First DSLR Camera Help

[In.a.Box]

So for V-tine day I want to get my GF a DSLR camera. Something she been wanting for a while.

Bestbuy having a 2day sale only on the Canon - EOS Rebel 12.2 Megapixel Digital SLR Camera (Body with Lens Kit) - 18 mm-55 mm Lens for $400 +$22 tax. I also want to pick up a new laptop for myself at $420 after tax.

or should i jump on a T3i 18.0 MP for $630 after tax.

Should I go with the T4i for $700 after tax?

[Darkblade48]

I guess the first question is what she intends to use it for, as that will ultimately determine what would be recommended.

I think the 12.2 megapixel camera you are referring to is the Rebel T3? So, you are looking at the T3, T3i and T4i.

Between the 3 bodies, the T4i is the newest and has fancy features like the touchscreen. It also has more movie options (1080p, various frame rates, etc) compared to the T3. It can use UHS-I SD cards.

The T3 does not have an articulating LCD screen like the other two, so that may be a factor.

There are other factors like size, weight, form, the feeling of the buttons, etc.

Viewfinder coverage, mirror versus prism are also important factors to consider since with a DSLR, the majority of the time you are not using the LCD to compose photos.

[Wasserpest]

You can get the T4i with the kit lenses (18-55 & 55-250) for $700 if you shop around - I think if you have the funds that would be a great deal.

[UDGags]

I just bought the T4i for work last week and it's been working well. I have a T2i at home and I really like the the screen on the T4i compared to the T2i.

I haven't used the T4i too much yet so it seems similar compared to the T2i to me other than the screen. I know the specs are better on the T4i but I haven't had a need for the high end images/videos yet.

This is what I bought and it was $1375

1. Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
2. SanDisk - 64GB SDXC Memory Card Ultra Class 10 UHS-I
3. Canon - LP-E8 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1120mAh)
4. B+W - 67mm UV Haze MRC 010M Filter
5. B+W - 67mm Circular Polarizer SC Filter
6. Tamrac Velocity 7x - Photo Sling Pack (Black)
7. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AB 100 Tripod W/SBH 100 Ballhead

Just something to think about when you buy the camera is all the accessories that could go with it. The one thing I didn't buy was the flash.

[In.a.Box]

I guess she want one just to take picture here and there,
Nothing fancy.

I guess ill look around some more.

[UDGags]

The older versions T2i/T3i should work fine for her it sounds like. I'd try and find the T2i cheap and then get her an extra battery, memory card, UV/polarizer filters and bag to go with it from the money you save on the older version.

[dai827]

Originally Posted by In.a.Box

I guess she want one just to take picture here and there,
Nothing fancy.

I guess ill look around some more.

I think you should go for the cheapest... any DSLR (canon, nikon) is good...

Lenses make the difference...thats why good lenses are more expensive than the camera...

[Nubster]

If she's just going for something to use for snapshots, I'd go entry level. No point in spending loads of money on a camera with functions that will go unused. That's not to say that a entry level camera isn't very capable because they are. Perhaps a nice camera will peak her interest in photography. Also consider a mirrorless. You can get a Sony NEX for pretty cheap used and they are very nice. I've recently sold my Nikon D300 in favor of a NEX. There's also some excellent options from Fuji and Olympus.

[dai827]

Originally Posted by Nubster

If she's just going for something to use for snapshots, I'd go entry level. No point in spending loads of money on a camera with functions that will go unused. That's not to say that a entry level camera isn't very capable because they are. Perhaps a nice camera will peak her interest in photography. Also consider a mirrorless. You can get a Sony NEX for pretty cheap used and they are very nice. I've recently sold my Nikon D300 in favor of a NEX. There's also some excellent options from Fuji and Olympus.

Right! Unless she want to learn more about photography later...

[In.a.Box]

I found a t4i on ebay for $590 but not sure if I trust eBay or not.

[dai827]

Originally Posted by In.a.Box

I found a t4i on ebay for $590 but not sure if I trust eBay or not.

In 9 years I have had only one bad experience in [Ebay Link Removed] but 590 is a lot of money...
good luck!

[Nubster]

Check the feedback closely and ask for a phone number and call the person to confirm it. There is some level of protection from getting ripped off and if you do, you can call the police and they will/should take action. I've seen it done before. If you can, also pay with a credit card to give you even more protection. That's what I do now...I only use a credit card through paypal so I get double the coverage.

[Nubster]

Originally Posted by dai827

Right! Unless she want to learn more about photography later...

Even so, a entry level DSLR or mirrorless system will help a person the fundamentals of photography. You don't need a highend camera for that.