Need help with first dslr t3i or 40d?

Hi,

Guys I don't have any experience with DSLR's but I would like to buy one I can grow into and spend about 300-350. I am looking for a used camera and I was wondering what would be better? I am looking for a camera for portrait and nature scenes, I also want something adjustable so i can take a class with it as well. My questions is I am looking at either a rebel 12 mp t3i with the kit lens used for about 300 on amazon or ebay or should i buy a cannon 40d that is 10 mp for about 200 for the body and a nicer lens for about 150? I am not too interested in the video stuff but I dont know of the 40d will not take as good pics as the t3i because it is about 7 years old with older technology. I know it cost more than the rebel when it came out but is it too outdated? I also like how the 40d looks beefier! But what would be the best option for getting into the hobby?

Thanks

Scott

Welcome to POTN, and to photography.

You can do everything you'll need to do with an older model than the T3i. Look for an XSi or T1i (450D, 500D). They are more than adequate to learn on and they are inexpensive today. You will know more about what you want after you get into it a bit more. Then either keep the old camera as a back-up, or sell it for little or no loss. There are some good deals on the XSi in the sell forum right now. BTW, they are not mine.

a t3i is 18 mp

McDonald's sells hamburgers.

my mistake I ment t3. I just didn't know if the 40d was too outdated or not forgetting into photography

Could you stretch to a t2i / 550D?

What Yashica says is also true, if you don't mind upgrading within a few years.

I apologize. I should have made myself a little more clear. Megapixels, for the most part, don't matter. Unless you are heavily cropping, or printing larger than 20"x30" you'll never see the difference between an old 8MP 350D camera and a brand new 20MP 70D, at lower ISO settings. The older camera will be cheaper to buy. New lenses will work just fine on it. Any Canon EOS digital camera that still works is a very good tool to learn on. Find an old 300D at a garage sale for $25. If it works, you'll learn.

You can really go wrong with the new 100d (also known as the SL1).
Prices are very good.

Don't be put off because its small & light weight.
It does everything a Canon DSLR is expected to do... sensor as good as the 60D.

I just bought a T2i w/18-55 IS Mk1 for $290. Advantages are 18 vs 10MP, HD video, Magic Lantern compatibility (if that's of any interest to you), newer model so potentially less mileage (mine only had around 3,000 shutter activations when received). In my case, HD video and ML were determining factors. If video is of no importance, the 40D is a fine camera, and 10MP is still a lot of resolution if used properly. If nothing else it will force you to spend more time on shot composition rather than relying on cropping later, and this is a good thing IMHO. Aside from the resolution, the T2i has a newer processor and can shoot at ISO 3200 rather than the 40D's ISO 1600.

Average eBay selling price of the 40D in full working condition appears to be around $175. The problem with your budget is finding a "nicer lens" than an 18-55 for $175. It can be done, but it requires patience and luck. At this time of year, you might have to wait until after the holidays to find bargains. It seems the holiday rush has already begun.

YashicaFX2 wrote in post #16416427
I apologize. I should have made myself a little more clear. Megapixels, for the most part, don't matter. Unless you are heavily cropping, or printing larger than 20"x30" you'll never see the difference between an old 8MP 350D camera and a brand new 20MP 70D, at lower ISO settings. The older camera will be cheaper to buy. New lenses will work just fine on it. Any Canon EOS digital camera that still works is a very good tool to learn on. Find an old 300D at a garage sale for $25. If it works, you'll learn.

^this

The 40D was (and still is) capable of taking outstanding photos. Great camera to learn on. Use it and get good with it then upgrade based on what aspects of it start holding you back.

aww man now I have more questions than answers lol. thanks for the advice it loom
ks like the majority of the answers is any older DSLR will work. I like the xti but the 40d is about 50 bucks more and it looks like a real pro camera. I just didn't know if the technology was way to outdated and I would be better with an t3 with the kit lens.

landslide03 wrote in post #16416628
aww man now I have more questions than answers lol. thanks for the advice it loom
ks like the majority of the answers is any older DSLR will work. I like the xti but the 40d is about 50 bucks more and it looks like a real pro camera. I just didn't know if the technology was way to outdated and I would be better with an t3 with the kit lens.

I'd always suggest investing in a better lens than in a newer camera body.

hmm bumpintheroad, in was just looking at the t2i it looks like I can get one with the lens for about 300 is that alpt better camera than the 40d?

landslide03 wrote in post #16416663
hmm bumpintheroad, in was just looking at the t2i it looks like I can get one with the lens for about 300 is that alpt better camera than the 40d?

The canon 40D is better built and has higher FPS.
The t2i has a newer sensor, the main difference will be at higher ISO speeds (low light).

With the 40D, compared to an older Rebel, you get:

• more external controls
  
• better construction
  
• PC sync out
  
• control wheel
  
• higher FPS and better buffer
  
• better viewfinder
  
• faster shutter and sync speed
  
• better autofocus