Rebel T3 decent to start with?

mrmag11 · 05-10-2012, 12:49 PM

I'm looking for a moderately inexpensive, decent DSLR to use for taking pics of our upcoming newborn. I saw the T3 in store, messed around with it and see used T3's for $200-400 with an 18-55mm lens, mem card, etc. Should I be leery of this camera for any reason, or be looking at another model? I don't need to spend a ton because of other baby expenses, but my wife and I both agree that a new camera to take pics of the baby would be awesome to have.

77monteballer · 05-10-2012, 01:22 PM

have a buddy with one and he loves it. i havent personally played with one, mainly because i want a 5dii.

the 18-55mm lens is ok outside but inside, where the infant will be, away from stong lights, it will suffer. id recommend picking up a faster lens for the low light places you will be with the baby.

something like a 50mm f/1.8 would do fine. theyre cheap too. you can buy em used for as low as 60ish bucks but are only 125 new from canon...

mrmag11 · 05-10-2012, 01:27 PM

Thanks for the input. That was exactly my consideration because most of the photos would be inside. I looked at Digital Photography Review and it mentioned a less powerful flash so I figured I'd have to get the lens to do the work.

senghing27 · 05-10-2012, 01:29 PM

T3 is plenty of camera.
Didn't realize they were going so cheap on the used market.

Grab the 50mm like monte said and you'll be golden.

Hobbes · 05-10-2012, 02:12 PM

There's a crap ton of cameras in that price range, be sure to do your research

wolf13 · 05-10-2012, 02:47 PM

I have the two generations earlier T1i and like it well enough, and the t3i has a few things fixed on it over the T1i that it is a much better camera. if you can, play with the controls a bit, they aren't as intuitive as maybe the nikons, so if you can try a couple of brands its good.

the 18-55 is II is not bad for a stock lens people say. personally, when I bought mine, I used it two weekends and promptly bought a 15-85. SO much nicer, I absolutly love it outdoors as a walking around lens. However, its one big weakness is low light situations, its not horrible, but not great. the 18-55 is even worse. Like others said, for indoor work a 50mm/1.8 is going to be a really good, cheap pickup for that kind of thing. I picked one up recently, but haven't had much use for it so far, but its handy to have a around. The canons do have good lenses and the cameras can do a lot now to help you in the lower light situations. Another thing to look at would be getting a decent flash. I have so far just used the stock flash. Its not horrible, but if i was doing a lot of indoor use, i'd really want one.

mrmag11 · 05-10-2012, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hobbes

There's a crap ton of cameras in that price range, be sure to do your research

Care to share any suggestions?

I have had Canon's since the Elph so that's the only reason I was looking in the Canon family.

Hobbes · 05-10-2012, 03:22 PM

Nothing specific, but you may want to consider ease of use. On my Olympus Pen I really miss having dials to adjust settings like shutter speed. I also wish the screen was much sharper. I have to pay extra for a digital viewfinder too. Also consider if the camera has an autofocus assist lamp, and if the video function meets your needs if it's needed at all.

mrmag11 · 05-10-2012, 03:31 PM

Ok, good ideas! I was reading about the T3's video being very simple, 720p with nearly no settings. So it will be like recording on my iPhone, just with a manual focus.

Arson24 · 05-10-2012, 04:09 PM

I shoot with the T3 video and photo
I should have went with the T3i for the extras
but wanted two lenses instead I got the 18-55m and 55-250mm
love them both but the 55-250mm is one i use for paintball and other stuff
I also pickup a nice 50mm for it also

here area few shots from the T3 with 55-250mm

05-10-2012, 02:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
wolf13 Post Whore Join Date: Apr 2006	I have the two generations earlier T1i and like it well enough, and the t3i has a few things fixed on it over the T1i that it is a much better camera. if you can, play with the controls a bit, they aren't as intuitive as maybe the nikons, so if you can try a couple of brands its good. the 18-55 is II is not bad for a stock lens people say. personally, when I bought mine, I used it two weekends and promptly bought a 15-85. SO much nicer, I absolutly love it outdoors as a walking around lens. However, its one big weakness is low light situations, its not horrible, but not great. the 18-55 is even worse. Like others said, for indoor work a 50mm/1.8 is going to be a really good, cheap pickup for that kind of thing. I picked one up recently, but haven't had much use for it so far, but its handy to have a around. The canons do have good lenses and the cameras can do a lot now to help you in the lower light situations. Another thing to look at would be getting a decent flash. I have so far just used the stock flash. Its not horrible, but if i was doing a lot of indoor use, i'd really want one. __________________ CustomCockers.com Forum for Sniper 1's to MQ and anything autococking welcome. Pics of some of My Collection of 50+ rare and oddball cockers and other oddities

05-10-2012, 02:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Hobbes chuff chuff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hudson, NH	There's a crap ton of cameras in that price range, be sure to do your research

05-10-2012, 03:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Hobbes chuff chuff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hudson, NH	Nothing specific, but you may want to consider ease of use. On my Olympus Pen I really miss having dials to adjust settings like shutter speed. I also wish the screen was much sharper. I have to pay extra for a digital viewfinder too. Also consider if the camera has an autofocus assist lamp, and if the video function meets your needs if it's needed at all.

05-10-2012, 04:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
Arson24 MCB Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Vancouver, B.C	I shoot with the T3 video and photo I should have went with the T3i for the extras but wanted two lenses instead I got the 18-55m and 55-250mm love them both but the 55-250mm is one i use for paintball and other stuff I also pickup a nice 50mm for it also here area few shots from the T3 with 55-250mm