What should I choose?

I'll just start with the kit lens then. Henrys is selling it with the T3 for just $300 used, so I might jump there.
That was a really cool video too!

Thanks for those new ideas too.
I'll have to look into those more

Thanks everyone for the help!
I'm going to go with the T3, with the 18-55mm lens.

timothye said:

Thanks everyone for the help!
I'm going to go with the T3, with the 18-55mm lens.

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Make sure it's the 18-55 IS (image stabilized) version of the lens!

timothye said:

I'll just start with the kit lens then. Henrys is selling it with the T3 for just $300 used, so I might jump there.
That was a really cool video too!

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Looks like that T3 is body only, so I'm not sure how good of a deal that is. They do have an open box T3 with 18-55 IS lens for $359.

http://www.henrys.com/83417-OPEN-BOX-REBEL-T3-W-18-55-EF-S-IS-IIBLACK.aspx

They also have a Rebel XSi (body only) 8+ condition for $199. The XSi has similar specifications to the T3, and would be worth considering.

http://www.henrys.com/56369-USED-CANON-REBEL-XSI-DSLR-BODY-8-Plus-.aspx

Good luck with your search.

Aletheia said:

Aletheia wrote:
I noticed you are getting no help with this question,

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Some of that is because the OP's question is vague, and could be a LOT more specific.

In their situation ... school and little budget ... I'd be inclined to take baby steps.

Do you (OP) have a smart-phone? A recent one isn't that far behind the FZ35 in image quality, even with no zoom and fixed aperture.

Does the OP feel they have enough experience with the FZ35 to find it inadequate? As noted in another post, some time spent with a library book like "Introduction to Digital Photography" can make a big difference.

I'd be inclined to consider the next baby step up, to something like a S110 advanced point-n-shoot at about $250. It isn't the latest / greatest since the S120 was released. It does have a better sensor that the Lumix, PASM, and RAW. It is small enough to pretty much always have with you, which is a big advantage.

Another option between the S110 and Canon Rebel would be the Nikon J1. It is often available as a two lens bundle $200 "fire sale". It's described as refurbished, but probably new. It was grossly overpriced at introduction, and didn't catch on. Mine arrived yesterday, in new condition. It's quirky, with a learning curve, but should be capable of good to very good photos.

The Black Friday sales aren't that far away. My impression is there could be quite a few great deals on close-outs, fire sales, etc. Be patient.

If you go the Canon DSLR route, I'd be inclined to get the EF-S 55-250 IS zoom rather than the EF 70-300 ... or is the EF 75-300?

timothye said:

So I'm looking into buying a camera. My dad is offering his Panny DMC-FZ35 for $100, and I might buy it. However, many features of the camera disappoint me, especially the lowlight (In a medium-brightness room, it requires shutter speeds of a tenth of a second or lower!).

I'm thinking of buying a new camera, not my dad's used one. Right now at Best Buy, the T3 is on for $500 with the 18-55mm and 75-300mm lens. At Future Shop, the T3i is on for $600 with the same lenses.

Should I buy the FZ35 for cheap, or spend $400 more and get a camera with a similar zoom range, but much better in everything, or spend an additional $100 and get the T3i?

Note: I've never had a DSLR before. I've used the FZ35 for quite a while now, and I'm comfortable with it. My high school has 12 T3s, and I really enjoy using those. My main concern is growing out of these cameras. I'm currently in Grade 9, so I don't have much money, but I don't want to buy a camera I will be dissatisfied with in a year or two.

What would you reccomend? Is the T3i worth the extra $100 from the T3? Are the T3 or T3i worth the extra $400-500 from the FZ35?

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If you can afford to pay the extra with saved cash and you really really want a good camera, then a 'better' camera will be worth it to you.

Be honest with yourself though. Can you really afford the extra money needed for a newer and more desirable and capable camera. If you will have to forego other important things or go into debt to pay the extra money, don't do it. Buy the one off your dad and save up for that special day when you can really afford your heart's desire, or even put off the purchase for a while until you know 'the one' you just must have with a passion in your heart.

EDIT. Just read that you have made your mind up. Great! Nothing like going for something with some passion. Best of luck, I'm sure you will love it.

They have two used T3s for $300: one with the 18-55mm, and one without. I just realized that the one with the lens could have the cheap lens, so I'll have to go with the open box in that case.
Thanks!

timothye said:

They have two used T3s for $300: one with the 18-55mm, and one without. I just realized that the one with the lens could have the cheap lens, so I'll have to go with the open box in that case.
Thanks!

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No problem. With each generation Canon keeps improving their lenses. The non-IS versions of the 18-55 are older designs than the IS versions. Even when they don't officially improve the lens like going from the EF-S 18-55 IS to the EF-S 18-55 IS II testing sites show there are improvements.

Enjoy your new camera!

I got my 18-55 IS II used for under $85 USD, so not an expensive purchase.

KCook said:

I got my 18-55 IS II used for under $85 USD, so not an expensive purchase.

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As part of the open box kit he is getting it for $59.