual modes. I'm still learning and it's great capturing memories.

daninr8 Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

Don't forget to check out Sony and the other manufacturers too. I have the same camera that you are looking at, and I love it. I have had it for almost a year now, and already have close to 20K in shutter count. I shoot the same as what you want to, except for the sports. Do your research and have fun with whatever you get.

greymanethewise

Question....I also have a Canon T3i and take shots of nature and pictures of the strange and wonderful in my travels. Some of the later are people. And sometimes I forego a remarkable shot because the subject is too close and I do not want to intrude. In the third world I often take a quick picture, then show it to then take a picture of their reaction. But this approach isn't always the answer. I need a lens that can capture someone from a distance, and give a reasonably sharp image. The question is: do I need image stabilization? While I understand how desirable it might be, cost is a concern. I would not be able to utilize a tripod in most circumstances.

ArtinMesa Loc: Mesa, AZ

Robocop,

I purchased my first DLSR camera about this time last year after experiencing a situation where my point & shoot cameras just couldn't provide the results I was seeking. I needed a camera that could provide good photographs in uncontrolled environments of everything from overall scenes down to detailed macro shots of failed surfaces. I had no brand prejudices or preferences having enjoyed cameras from Canon, Nikon and several others over the years. After much investigation and studying of reviews, I chose the Canon T3i that happened to be bundled with the basic 18-55mm kit lens.

Upon reading the manual, I quickly realized how little I really knew about photography in general and what this camera could do in particular. I've been taking classes ever since, both here in the greater Phoenix area and online. I have acquired several lenses along the way that provide the capability I need from macro and wide angle to telephoto zooms. I have never regretted purchasing the Canon T3i.

One of the best things I did was join the Ugly Hedgehog forum. There is an almost unbelievable wealth of knowledge in this forum that is willingly and joyfully shared by, for the most part, wonderful individuals from around the world. I rarely miss a day's posting and rarely have a day where I don't learn something. Welcome and enjoy!

Art

daninr8 Loc: Western Slope of Colorado

IS is very very helpful. It does slow down the AF, but not that noticeable. I have taken some bird in flight photos, and couldn't of gotten the shots without the IS. I have a Sigma 18-250mm lens on my T3i, and it does a good enough job for me. The newer version can be had for around $350.00. It has IS and my older version works great. Hope this helps you.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Almost any dslr is "sufficient" for this. All you need to do is learn to properly operate what ever camera you choose.

I own a t3i and it's an excellent camera for both stills and video and I recommend it.

bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

I would buy a refurbished Canon 7D from the canon store for about $1200.oo A very good sports camera at 8 frames per second...I bought a 7D refurbished and am very satisfied. Same warranty as new....Rich

gonate Loc: sacramento,calif

I shoot a T3i canon, very happy with it, it is a 5 star camera easy to use. I don't care about the video part of the camera, some time I think a improved camera is the video is improved not the photo aspect, better photo's are my concern at all times. thank you for the provided information, I have been reading your posts about 2 years and have great respect for you and your posts.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

He's probably including lenses in his budget, not just the body.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

That's a great camera except the OP's budget is $1000. So a Canon 7D refurb would not only be 20% over budget, but he would also have no money to purchase a lens to go with it.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Probably the best Canon bank for the buck right now is the 60D or the T4i simply for the ability to focus during video.. But the 60D is pretty much a trimmed down 7D currently on sale at Amazon for $599.

Kuzano

Drive yourself NUTS!!!! and do all the research for a "better" deal in terms of camera and money.

GET the T3i..

It's great......

And if you don't find a reason to replace it near the end of the first year, you are very unlike anyone on this forum.

It's your first DSLR, I take it, and a year from now, you'll be wanting to stretch a bit further... Budget, and do the research for that second camera..... I guarantee.

If you budget is a fairly strict $1000, find a kit for $700 and lay aside 2-300 $ for odds and ends. They pile up fast.

The T3i is a (huge for some) great Canon entry level camera with 18Mp. No real shortcoming there.

Remember that the money you spend on lenses, kind of locks you into Canon when you change. Keep your outlay in control for lenses, until you've stretched you skills and the capabilities of the camera a bit.

Just Remember... It's just your first one... Do more planning for the second one. This one will get you there.

:thumbup:

You should be able to find a used or refurbished T31 for from
$300 to $400 body only. A refurbished T3i from the Canon factory right now is listed at $399 on a wait list. The holidays should boost the supply on refurbs.

A refurb can often be an unused new camera returned. The camera may have been just too complicated for someone to master.

NO RETURNED sale can be resold as new. These are tracked, and can only be sold as "refurbished". If there was an issue, the factory checks it out, fixes it if necessary, and warrants it for a short time.

In any event, a refurb gets more handling and inspection than the majority of camera's sold retail.

Don't be mixed up by price... there is also a T3 Canon which is sold mostly in department/bigbox stores. it has only 12 Mp. Hold on for the T3i.

KEH.COM, a good online camera store has used T3i Like New rated at $429, body only. They have Excellent Plus for $419.

If you can keep the price in that range or lower, you can go wild on the lens.

Just some idea's...

And remember, while its a very good camera, You ARE going to replace it, possibly before you can imagine. Save some of you budget to "seed" the keeper you'll get next year.

jpanar Loc: Reston, VA

You might want to carefully consider your lens choice first. Then look at a body to complement it. Will your finished photo be printed large? You might look for a camera with higher MP and fewer "extra" features.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

and know it's limitations and weaknesses...