Budget DSLR

[brutus87]

I hadnt considered the t2i, ill look into that. I figured the lenses that came with the "kit" were crap. I just hope theyre decent to get me by for a bit.

I dont plan on using it for fast moving objects, just landscape, artsy photos, family events, etc.

[mrsleeve]

^

If thats your main use and you dont have the NEED for the bigger sensor, and larger low light gathering allowed by the larger format lenses for fast stop action in low light.

I really would suggest you look into the M 4/3 format from Olympus/Panasonic. Or look in to the Canon EOS M (still a little out of your pirce range and glass is limited yet). Maybe a Sony NEX (dear god did I just say that)

The reason being is a DSLR is big and heavy, will draw a lot od attention from you subject that are photographed (people in candid shots). I love mine dont get me wrong here, as I have a need for it for long low light wild life shots, and my 40d with a 100-400L is outstanding for this. I will say I will reach for my Olympus gear 1st in many cases now, because I have just as good if not slightly better I/Q in most situations as my 40d with a 1/3 the weight and size, and it draws so much less attention when your taking pics of stuff with lots of people around. Its more practical for me to carry it around with me than my full DSLR rig, but still allows for different lens changes, and all the same full manual controls. It fits in the center counsel of my truck with 1 extra lens and I still have room for all of my other stiff in there, so I always have it with me when something good arises. I could not even fit the body of my 40d in my work truck counsel.

Where the smaller formats still fall down compared to the DSLRs is with Fast zooms, they just dont have any good options out there. So most of are shooting fast high quality primes on our smaller format rigs. But going into a DSLR for you budget the only Fast glass your going to be able to get is the industry standard 50mm F1.8 for 150 bucks that every one makes. SO having a standard aperture zoom in a smaller format for now yo would not know the difference lol



Just my 2 cents.

[M Dialed]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=268444

[mcskibadee1]

Don't bother with the T3i unless you want the flip screen. If you don't need that flip screen, hop on fleabay or go around and find a T2i kit. It's the same exact camera, just without the flip.

If I had $800 to spend, I'd get the T2i (With 18-55 kit lens), a 50mm f1.8 lens, Camera bag, battery grip, extra batteries, cleaning kit, decent Class 10 card, and possibly a little more all over again. The flip screen of the t3i really is very little use to me, but you may differ.

The size, and capabilities of the T2i is pretty awesome as it is. But with Magic Lantern, Both the T2i and the T3i really shine.

This is literally my setup. I was asking the same questions you were 3 years ago and a couple of my friend that are professional said that the T2i is the best camera for beginners. Does everything well and you will not be disappointed. You can always get a better camera if you need be later on.

[Wschnitz]

So to end this. GET A FUCKING T2i or 60D. lol both are great beginner/intermediate cameras.

[Komzorz]

The Nikon d5100 has the same sensor as the d7000, albeit with less fancy features. Basically, it's the only camera capable of taking the same quality shots ($1500+ range) in the sub $1k bracket.

I don't think it's weather sealed though, and I think some of the other sub $1k Canons might be.

[Wschnitz]

Most canons are fine in rain, just don't submerge them. my 8 year old Xti i use in the rain all day. Perfectly fine.

[brutus87]

At this point, im debating between the D5100 and t3i. Theyre very similar in price.

[TurboJake]

If you want to do video, at all. T3i. There was no manual mode for the D5100 when I looked at it, whereas the T3i is fully manual. Allowing you to dial it right on in there.

Here's a low light example with my T2i


And, I actually did this for you earlier today. Mainly because I was bored. Sadly, it was out of focus for most of it, BUT! at the end you do see the focus on the wood nice and clear. T2i without the magic lantern SD card, Audio Technica Pro/24CM hotshoe mounted mic, and the kit 18-55mm IS II lens. Church is 1/2 mile away. If you don't see it, It's still uploading.

[mrsleeve]

If those are the 2 your narrowed down too, I say T3. As your going to be limited in the glass department for the nikon, if you want your Auto Focus to work. Since many of the older nikon lens's need a in body screw drive for to drive the A/F in the lens.

[Wschnitz]

T2i is the same as t3i... Only difference is goofy adjustable screen.

[brutus87]

Thanks guys/gals, yall are awesome!


I really like the goofy screen on the t3 because it will protect it unlike the t2 when its not in use.

Is it just me or is the t3i kid of plastiky feeling compared to the d5100?

[Wschnitz]

That may be the case but my 6-8 year old canon is still working perfect. so Canon build quality is sound.

[mrsleeve]

T3i is a rebel of course it feels plasticy. I remember when the film rebels came out ( I was shooting Minolta then) and thought there is no way they would hold up as they felt the same. Have a good friend of mine that Sold photo gear for 25 years, and they all said the same thing, but very rarely did a rebel ever have to go back to canon for anything other than routine maintenance.

[Hooffenstein HD]

Get a Pentax for the abundance of cheap lenses.