T3i vs 60D bundles at Costco

My photography buddy got the bug to upgrade once he saw my new 60D (ironically he doesn't know I returned it yet, I haven't told him so that it won't color his opinions as it sees like I just got a one-off bad model).

We got into photography around the same time (decided to take it seriously about 4-5 months ago) and have progressed similarly and slowly, haha. He also has been shooting with an XSi with the 18-55 and 50 1.8. We also like to shoot similar things - portraits, candids of friends/ family (both indoors and outdoors), and the occasional wildlife, landscape, and sports on an infrequent basis.

I decided on a 60D in this situation, so I've recommended that to him. However, he's only willing to purchase from Costco (don't ask me why, it is what it is). Right now they have 2 packages available- a T3i bundled with the 18-55 and 55-250 for $829, and the 60D with the 18-200mm for $1249. Both come with some random extras like a bag and memory card.

Both fit within his budget, but he doesn't want to go higher since (1) this is all that's offered at Costco right now; and (2) he wants to save up for some better lenses like the 17-55.

He'd also be looking to sell off the kit lenses from either package. If he gets the T3i, he'd sell the 18-55, if he gets the 60D he'd sell the 18-200. So I guess that's a factor as well.

Like I said, I came to the conclusion the 60D is the better camera for my own needs which seem similar to my friend. But I also purchased body-only from Amazon. Taking into account my friend's photography style and also his fondness for Costco, which one of these 2 bundles would probably be the better idea?

Thanks!

60D with the 18-200

I have the 60D starting with the 18-200 and I love it! The lens covers practically the whole range and gives you the opportunity to decide what other lenses you want down the road. The lens is surprisingly sharp, it suffers from mild Chromatic Aberration which can be easily corrected with software.

I just came back from 7 weeks in Greece/Turkey and this was the only lens I took with me.

Bought my T2i from Costco and love it......Hard to beat there 90 Day return Policy...60D all the way..

STUMP1982 wrote in post #14978053
Bought my T2i from Costco and love it......Hard to beat there 90 Day return Policy...60D all the way..

Haha, I thought you were going to say T3i... and then the twist at the end.

60D with 18-200. That is what I have and LOVE it. The 18-200 is very useful so if he is out somewhere and does not want to switch lenses, he wont have to. I think the picture quality of the 18-200 is actually pretty good for being a super zoom lens. Just need to use lightroom or DPP to fix CA and barrel distortion.