Things a newbi needs to know about buying his first REAL camera (Black Friday sales)

This is my first post, and I hope I am not posting this in the wrong area (if so, I am sorry). I am scanning the sales pages for Black Friday sales on a potential new camera. I always had my eyes on the Canon t2i models. But, most of the sales are for the Canon t3 and Canon t3i models. Does anyone have any input on a good camera even though it’s not listed? Better sales/ location? Etc.?

Oh, I should mention that I would love to take macro shots (something with this EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM). Granted, I am still new and trying to understand Canon tech. I love to do every day picture taking especial with my beloved German shepherd. Landscape and those unique prospective shots.

And does anyone know any good book(s) to help me better understand its full potential.

Get a used one off the forums here

Or you can get a refurbished T2i from the Canon Loyalty program for $448 + tax

More info about the loyalty program is available here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=948785

Advice: Stay far, far away from the "fly by night" online vendors. If a price looks too good to be true, it usually is. Check them through a site like resellerratings.com before buying from them. If buying online, you're safest using a reputable site such as Adorama or B&H - their prices are reasonable, they have good return policies in case you happen to get a defective item and they won't bait and switch or try to sell you a bunch of useless junk along with your purchase.

Skip the T3. Its a dumbed down version of the T3I. As for books, start with "understanding exposure" by Bryan Peterson. Dont buy any accessories or lenses until you read and understand that.

I agree with "gonzogolf". He knows that I'm still learning A LOT (from the thread that I posted). I have the t2i which I love. Last year I bought it at Best Buy because they were running a "special". The camera, an 18-55 lens, the 55-250 lens, the memory card and a camera bag all for $1800. Throw in taxes, the 3 year warranty and annual cleaning thing and we're now up to $2100 or $2200's. If I had to do it all over again I would take that two grand and instead buy a 60d ($869-body only) or EOS 7D ($1483.99-body only), skip the kit lenses and instead get a really nice L-series lens (appx. $1,100-$1300 for what I'm looking at). That's about the same amount of money spent but on a faster camera and a MUCH better lens. I also recommend the book "The Digital Photography Book" by Scott Kelby. It was recommended to me by a photographer friend and I loved it. I've read enough to know that it's the number one selling photography book and reviews have photographers all over the world recommending that all photographers have this book in their arsenal. For professional photographers it is probably too basic but it's perfect for novices and semi-pros. There are actually three books in the series but so far I've only read the first one. Good luck!

Also, if you shop at best buy beware of buying accessories from them. They have to be competitive on the bodies, but they have a tendency to screw you on memory cards, bags, and the add ons.

Not a big fan of my semi local best buy, small acc are high and it takes 4 people a hour to tell you it's not in stock! Lol. Great place for blu rays tho

By what you wrote it sounds like you're on a tight budget. Macro shooting and dog shooting likely involve different lenses. What's a real camera? A G12 is real enough and offers considerable bang for the buck.

Used is a good option for a dslr.

r34p3rex wrote in post #13412807
Get a used one off the forums here

Or you can get a refurbished T2i from the Canon Loyalty program for $448 + tax

More info about the loyalty program is available here: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=948785

I agree with the Bolded, I bought my 50D here and don't regret it at ALL I love the camera. Was an easy transaction, just really do your research on your camera's before hand.

Kevan wrote in post #13414135
By what you wrote it sounds like you're on a tight budget. Macro shooting and dog shooting likely involve different lenses. What's a real camera? A G12 is real enough and offers considerable bang for the buck.

Used is a good option for a dslr.

I am not really on a tight budget. I just like to find a great camera for a great deal. I love the t2i model and I was hoping someone around here knows a deal going on. I have nothing against buy used items from people. I just like to get it at a store just in case.

Check out KEH.com, Adorama.com or BHphotovideo.com as well if you're not worried about buying used. All very reputable for used or new. I believe used camera from KEH come with a 6mos warranty (by KEH).

I had a lot of fun buying a T2i a little over a year ago. Take your time and keep a close eye on slickdeals.net. Pay particular attention to the packages - Costco has the T2i bundled with an 18-55mm and a 55-250mm lens for $850. Add a $100 50mm f/1.8 and you've got the perfect kit to get started with.

It's unlikely that you'll do much better than that but, even if you do, Costco has a 90 day no-questions-asked return policy. It might come in handy if Canon starts to offer free Pixma Pro9000 Mark II printers again.

Hope you were paying attention this morning. Amazon has (for just seven more minutes) the Canon 55-250mm IS lens for $144. That's the cheapest you'll ever find it - about $30 less than the price of a used one!

The T2i would be a fine starting camera.... If you have a lot of interest in macro, the T3i with it's articulated LCD would be useful for low angle (or high angle) Live View macro shots. 60D, too.

Take a look at the cameras in a store. Some like the small form factor and control layout of the Rebel series... other folks don't and feel more comfortable with a 60D (or 50D).

If at all possible and buying new, buy a kit with a lens. If at all possible, get the 18-135 IS to start with. It should be a good all-around lens, nice upgrade from the 18-55 IS that's often bundled with the cameras. It can focus pretty close, but if you need closer consider a set of macro extension tubes, rather than a dedicated macro lens... at least initially.

If you want wider for landscapes, it's hard to beat the Canon 10-22 for IQ, but Tokina 12-24/4 comes close and is about as well or perhaps better built.

If you are going for a wide lens, then you might opt for a different standard lens. The "best" is the pricey and large 24-70/2.8. 24-105 IS is a little less money, but still pretty expensive. A lightly used 28-135 IS (perhaps bought here on POTN or off local Craigslist) is one of the best bargains... In my area they are running around $200 (for a lens that usually sells for close to $500 with the lens hood). It's USM should focus faster than the 18-135 (which lacks USM), which would be handy when photographing a running dog or other moving subjects.

If you want longer, the 70-200/4 IS is a great, fast focusing, telezoom. A bit pricey, though. There are some 70-300 IS and the 55-250 IS that might serve instead, for considerably less money (but with some limitations, as you might expect).

Lots of possibilities. You might start out with the camera and one "standard zoom" lens for now... plan to add more in the future as you grow and want to be able to do more.

Don't forget to allow for memory cards, extra batteries, perhaps a flash, software, extra computer RAM and hard drive storage space, a camera bag and perhaps a few other things.

amfoto1 wrote in post #13418124
The T2i would be a fine starting camera.... If you have a lot of interest in macro, the T3i with it's articulated LCD would be useful for low angle (or high angle) Live View macro shots. 60D, too.

Take a look at the cameras in a store. Some like the small form factor and control layout of the Rebel series... other folks don't and feel more comfortable with a 60D (or 50D).

If at all possible and buying new, buy a kit with a lens. If at all possible, get the 18-135 IS to start with. It should be a good all-around lens, nice upgrade from the 18-55 IS that's often bundled with the cameras. It can focus pretty close, but if you need closer consider a set of macro extension tubes, rather than a dedicated macro lens... at least initially.

My thoughts exactly...