New to DSLR - T2i, T3, or T3i

Hello all,

I'm new to DSLR world, actually looking to get a camera for my wife for her 30th bday. She is looking to get more into photography, particular to take photos of our son and family.

I'm mostly looking at the T2i, T3 and T3i. Was wondering if anyone had specific feedback on which would be the best for someone just getting into photography. I want to get something that will be good enough for her to use for the foreseeable future as well.

Couple of questions I have:

1) The T3 is significantly cheaper than the T2i/T3i, is the only difference lower resolution for photos (12 vs. 18MP) and video (720 vs 1080P)? I'm leaning towards the "i" line, but the lower price is intriguing. Any insight?

2) Is the only difference between the T2i and T3i the articulating lcd? Anything else worth noting?

3) I notice the T4i was just announced. Is it safe to assume there will be a price drop on the T2i and T3i, or not necessarily? My wife's birthday is 6/21, not sure if it was worth waiting until the last minute on.

4) Would you recommend, for a beginner, to get one of the stock lens kits (18-155mm?), or just the body and get a separate lens. If so, any recommendations?


Thanks in advance for any help.

Does she plan on taking video?

Probably will use it take some video, mostly photos.

I think the T2i would suit her well. If she plans to continue photography, I do not think this camera will not leave her wanting a more capable camera. I believe the T3 would leave some room for upgrade in the future. So, if you can afford it, get her the T2i.

The 18-55mm lens will be fine, but try to get the IS version. I would also recommend getting a 50mm 1.8 (nifty fifty). As she progresses, she can get a feel for what focal length is suitable for her style. Hope this helps.

mrconos wrote in post #14559939
Probably will use it take some video, mostly photos.

If you are in the U.S., you can order your wife a refurbished T2i direct from Canon for $383.99, with the kit 18-55 lens for $447.99. It will come with a 90-day warranty, and you can even order a lens with it for 20% off the refurbished price.

It is called the Canon Loyalty Program.

This page fully explains the details, but it is worth it. Here you can also get:

-T3 w/ kit 18-55 lens for $351.99
-T3i body only 479.99, with 18-55 kit lens $543.99

and here's the list of products you can get with your new camera/kit. I believe you can get up to one extra lens and one accessory:
EF 17-40 f4 L
EF 24-70 f2.8 L
EF 24-105 f4 L IS
EF 28-135 f3.5 IS
EF 50mm f1.4
EF 50mm f1.8
EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM II
EF 70-300 f4-5.6 (Non-L)
EF 75-300 f4-5.6
EF 85mm f1.8
EFS 10-22 f3.5-4.5
EFS 18-135 f3.5-5.6 IS
EFS 18-200 f3.5-5.6 IS
EFS 55-250 f4-5.6 IS
EF 2x Extender II
Speedlight 430 EXII

If you don't live in the US, the buy/sell board on this site has very fair deals.

JoshuaaT wrote in post #14559988
I think the T2i would suit her well. If she plans to continue photography, I do not think this camera will not leave her wanting a more capable camera. I believe the T3 would leave some room for upgrade in the future. So, if you can afford it, get her the T2i.

The 18-55mm lens will be fine, but try to get the IS version. I would also recommend getting a 50mm 1.8 (nifty fifty). As she progresses, she can get a feel for what focal length is suitable for her style. Hope this helps.

+1 on this.

The T2i has the 7D's sensor, and it is a great camera for the money if you don't pay retail.

Thanks for the quick response. I found a place that has a promotion where I could save $150 if I buy the camera and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens together. Is that a decent lens? Would I still want a lens with less zoom (i.e. 18-55), or would the 55-250 be more than sufficient to start?

Thanks again.

mrconos wrote in post #14560004
Thanks for the quick response. I found a place that has a promotion where I could save $150 if I buy the camera and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens together. Is that a decent lens? Would I still want a lens with less zoom (i.e. 18-55), or would the 55-250 be more than sufficient to start?

Thanks again.

I would still get a wider focal length lens unless she wants to stand a good distance away from her subjects. It all depends on what she is shooting.

mrconos wrote in post #14560004
Thanks for the quick response. I found a place that has a promotion where I could save $150 if I buy the camera and the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens together. Is that a decent lens? Would I still want a lens with less zoom (i.e. 18-55), or would the 55-250 be more than sufficient to start?

Thanks again.

Both lenses are a great start, but just the 55-250 leaves her little room to shoot in the house/close quarters. You can get the 55-250 pretty cheap if you shop around, the 18-55 too.

Thanks again. I'll definitely look into the refurbushed, even though I'm a little sketched about buying used, at least its through the manufacturer.

Would it be worth having both a 18-55 and 55-250?

I would agree that would be a great combo to start with. I personally have a T2i with the 18-55, 55-250, and a 50. Those will cover a lot of situations, especially for family. I purchased all of my equipment of this forum, and everything has been in excellent condition. The CLP is a great way to get equipment, because it's been checked out and cleaned.

i have a t3i and can highly recommend it for a beginner to photography (as i am).

built in flash control, external audio control, and yes, even the flip out LCD are all very useful to me, and i am happy i sprung the extra dough for it.

however, the t4i is a much larger step up from the t3i than the t3i is from the t2i. just the autofocus capability alone is enough for me to say wait a few weeks for it to show up. invariably the end user of the camera will want to grow with the camera. the t4i will allow someone to get pretty deep into photography, as well as pick up some essential lenses before the body needs to be updated. personally, i'd wait for the t4i.

but that's just me. external mic, remote flash firing (this is pretty huge actually), and a tilty swively screen (stolen from digitalrevcom), are really the only stand out differences from the t2i. other than it's larger size. in man hands, the t3i is about bare minimum size wise, and the t2i is actually quite uncomfortable.

happy t3i owner here. i've had it for a bit over a year now and i could not possibly be happier. good luck with your decision.

T2i should be pretty darn cheap, I had the 18-55 and the 55-250 - decent enough lens set. Image quality will be fine for anything on line or video and 8x10 in print.

I would think you could pick up set for $650 on fleabay. A t2i w/ 18-135 just went for $600. That is a lot of beginner oomph for $600. FYI, IF she takes off in photo - the lens will be able to be sold for $300 a year from now regardless

I personally don't understand all that recommend a t2i over a t3i. OK, actually, I do- to an extent- we all do it. We buy a camera, and then to make ourselves feel better- it's what we recommend later.

T3i. Has a NUMBER of features that the t2i lacks. OK. Let's say we get an external flash. With the t2i- you've got to buy additional something- radio/wireless or wires to get the flash off camera. T3i- use the built in wireless flash controller. T3i also sports the swivel screen. Very handy for not just video. Ever want to take a shot from a lower level- T3i can do it easily without jumping thru the same motions that you need to do it with an earlier model ( Lay on the ground - then set up your shot ) vs T3i - turn on live view- swivel the screen so you can see it- and take your shot- Ideal for a number of instances.

IF I had a choice betwen a T3i or T2i or a T1i (Had previously) - I'd take the T3i anyday. If I could wait for the T4i- and get its feature set ( improved iso- hopefully- touch screen, improvements in AF behavior, all 9 cross type AF sensors ) - I certainly would- as long as it came out relatively soon and I didn't need something else before then.

So, yea- I'd take the t3i over any of the previous models. And a t4i over a t3i. The only problem I see- how long till it hits the shelves- it could be next week- or it could be 6 months from now. Who knows ? It's anyones guess.

As far as the lenses are concerned, I'd start with a kit lens to begin with.
If you are looking at a single lens- the 18-135 comes to mind.
If you are looking at a dual lens combo- either a 18-135/55-250 combo or a 18-55/55-250 combo.
For a general walkaround lens- the longer range of the 18-135 is more convenient. The overlap with a combo also makes for less lens swapping than the 18-55/55-250 combo. The T4i- for example is going to have the new 18-135 STM available as a kit option. I would not necessarily buy too many lenses right off the back- let her learn on one or two- and when she realizes what she needs/wants or has outgrown the old- then get her what she feels the need for.