Canon EOS Rebel T3i / 600D 18.0 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Kit w/ EF-S IS 18-135mm Lens)

What’s nice and new with the 600D is its articulated, high res Live View screen that can be swung, downwards, outwards, forward or used as a fixed rear screen.

The bright and clear optical pentamirror finder will please trad snappers who will also enjoy the depth of field button that sets DSLRs in general apart from that lesser breed: compact digicams!

Some more experienced photographers may find early days with the EOS 600D a bit of a puzzle, as some controls are not where they usually are.

Movies
Added to the movie capture is an interesting helper that could enhance your videos: you can preset the record time to lengths of two, four or eight seconds, then save to memory as a single file and even add music to it, also know as snapshots videos.

I was not so impressed with the Movie Digital Zoom feature that can enlarge the shooting range by 10x … it’s a digital enlargement.

The built in mic will capture audio (of a sort) but an auxiliary stereo mic is recommended; you can shoot full size stills at the same time as movie recording.

After some time with the camera I found it best to use manual focus when shooting video; the auto focus does not track while moving; also, you will pick up any handling noises or lens action on the audio track.

Movies: you can adjust shutter speed, aperture and ISO speed via the viewfinder menu options.

So we have:

Conclusion - Pros
* Brilliant image quality even at high ISO settings
* Extremely high detail and resolution at base ISO, good per-pixel sharpness
* Good dynamic range, improved by use of Highlight Tone Priority
* On-screen Quick-Menu offers good access to shooting settings
* Excellent LCD screen is articulated (great for videographers and tripod users)
* Ability to remotely control flashguns is a nice addition
* Good quality 1080/720p video output with a range of frame rates and control over exposure
* External microphone socket (very important)
* Good battery life
* Comprehensive software bundle

Conclusion - Cons
* Slow AF in Live Mode reduces benefit of articulated screen for stills shooting
* No AF in movie mode
* White balance often excessively orange under artificial light
* Button functions in live view mode very different from conventional mode (so if you are a PRO will not enjoy it)
* Key features and parameters hidden in Custom Function menu (must read manual)
* Lacks the in-camera Raw conversion options seen in 60D (this is cheaper)
* Hand grip can be a little cramp-inducing after long periods of use, although improved if compared with 550D

Overall conclusion
The Rebel series has never been characterized by cutting-edge innovation or radical interpretations of what a camera can be - instead, the series' development seems to be driven by a calm, rational assessment of the features people want in a tolerably small package and at a price people are willing to pay.
And, though the cameras which comprise it may disappoint the technology enthusiasts, it's a formula that has produced some of the best-selling DSLRs ever made and kept a lot of beginner and enthusiast photographers very happy.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that, from the perspective of anyone following the market, the T3i / 600D isn't a outstanding camera - it's a slight upgrade of its predecessor with the flip-out screen from the more expensive EOS 60D.

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My best investment... After experience with panasonic,sony, JVC, this tops them all. I bought this camera the end of may, since that time I have purchased 3 different lenses in which I recommend if you want higher quality, better zoom etc. Excellent menu features when changing dial functions. Great automatic features, but the manual controls are even better in which allows you to have more control. Great control of DOF results, in which was one of my main reasons for buying. Excellent pictures. Great digital zoom features. You have to keep experimenting with features to get the look you want, (in which I really like). Love the ability to use flip out screen. I do recommend a battery grip for doubled batt. life when filming and taking pics extended periods of time. Also recommend a speedlight flash transmitter for extra flash when doing professional photos. The internal flash is great for using in normal conditions. Sound quality can be controlled manually in certain situations, but the automatic control is sufficient. I highly recommend this, canon did an excellent job.

Here is my latest review on this slr camera:
After experiencing and constantly playing around
with this camera, I'm still very satisfied and
happy I purchased this. I want to highlight the
manual controls on this... my favorite happens to
be manual and AV modes.

This suites my needs perfectly, here you have so
much control over ISO, Aperture,exposure. You have
to adjust numbers in these modes to get the look you want. 1rst start off by taking snapshots of where your settings are on... then taking one adjusting
ISO, and etc. You come out with stunning results.

The automatic controls are fantastic, but when you
want to have personal great picture results, use
these settings.

It's pretty important to invest... buy extra equipment for your camera, from extra batteries,
lenses ( in which makes a big difference in quality ). From zoom lenses to low fstops...
these lenses can be very expensive, but well worth
results.
I hardly use the built in flash, invest in external
flashes, this is why this camera was built, so you
can experience perfection in filming. I have the canon 320ex speedlite, getting ready to purchase the
430ex for more light. These flashes are great for
bouncing off walls, etc. And with combination of extenal & built in flash, these can be used sync to
create stunning results in low light.

I can't go over everything this slr has... but you
have to take time to play and try new features... you
won't be dissappointed. This is indeed a great camera I'm trying & learning almost everyday something new.

I have been a Canon EOS user for about 15 years, starting out with manual cameras and then working my way up to the EOS digital models in 2005.

Two years ago, I was getting a little frustrated carrying around a bag with multiple lenses and the camera on holidays. I wanted something small that had similar capabilities. I found it in the Panasonic Lumix range and sold all of my Canon gear.

Then my daughter was born. Suddenly my major focus changed from landscape shots to portraits and Kodak moment type snaps of her. This was fine when we were outdoors but compact cameras really struggle in low-light situations. Two months ago, I decided it was time to dive back into the world of digital SLRs. I didn't need too many bells and whistles, just a simple SLR that could take fantastic shots of my daughter and her future siblings.
I found it.

This EOS is a super camera for the price. I used to pay 4 times as much to get lesser quality in the older cameras in the range. My brother, a professional photographer, has one of the best models in the series and even he is impressed with this basic model's capabilities.

The new articulated screen is a good addition as is the ability to take HD video. The camera fills my hand nicely and is easy to hold stable due to the molded back. Th e software, screen menus,and buttons are all familiar and easy to understand. Anyone with previous Canon experience will feel right at home.

The best part of all, though, is that I am now producing beautiful photos of my daughter with no effort whatsoever.

I would recommend this camera to any new user to digital SLRs or users who want to come back to something bigger than a compact without going overboard.

I'm not sure of my qualifications or ability to make a detailed review of this camera, but I love it and will do my best. Having only ever used a Canon PowerShot and cell phone cameras before, this was a huge leap for me.

I use the camera primarily to take pictures of the kids and flowers/gardens.
I have read through the manual and found it a great asset (I have written techmanuals and read a lot of manuals, and find this one to be very easy to use). With its use I have tried every mode on the dial and used the Q - Quick Control to try the different functions. With the exception of the "M" -Manual Exposure, I have taken great pictures (OK - Excellent/Awesome by my standards, the people on the photo blogs may disagree with my assessment of my photos:)).

The video capability is truly amazing, but does require a fast card (class 6 and up) I have a Class 10 and noted some lag when my son was running around in a low light living room. The Grandparents will be able to watch HD movies on their big screen.

The weight is a bit hefty compared to the Point and Shoot but feels right in your hands.
Battery life appears to be very good, I have yet to have the battery fail on me when I need it, but I have only had the camera a short time. Time will be the judge of this. I do have a second battery File size requires a SD card of decent size (Large .jpg High Quality = 6.4MB, RAW = 24.5MB) the camera is compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards, I have a 16 gig SDHC Class 10 (A-Data 16 GB Class 10 SDHC Flash Memory Card 16GSDHC10 (Blue)). Not sure what the SDXC brings to the table but if I pick one up I'll update this review.

Live Mode (like a standard point and shoot - LCD screen shows image to be captured) is great for videos and can help when composing shoots from various angles (taking pictures of the dog near floor - without kneeling). There is even a Live Mode with facial recognition and tracking, chases my sons face all over and gives me the correct focus. The Live Mode was the only mode I figured I would be able to use, but I find the standard viewfinder eyepiece to be very easy to use and has all of the information you need.

I plan to have this camera for years to come and hope to someday master all of the settings (high expectations). I feel this camera is the perfect match for my current ability (A+ Fully Automatic Shooting allows me to take excellent pictures while using the camera like a Point and Shoot) and my desire to become the photographic artist I hope to be).

Anyone thinking about make the change from Point and Shoot to dSLR should really consider this camera. May I also suggest a camera bag, and cleaning kit.

Overall, the Canon T3i (600D) is a fantastic DSLR camera for the price. I purchased the T3i with the 18-55mm kit lens. I moved up from a Casio point and shoot and glad that I did, however I feel that both have their places. Frankly, it simply is not practical to carry the T3i around everywhere you go due to its size and weight, compared to a point and shoot. Many point and shoots cost between $300 and $400, so for a couple hundred more, you can move up to something more professional.
Where the Canon T3i really shows its strength is when you avail yourself to Canon's full selection of lenses available. Anyone knowledgeable about pro camera setups will tell you that the lens is more important than the camera. In other words, you can take better pictures with this camera and an expensive lens, than you can with a top-of-the-line $8,000 camera with a cheap lens. The 18-55mm Canon kit lens that came with my camera is a great starter lens, but you will need to use a flash with it indoors when light is medium to low. On the other hand, using a nice lens like a Canon 50mm f1.8 (approx $120 extra), will allow you to shoot indoor shots without a flash, such as while in a museum where flashes are generally prohibited.
Since buying the T3i, I have learned so much about lenses and now understand what a truly great lens can do.
Beginners often ask what the differences are between a $6,000 Canon DSLR and the $750 T3i Rebel. Well, two main differences are the build quality (metal vs. plastic) and durability (number of photos that the camera will take over its expected lifetime). It's like printers, a top model can print 200,000 pages a month, while a cheap printer will be dead with only 5,000 to 10,000 copies. Same with cameras--top Canon models will shoot half a million photos, while a cheaper model like the T3i might only be good for 20,000 photos. I have seen the ratings for Canon's top models, but nothing specific on the T3i, but I think my guess is about accurate. In other words, if you are a casual photographer and shoot 100-200 photos a month max, then the T3i should last you 7-10 years, which should satisfy any average user. On the other hand, the $8,000 Canon 1DX is made to handle thousands of photos every day for many years.
Regarding lenses....expensive Canon lenses are usually waterproof and weatherproof--meaning that they are sealed from dust, dirt, moisture, etc, while inexpensive Canon kit lenses are something you should be very careful with. They are very light duty and will not handle any kind of rough treatment at all. Even the mounting base of the 18-55mm kit lens is made of plastic, so I expect that it would damage very easily if the camera was dropped from only a short distance of only a couple feet.

USING THE CAMERA
The T3i takes great video as well as still shots. You can take video at your choice of 30 to 60 frames per second (fps). When taken at 60fps, you can play back the frames frame-by-frame in slow replay mode on the LCD screen or a TV set using the included HDMI cable, which is very handy. You can also view your still shots on a flat screen TV.
The tilt LCD screen moves in all directions, which makes it easy to see from in front of the camera or behind.
Some users who are used to a more expensive pro version DSLR will tell you that the buttons for advanced features are not as easy to get to on the T3i, but I don't really think that it is an issue at all to the casual user who doesn't use those features.