Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR

[chelynrob]

Hey everyone! I am past ready to upgrade from my point and shoot to a DSLR but I am lost as to what to get. I am scared to spend too much money in case I lose my current enthusiasm for photography (which I hope doesn't happen). I have been looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR because it is the most affordable. But I am also scared to just go buy the cheapest thing out there. Has anyone used this camera? Any opinions would be appreciated! Currently I mostly just take pictures of my son but I would LOVE to take photographs of other people's kids and families but I need to get a decent camera to see if this is something I really would like to do. I don't want to be disappointed with my purchase.

Thanks!!

[CarlyRocksPhotos]

I use a T2i, and an xTi before that.... I love the rebel series.....

I know- all the big boys wanna talk about full CMOS and yeah, I wish I wasn't on a cropped sensor, BUT:

My little hands, and a bad shoulder definitely appreciate the lighter load.

[ceremus]

The T3 is basically the mini-Rebel, it has the same sensor as the Rebel XSi/450D, the Rebel released in 2008. Although the sensor is older tech there are a few new features to the old model, the ISO capacity and performance has improved and it can shoot HD video (in 720p). It's generally made up of improvements built up from existing and reliable tech, so as a barebones entry level dslr it's solid for what it is.

While you're considering it, you'll want to compare it to the Nikon D3100, it's the primary competitor in that price bracket, and depending on the ergonomics, the size of the screen, and few other technical features, you may end up preferring that one.

And while you're deliberating that (you didn't have enough to think about yet, did you?) don't forget about what lenses you want, and whether you'll be happy with the selection of lenses available for your camera mount. You can start out with the basic kit lens, that's fine, but if you decide to get more into photography you're going to want more lenses. More often than not your lens will be more important in the quality of your photos than your camera body. Your lenses will be a better investment of your money since they hold their value while the camera's value will depreciate as it ages against the new models released in the cycle. Best to start thinking about them now.

[DocC]

Hello,

I work part time in a camera shop and would echo Ceremus' guidance. You have lots of choice in camera body available to you so thinking about the kinds of photos you will want to make and the type of lenses you may require in the future is very practical. The Rebel T3 is a fine product and is targeted at a lower price point than the T2i and T3i. It does a good job of achieving this goal. The 12MP sensor produces nice images and unless you anticipate a high proportion of low light shooting or print enlargements above 11x14, it will do a fine job for you. The sensor on the T2i and T3i is a better unit technically, but if your outcomes don't involve those enhancements, the investment value of spending more on the body is questionable. If you are not yet completely comfortable with the DSLR, given that your past success has been with point and shoots, you might also consider taking a short intro course that is oriented around your camera.

Most every camera in market has more capability than its typical owner leverages, and my clients are often surprised to discover that "I didn't know my camera could help me do that".

The Nikon D3000 and D3100 models are very good comparators, and there are of course other vendors. I tend to focus on Canon and Nikon for new DSLR buyers because of the profusion of lens choices and third party offerings that fit.

Best,

Doc

[mrteacherdude]

I've never used that camera, but would pretty much echo what others have posted, in less technical details. That is, I own a 400d (XTi) and have been and continue to be very happy with the quality of photos I get from it. Even though I recently upgraded bodies, I continue to use the XTi. The T3 surpasses the XTi in its abilities, so should be a very adequate body.

[chelynrob]

Thank you!

You guys have been so helpful already! I still haven't made up my mind what to get because a lot of info is still way over my head but thanks so much for the help!

I have put some thought into lenses, how would I know if a lens is compatiable with that body or not?

[inkista]

The Canon crop-body cameras (which are probably the ones you're looking at) will take any Canon lens that has EF or EF-S at the start of its name. If you're looking at 3rd-party (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Zeiss, etc.) offerings, you want one that says it's compatible with the Canon EOS mount.

If you're looking at used lenses, the Canon website has a "museum" section, that lists all the current and past lenses by series. The ones in the "EF mount" section are the ones you can use.

Avoid older (pre 1985) Canon lenses that have FD or FL in their name: these are not compatible with the EOS mount, and are not the best choices for adpating.

[chelynrob]

Thanks! I didn't think it was that complicated, but I didn't want to miss something! I am so excited to buy a new camera but I want to make the right choice!