The Price is Definitely NOT Right!

After foregoing a DSLR for a long time (I sold off my Sony Alpha A230 a few years ago), I was so excited to finally get my hands on a new DSLR once again. Naturally, what with the A230 being so old, I expected the current generation starter DSLRs would come with as much if not more features and functionality than the A230. which was also a starter (it was so basic, it didn't come with video).

Instead, the Rebel T6 turned out to be a disappointment. It's a very dumbed down starter DSLR. When DPR writes in its review,"The Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D is an entry-level DSLR targeted toward first-time ILC users and smartphone upgraders," it is not kidding. That's exactly what it feels like, a DSLR geared towards an Instagrammer who's never handled a DSLR, let alone any type of camera.

It's not only dumbed down compared to older DSLRs but modern day enthusiast's compacts. The best way to describe the Rebel T6 is that it's a glorified point and shoot. That is to say, even though it technically is a DSLR, it handles and feels like a basic point and shoot in the body of a DSLR. Not only are the features pretty basic, the menu is so dumbed down as to be counter-intuitive and in some cases mystifying. The body also feels very cheap. It almost feels like something a hipster might've come up with on Kickstarter, like a fake plastic case that you put onto your smartphone into to pretend that you're using a DSLR. Even my Panasonic LX7 feels more substantial.

I guess you could argue that for a newbie to ILCs, all of this is a moot point and that the Rebel T6 is one of those "good for what it is" cameras. But now comes the issue of price. If it sold for $100 less, it would be fine. But as it stands, it's a ripoff, regardless of whether you're a first time ILC user or not. If you're a newbie, for the price of this camera, you could get a used DSLR that gives you a lot more bang for your buck and actually operates and feels like a camera, not a tinker toy. For $50-$100 more, you could get a mirrorless or even an enthusiast's compact (Panasonic LX100, Sony RX100) that gives you a lot more than what this camera could offer you.

If you're not a newbie, it's still a ripoff. Many people find starter DSLRs attractive because of budget; they make a perfect cheap complement/alternate camera until you can drop your gear altogether and splurge on a more premium camera. If you already have a mirrorless or an enthusiast's compact and were hoping to get this camera to work in tandem with it, you will be sorely disappointed and find the idea of investing more money in it absurd.

For example, I currently own a Panasonic LX7. Yes, as a compact it has a smaller sensor, less resolution and the inability to swap lenses. But whatever weaknesses it has compared to the T6 are completely canceled out by its fast Leica lens and other features. As a result, it doesn't make much sense to pour more money into the T6 to make it on parity with the LX7 in terms of low light performance and other features. You're supposed to be investing in a DSLR so that it surpasses the compact, not so that it matches it.

In any event, you get the idea. The Rebel T6 isn't a bad camera in and of itself. It's just that it fills a very awkward niche. It's far too overpriced as a starter camera for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. There simply isn't enough functionality to justify the price compared to other starters in this class and for just $50-$100 more you could get a camera that gives you triple what it offers. To get this would be like getting a $400 basic HDTV with just two HDMI ports when you could just get a $475 Smart 4K HDTV that comes bluetooth, server streaming, a channel guide and 6 HDMI, 2 USB and 3 RCA ports.

minababe wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion (Canon T7i). I didn't read any reviews beforehand because of a friend (who owned a different Rebel in the past and kept raving about it), and also because Canon is such a trusted brand. But that won't happen again. I'll definitely be looking at reviews more closely rather than just give a popular brand (Nikon, Canon, etc.) the benefit of the doubt.

Sounds to me that it is your friend you should be complaining about and not Canon who seem to have described the model fairly accurately.

Every manufacturer produces low end “ entry level” cameras, not just Canon.  I have taught a few photography classes and found the same limitations with low end Nikon gear.  This can be very frustrating for both the student and the instructor.

If you have an interest in photography and want to buy a camera, research is essential.  You have to know what a camera can and can not do well, and what features you consider essential for your style of photography.

In the case of your purchase of a T6, you simply chose the wrong model camera based on what your expectations were.

minababe wrote:

Stan in NH wrote:

In the case of your purchase of a T6, you simply chose the wrong model camera based on what your expectations were.

You didn't read my review.

If you don't understand this concept--that it's just not a good buy from a consumer standpoint--I can't help you.

Yes, I did read your review and yes, I did manage to grasp the concept that you don't think the T6 is worth the money.  And no, I did not ask for your help.

I've been seeing T6 deals pop up all over the place lately, some as low as $300 for the two lens kit, which is pretty amazing but as I did my research I don't think it's the camera for me. I tried it out at the store and it does feel quite cheap to me, some of my old compacts felt more sturdy. By comparison the Nikon D3500 sitting right next to it felt fantastic. Sticking with the Canon line the SL2 seems like a much better starting point if you want to stay with the brand.