the other things to consider are :
a) what do you shoot a lot of?
b) how big a budget do you have?
c) are you comfortable buying used?

I am no pro but after years of shooting everything, I started to wonder why my images lacked sharpness and colour, let alone composition and interest. I am a Canon shooter. I had some basic Canon zooms and a couple of Tamron lens (within my budget). I then heard about Canon "L" lens. THAT is the way to go. If you start searching the web about investing in camera gear, you will see that many people (enthusiasts and hobbyists) will suggest to invest in lenses. I have to agree. Those Canon "L" lenses are very very good. I can't afford new lens so have purchased several "L" lens used, saved a ton a money and enjoyed my photography a whole lot more. maybe your friends have some "L" glass they can lend you. IMHO, it's the only way to go before you start investing more in new camera bodies (unless you have mastered your camera body). (I have no shares in Canon....LOL!)

First off, the 18-200 kinda duplicates a lot of the range of your current 18-55 and 55-250 lenses. Were you thinking of selling them? IMO, you don't need all three. Next, when they talk about a 'sweet spot' of a lens,they're usually referring to a particular aperture opening or openings at which the lens is most sharp, and it's usually in the f/8 to f/11 range. Most consumer quality zooms get a little iffy out at their highest telephoto, and may also lose a bit of sharpness at their wide end. In other words, you may find that your 18-200 is suspect between 18 and, say, 30mm, and between 175mm and 200mm. In between, at f8 to f11, it might be perfectly adequate for your needs.

No offense meant to anyone , but why is it that they will go and buy a new car and test drive them first, but when it comes to a lens they want someone else to test drive it for them?
I know not everyone has a local camera store ( mines 30-45 min drive depending on traffic) but all i have to do is walk in and ask about a lens or camera and they pull one out of display or off the shelf and let me have some hands on time with it and answer any ?'s i may have and also offer the pro's and con's depending on my intended useage .
If I'm gonna be spending the big bucks I want a test drive and some answers or else i will shop elsewhere .

I think it will be the t3i or t4i. lol we dont have that kind of cash. i found some t4i budles on the t4i for $999 qith 4 lens 32 gig card tripod.
The only thing is some find the af to be a little crazy on the video. butthen found reviews saying it great. any havethe t4i? if so tell me what you think about it please.

It down to the t4i or the t3i.
please post your thoughts on this.