T2i Or T3i!!?? I have to decide by tonight!

T2i unless you need the screen. The hundred bucks is better spent elsewhere because all the important bits are the same.

Beaner242 wrote in post #14699561
Having the t3i myself I would suggest it. I'm not familiar with the 2i but in my mind it would be considered old now, especially with the 4 just coming out.

No not really, actually the T2i and T3i are exactly the same camera apart from the flippy screen. Canon likes to update their rebel series every year, regardless if any technological advancements were made or are needed in the new body.

Despite that, I would definitely take the new T3i for 100$ more. And the 55-250 is a very good lens paired with the 18-55 (covers a good range) so I would go for that as well. Display models can get beat up, especially if its a store like Futureshop or Best Buy. If its a dedicated camera store, chances are the display model is actually behind the desk and only touched upon request of a potential buyer, so it has probably seen a lot less handling than the poor creatures forced to sit in the open at Futureshop.

Apart from the flippy screen, you won't notice a single difference between the image quality of either camera. If you arn't terribly concerned about the condition of the display model, then go for it and put the money towards another lens or a camera bag or something.

h4ppydaze wrote in post #14700526
T2i unless you need the screen. The hundred bucks is better spent elsewhere because all the important bits are the same.

The $100 gets him a new T3i and a new 18-55mm as opposed to a floor sample T2i and I presume, a floor sample 18-55. A floor sample is not a refurb. Its well worth spending the extra $100.

I would avoid the floor sample personally, especially for $100 difference.

Christina.DazzleByDesi​gn wrote in post #14700991
No not really, actually the T2i and T3i are exactly the same camera apart from the flippy screen. Canon likes to update their rebel series every year, regardless if any technological advancements were made or are needed in the new body.

...

Sort of. the T3i also has the benefit of having a master flash in the popup. This means if the user decides to go strobist they can get started with off-camera flash with nothing more than a single inexpensive flash that will function as a wireless slave (Canon spec.) They wouldn't need to shell out for radio triggers, the 580 flash, or that dumb Canon transmitter.

Not everyone is going to go into strobism on their first DSLR of course, but for only $100 difference it's a really nice feature to have on top of the articulated screen.

T3i NEW without the 55-250!

And get either the 50mm 1.8 for $100 bucks.
or
the 40mm 2.8 for $200 bucks

mwsilver wrote in post #14701324
The $100 gets him a new T3i and a new 18-55mm as opposed to a floor sample T2i and I presume, a floor sample 18-55. A floor sample is not a refurb. Its well worth spending the extra $100.

Good point, didn't catch that. Depends on the condition then I guess. My cameras get used way more than a typical floor model after just a month or two.

Just got the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD XLD a couple weeks ago and it is an awesome lens for the bucks so I must agree with Scubadude and save for it. You wont be disappointed!

neimad19 wrote in post #14699901
Im going to best buys, they advertised them for 699 but after talking to the sales rep I managed to score $50 off

So you were able to get a new T3i AND an 18-55mm from best but for $649 CAN? That's a good price. Surprising since Best Buy is rarely the best buy.

T2i doesn't have off camera flash trigger.

h4ppydaze wrote in post #14702555
Good point, didn't catch that. Depends on the condition then I guess. My cameras get used way more than a typical floor model after just a month or two.

True, but you're the one using it, not scores of random passersby who are probably clueless about DSLRs and flick switches and maybe take off the lens and touch the mirror. Plus the battery of this two year old model won't be brand new either.

h4ppydaze wrote in post #14700526
T2i unless you need the screen. The hundred bucks is better spent elsewhere because all the important bits are the same.

Agree 100%. Also don't buy the 55-250. I have seen them considerably cheaper.

MDavey wrote in post #14700204
T3i without the 55-250

This. You can find the 55-250 for far less than $230.

Go for the T3i. I love having the use of an articulating screen.

mwsilver wrote in post #14702752
take off the lens and touch the mirror. Plus the battery of this two year old model won't be brand new either.

both good points - the first one kind of makes me cringe