T3 vs T3i, Can't figure which better suits me ... help!

I've read the reviews and done my research and I'm just absolutely torn between these two cameras.

I already decided that the T3i was more suited for me than the 60D unless I can find one at a similar price point, mostly because i like the body design and ergonomics of the T3i a lot better.

Walmart and BestBuy are having sales on their T3's though. For $580 you get the T3, 18-55mm Kit Lens and 75-300m Lens or for $630 you get the T3, 18-55mm Kit lens and 55-250mm lens.

Alternatively I'd be paying around $900 for a T3i + 18-55mm Kit lens or possibly 18-135mm if I get lucky. I had a deal for 18-55+55-250mm lenses that was only $800 but I can't remember where I saw that.

My budget is $800 max and it looks like I'm just not going to find anything that fits that exactly; either I save a little and get a disappointing camera or I get a better camera and eat ramen for a month straight.

I already have an Olympus e-520 and I've been very happy with the outdoor performance but I want 3 things that my camera just doesn't have: Great high-ISO performance, HD Video Recording and a future in the DSLR industry.

Do you think the T3 bundle is worth it? I'm looking for portfolio-level video capabilities and enthusiast/occasional for-profit photo capabilities. Will the T3 give me video with SLR controls or am I better off just buying a good HD camcorder? Being able to use different lenses with video is the primary reason I care to get a new DSLR at all, anyone have experience with that and is it really worth it?
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I've yet to see a positive review of the 70-300, whereas the bargain-priced 55-250 IS (I have one) constantly surprises with its IQ. I'm sure the IS helps alot. So, if going for two lenses, go for the 18-55/55-250 combo, which can be bought for about £225 here in the UK. Can't comment on US prices but they are usually lower and, with Christmas coming there should be special offers available.

I've just upgraded from the 500D to the 600D and, after some debate, I did go for the 18-135mm IS because it was available at a very good 'white box' price (still slightly more than the 18-55\& 55-250 combo in the UK) and there's a £50 Canon UK rebate offer on the 600D - making the deal affordable. The articulated screen was a big attraction for me and the extra megapixels gives more room for cropping when using the 18-135, which should make a great walkaround lens. So, if you can find the 600D + 18-135 at or near you price range then it would make a great basic outfit. If not then 600D + 18-55 IS and, if possible, the 55-250mm IS.

The T3 is no doubt a good camera but I think you'd soon find the 12MP restrictive and buying the 70-300 is not a way to compensate for the lack of cropping. This is because when using the 300mm end without IS, unless the light is very bright, will lead to too low a shutter speed and blur.

Good Luck. Stuart

It is worth all the extra bucks. You need it.

Since HD video recording is one of your major goals, don't get the T3! The T3 is limited to 1280 X 720 in video mode. No 1080!

Also, forget about the 75-300 mm lens. It is a cheap, poor quality lens and you get what you pay for! As others have stated, the 18-55 IS + 55-250 IS is a much better choice!
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Yogi

When you get down to the nuts and bolts of photography, the results depend on the 'nut' behind the camera!

See the 'Plan' in my 'Profile' for my current equipment.

There's a large number of reasons the T3i is a more expensive camera. But it also has better IQ, higher resolution, better movie features, better VF (if I am not mistaking) and a more useful screen. These are just some of the things coming on the top of my mind, but I'm am pretty sure many others can be brought into the argument.

The 1000D/1100D are great entry-level camera, but for a user that will be looking for more sophisticated usage and for more photo environments, the cameras will show more significant drawbacks. So I would advise to get the better body with a single lens, and add the glass you want / can afford at the later point, instead of getting two average lenses. It may have been an argument if you were trading a body for a very good lens (think L class); i am currently considering buying a L zoom rather than upgrading my 550D, but the ones you mention are not that expensive and you may be able to add them at a later stage, after a bit more saving.

B&H Photo has the T3i plus the 18-55 IS kit lens for $764 to your door unless you live in NY where you would have to pay sales tax.

This leaves you enough to get a decent class 10 SDHC card. Get at least an 8GB if possible.

The 75-300 is not known to be a good lens and my copy certainly isn't. You need IS for any tele lens that you will use hand held. A 55-250 IS would be a good choice for a second lens. Those are under $200 right now from several suppliers. It's a good sharp lens for the money and is light weight. I use mine as a carry lens when I don't take multiple lenses. A TLZ-25 Lowepro case fits this combination well, is well padded, cheap (under $20), and easy to carry. Just need to retract the focus adjustment, zoom, and carry it lens down.





Here is the size differences for the 18-55 IS, 55-250 IS, and the Tamron 70-300 VC. The Tamron is double the weight of the 55-250.



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Tymevest

I don't believe the t3 has any dust removal function. None of the systems has worked perfectly, but they are still better than nothing. Also, dust really shows on videos and you can't easily fix it as with a still pic.

Greg

If it were me, I'd try to find a way to get the 600D with the 18-55 and 55-250. If I couldn't do that now, I'd get the 55-250 later.

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Check out the unofficial Rebel forum FAQ - http://snipurl.com/RebelFAQ

Wow thanks for the pictures and information! Very helpful!

I decided to go with a T1i; all I had considered were the newest Canon offerings but I forgot the T2i and T1i came out earlier and are much better than the T3.

I got a T1i, 18-55 IS and 75-300 with a 16GB SDHC card, couple of UV filters, large camera bag and camera cleaning kit for $650 flat.

The 10 megapixel E-520 has had more than enough resolution for me so the 15 megapixel T1i is still a welcomed resolution upgrade. After a few preliminary tests I'm already extremely happy with the low-light and high-ISO performance.

I'm also not too bummed out about 1080p only being 20FPS since I prefer to use 720p video to save space and because it's easier to edit.

Interface and auto-focus is lackluster, Olympus Evolts may not have the best performance but the menu optimization and button customization is second to none. Hopefully I can figure out the menu better after I read through the manual a few times.

Thanks all for the advice! I will definitely look into getting the 250mm IS lens, this 300mm zoom is extremely heavy and no in-camera IS is going to be a nightmare. I might get a EF-4/3 converter and try this thing on an Oly body with IS.

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my personal website: http://www.sagebrushfire.com

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You've made a good choice on the camera! Congrats, and enjoy the new toy!
--
Yogi

When you get down to the nuts and bolts of photography, the results depend on the 'nut' behind the camera!

See the 'Plan' in my 'Profile' for my current equipment.