Perfect for the hobbyist who doesn't want to break the bank

[LuFra72]

I like to compare this camera to my Subaru. My Subaru isn't the most luxurious, most expensive, most feature-packed vehicle on the market, but it gets me to my destinations in comfort and I know I can depend on it and take it just about anywhere without having to worry about it (leaving me to enjoy my destination).

This is a fun camera that isn't very expensive and it allows you to be creative; starting with basic, fully automatic "point & shoot" features to going completely manual. I love it!

 

[Digirame]

I have two Canon T2i (550D) cameras which are similar to the Canon T3i (600D) camera. I have found that I'm able to get nice ISO5000 pictures when using the manual mode and auto ISO. So I'm not sure why you just think it's just OK...unless you are comparing it to something else. For on-camera flash photography, I really like the ability to change the shutter speed to 1/200th of a second. That makes it possible to capture people jumping up in the air, even during the evenings when everything is dark around them. Have you tried that? You need to change the shutter speed in the menu. I say that assuming your camera is similar to mine. Also what I've found is that the red-eye is not as pronounced. In fact, a lot of times I can't even see red-eye. One more note about the on-camera flash. Be sure to adjust your flash compensation when you need it.

Thanks for the review...hope you enjoy your new camera...just wanted to give you more things to think about...not knowing whether you knew about those things.

 

[Abu Mahendra]

The xx0D series are neat little performers.

 

[LuFra72]

Thank you, I shoot in M mode and I manually adjust the ISO as well (something I feel I'm constantly improving on). I think it shoots great images at high ISOs. I don't think it's just "okay", I gave it 4 out of 5 stars (I love my Subaru, perhaps the way I wrote the opening paragraph doesn't really express that).

I'm also using a 430ex II speedlight Flash with it, and it is amazing! My indoor shots look amazing when the flash is pointed towards the ceiling.

I love this camera and for my purposes (hobbyist) I don't think I'll be looking for another one any time soon. To answer your question, 5 stars for me would be the 6D (which is more than double the price but is FF and has much higher ISO). Not something I'm looking for at the moment, so for now and the foreseeable future, I'm sticking with my T3i.