Excellent Canon DSLR at a Very Good Price

Hello Everyone,

I've had this camera for about 6 months now. If you're used to Canon DSLR's then you'll like this camera. I'm not going to write a lengthy review, but will just give my personal experiences.

I had the T1 and then the T1i, and now the T3i. I decided to stay with Canon as I always have had this brand of camera. If I had a Nikon, I would most likely stay with Nikon. The reason that I prefer staying with 1 brand is that you become familiar with it, and it's quite easy to adapt to the next newer model.

I purchase the T3i because I got a very good price for it. Also, I wanted more megapixels,and so went from 14 to 18 megapixels. I haven't made any large-sized prints, so the difference on a computer screen is hard to see.

The T3i is faster than the T1i, however it's still a bit slow when shooting 18 megapixel files both as JPEG's and Raw. I haven't really needed the raw, but I keep the images.

When you escalate to these high megapixel camera, I would recommend the following:

1. Higher speed SD cards of at least class 6. I use 4 for now and that's OK,
since I do mostly tabletop. SD cards of at least 8 GB.

2. A battery grip. The reason for this is that you can take loads of photos and almost never have the batteries lose their power. Also, if you do sports or shoot outdoors in winter, purchase extra batteries as the cold will deplete your batteries' charge faster.

3. A Delkin or similar viewing screen shade. These allow you to view your photos easier by shading them. This is especially great outdoors during daylight. It's not perfect,but it's better than no shade at all!

2. Several hard drives of at least 2 TB (Terabytes). Taking photos at 18 megapixels eats up
lots of hard drive memory!

3. A computer with at least 8 GB RAM, a 3.06 dual processor (IMac) or PC.

I don't bother with 90% of the features on the camera, so that's why I didn't talk about the features. The camera does have lots of features if you need such. However, whatever I need for image adjustment or enhancement, I have with Photoshop.

1 improvement that I have noticed is that the mirror internal vibrating cleaner works much better on the T3i than in previous models. I don't know if they have in fact improved this feature, or that I store the camera much better than before.

I shoot tabletop under tungsten lighting,so I use a tripod. I do find that the camera is slow to process combined 18 megapixel JPEG/Raw images. You have to wait about 1-2 seconds for the red light process indicator to turn off. However, it's not like the model or animal is moving and I'll lost the shots.

I would recommend that if you do upgrade, that you skip at least 1 generation. I mentioned that I first had the T1 and then the T1i. As soon as I bought the T1i, the t2i came out. Great timing!

You can be sure that Canon already has the next generation of cameras already planned.
For now, this is my camera, and I don't foresee buying a t4i or a t5i for now. I would say the same thing for software. Most of what I do in Photoshop or Word or Excel suits me just fine even if I have the latest Photoshop or Word/Excel 2008. My CS3 Photoshop works as well for my needs as My CS5. I was just fortunate to have been a photography teacher, and as such, was able to get new versions at educational prices.

My advise: if it works, and you're happy with it, don't change. If you plan to, then sell your older camera ASAP to reduce the cost of the new one.

Thanks for reading this.

Articulated, high res Live View screen, Brilliant image quality.

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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Awesome dslr for pro's & amatures

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 love this camera! If you can Imagine it....It can Do it, And then Some!

I have only had it for about a week and I am having the Time of my life using it!! This is the perfect entry level DSLR it allows you to get using it right away with excellent results! It has so many features that will allow me or any amateur photographer to grow exponentially IMO. This is the main reason i bought this particular Camera.




There is a huge selection of lenses to choose from as you grow but the kit lens included should last you for some time! if you are transitioning from a point and shoot like myself the one thing that i had to get used to was close-up/macro shooting. the lens has a minimum focal distance,so you cannot get right up on the subject like you can with the point and shoots.






The camera has a feature guide that helps you understand what each and every function does, in camera, which is awesome! I liked the Canon T31 because of the of the way it fit in my hands and the menus and button layout....I know that is nit picky but it matters, Trust Me! Go to a camera store before you choose between any camera! Get a feel for it in your hands, how it fits in them, do all of your fingers fit the grip, is it comfortable, are the buttons too flush with the body. All of those things really matter. I Love that this Camera has its own button for ISO and the Articulated screen is pretty awesome! other cameras have this feature but in combination with everything else made The T3i a winner.






Again Ive only had it a week, I have not even began to tap into what this Camera is capable of. Get this camera its TOP SHELF!!!




It is very light yet it does not feel cheap in any way, It also is not huge, its a great size. The quality of the photos is excellent! If you can imagine it...this camera can do it and then some! especially once you know how to use all the features. Since I am a beginner i haven't quite learned how to do everything yet, but what i have been able to do has been so satisfying! Just a tip.. Find a bundle with more than one lens! I did and its great!!! Shooting is fast and its fun! i have been able to catch the wildlife in my backyard easily with this camera! Squirrels are fast but so is my camera ha!





it does a great job catching your everyday life moments it has lived up to every expectation! I love this Camera!!!




The only dislike and there is only one, I don't like that the settings dial does not rotate a full 360 degrees but stops and then you have to turn it back the other way the Nikon cameras do that.

Perfect for Those Indoor Portraits that Your Compact Can't Do

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.