Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D Review: Digital Photography Review

Body elements

	The 600D's mode dial hosts a brand new icon - 'A⁺' for 'Scene Intelligent Auto'. Otherwise we're looking at the same set of options as before, although Creative Auto has been moved next to the scene modes, presumably to encourage beginners to experiment with it. The A-DEP mode analyses data from all of the camera's AF points, and attempts to set a focus distance and aperture to ensure everything will be in focus.
	There's also a new button on the top-plate. Marked 'DISP.', it's used to turn the LCD screen on and off while you're shooting. In movie mode it's used in conjunction with the two buttons on the camera's right shoulder to operate the digital zoom (when enabled).
	The 600D uses the same LP-E8 battery pack as the 550D, which as usual clips into place behind a door on the base of the camera.
	The memory card slot is on the grip side of the camera, and takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
	The 600D's various connectors are hidden under rubber flaps on the other side of the body. Towards the front we have sockets for the optional RS-60E3 wired remote control, and a stereo microphone for recording sound while shooting movies.
	The camera's 'digital' connectors sit under another flap next door. There's a combined USB and AV out socket, plus mini-HDMI for playing back images and movies on your HD TV.
	The camera uses Canon's well-established 18Mp CMOS sensor (as also seen in the 7D, 60D and 550D), which has a 1.6x 'crop factor' meaning that an 18mm lens offers a similar angle of view to a 29mm lens on the 35mm 'full frame' format. The 600D accepts Canon's full range of EF and EF-S lenses, plus of course third party alternatives.
	The pop-up flash is the same as on previous cameras in the range. With a guide number of 13 it's got a reasonable amount of power for social shooting or a blip of fill-flash, and lifts high above the mount to minimize shadowing with larger lenses. One welcome new trick, compared to the 550D, is the ability to wirelessly control Speedlites off-camera, including the new 270EX II and 320EX models.
	Of course the 600D also sports Canon's usual dedicated hot shoe that's compatible with appropriate flash units.

The 600D's mode dial hosts a brand new icon - 'A⁺' for 'Scene Intelligent Auto'. Otherwise we're looking at the same set of options as before, although Creative Auto has been moved next to the scene modes, presumably to encourage beginners to experiment with it.

The A-DEP mode analyses data from all of the camera's AF points, and attempts to set a focus distance and aperture to ensure everything will be in focus.

There's also a new button on the top-plate. Marked 'DISP.', it's used to turn the LCD screen on and off while you're shooting. In movie mode it's used in conjunction with the two buttons on the camera's right shoulder to operate the digital zoom (when enabled).

The 600D uses the same LP-E8 battery pack as the 550D, which as usual clips into place behind a door on the base of the camera.

The memory card slot is on the grip side of the camera, and takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.

The 600D's various connectors are hidden under rubber flaps on the other side of the body. Towards the front we have sockets for the optional RS-60E3 wired remote control, and a stereo microphone for recording sound while shooting movies.

The camera's 'digital' connectors sit under another flap next door. There's a combined USB and AV out socket, plus mini-HDMI for playing back images and movies on your HD TV.

The camera uses Canon's well-established 18Mp CMOS sensor (as also seen in the 7D, 60D and 550D), which has a 1.6x 'crop factor' meaning that an 18mm lens offers a similar angle of view to a 29mm lens on the 35mm 'full frame' format.

The 600D accepts Canon's full range of EF and EF-S lenses, plus of course third party alternatives.

The pop-up flash is the same as on previous cameras in the range. With a guide number of 13 it's got a reasonable amount of power for social shooting or a blip of fill-flash, and lifts high above the mount to minimize shadowing with larger lenses.

One welcome new trick, compared to the 550D, is the ability to wirelessly control Speedlites off-camera, including the new 270EX II and 320EX models.

Of course the 600D also sports Canon's usual dedicated hot shoe that's compatible with appropriate flash units.

Comments

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andrejones6

I bought my Canon T3i in 2011 and it still works great. Never had any problem and for an amateur photographer like me, it's more than enough to take high quality photos without any specific knowledge.
I even take pictures for my business (http://www.trusera.com/) and it looks very professional. In my opinion, for an average user, this is one of the best choices.

6 months agopermalink

vladimir funtak

It was kind of funny to take a 24-70 f 2.8 lens on a 600D, was afraid it will broke…Don't worry, work just fine, only the neck-strapp is maybe to delicate…Great little camera. Like video options too.

Nov 15, 2015permalink

ezak

Does anyone knows if this camera has a socket for studio flash sync cord?
Thanks.

Jun 14, 2015permalink

Albertina666

The Canon EOS Rebel T3i is great. It has the ability to take excellent shots, you can learn alot about photography with it. And if you're new to photography it wouldn't be wise to invest in a higher-end expensive camera that you have no idea how to operate. Read the manual a couple of times and you'd be good to go, its not that difficult to use. Read more at
http://certainclick.com/canon-eos-rebel-t3i/

Mar 21, 2015permalink

BobBurns

I've had my t3i for about four months now and I find learning how to use it properly an enjoyable project. This camera can be as complex or as simple as one would like it to be, depending on one's interest.

I bought a 70-300 TeleZoom to add to the camera's flexibility and to be able to shoot wildlife.

So far, I have no regrets purchasing this camera and I can't imagine having any going forward.

Feb 27, 2015permalink

BradMark

Pretty good review, thanks.

Nov 13, 2014permalink

KonradDC

I have had this camera for over 2 years. The video works very well for exposure, especially in difficult lighting areas. The problem is the focus is slow and hunts. It is best to use it in manual mode and with fairly fast lenses. This was an upgrade to EOS 350, but I only use 2 of the lenses I used before with the 600D - Canon EF 50mm 1.8 and Sigma 70-300 mm. Photos are good and the lens profile works well with the Canon lenses I have. Profile does not work with non-Canon lense like my sigma 17-70 2.8-4 and the 70-300mm. I have also bought a Canon 10-18mm wide angle lens to add to the 18-55 is and 55-250 is lens, plus the lenses mentioned earlier.
I had to buy Nissin flashes as the Sigma 500 flash is not compatible, even after being sent to Sigma for a fix.
The worst issue is the slow focus in live view. Fast lenses are better, but it is best to go manual or use the view finder. I was think of getting the 700D, but not sure if it is worth it, even with the upgrades.

Nov 12, 2014permalink

reanim888

Great camera for shooting still photos. The quality is superb and low-lighting is a breeze (as soon as you get used to working the correct settings).
The main reason I chose the T3i was for the 1080p video is offers. The video quality is great, but there are a few things to be aware of.
You'll want to get a memory card rated at a 10 for speed, and make sure it's a good-quality brand. If you scrimp on the card you'll forever be hitting yourself when the video recording repeatedly stops for no apparent reason. I have been through three cards that don't cut it (three different brands). Make sure you shell out the money for a quality card or you won't be able to record the data fast enough for 1080p (particularly in bright lighting or when you have a light source in the background--like a TV or lamp).
Enjoy!

Nov 1, 2014permalink

qosmioamit

This is my first DSLR as well and I think it functions very well. I use the kit lens and additionally I bought a telephoto zoom lens 55 to 250mm (f4 to f5.6) and a prime 50mm (f1.8). The camera gives me reasonably sharp shots. It does not have as many focus points as a competitive Nikon D3200. I post process with Aperture and then the pictures look even better!

Jul 24, 2014permalink

LuFra72

This is my first DSLR, coming from two previous Canon PowerShot cameras and a Minolta 35mm SLR. For my purposes (not professional) this camera has been outstanding. I mainly wanted a camera that allowed me to take better family and vacation photos and one that would allow me to learn about shooting manually. I also feel confident that lens purchases I make for this camera will be supported on better Canon cameras should I see the need for it in the future.

Jul 3, 2014permalink

Empies

Even for an amateur camera very well. Of course, for a good job requires additional configuration. Plus, the lens plays an important role. That the work of the unit, I want to note the high processing shots. Good sharpness and color rendition. In general, a good camera. And not expensive!

Dec 28, 2013permalink

keekimaru

Canon t3i 600D

This new piece of kit is very similar but quite a few dollars cheaper. The specs are similarly very close, with one exceptional difference: the new baby is 240 grams lighter in weight, made from stainless steel and polycarbonate resin with glass fibre. Which says a lot: pros like cameras with a dab of weight while the amateur fraternity goes kinky for models that don’t lower the shoulders.

Dec 13, 2013permalink

VizuaLegend

So All In All., Im Looking Between This &The Rebel SL1 For Video... I Would Like To Kno Which Would Be Best For The Task &Video Editing ...

Nov 2, 2013permalink

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