T3i LCD question

[dunnotar02]

Hi All - I have a Rebel XT that I'm looking to upgrade. I've been looking at the T2i, T3i and the 60D. So far I don't think the 60D has anything that I have to have over the T3i but I'm willing to be convinced otherwise if someone feels strongly about it - ha ha. My biggest concern about the T3i is that I read that there's no proximity sensor to turn the LCD off when you use the viewfinder. I don't see myself using the LCD much so I'm wondering how much of an annoyance this really is. Does it distract when composing a shot to have it lit up? I'm probably over thinking this but I want to spend my money wisely. I have some nice, middle of the road lenses and other accessories already and I know these are often more important than the body. I'm a hobbyist not a pro but I like my shots to be good quality. I'll be using this for still shots 95% of the time - would only use the video because its there.

Thanks for any feedback!

[OsmosisStudios]

I would say the 60D has a huge advantage when it comes to using the camera: two control wheels. Where the Rebels only have one scroll wheel (on the top near the shutter release), the 60D has 2 which is a helluva lot easier and more convenient.

[veritasimagery]

The monitor has never been a distraction. But in the "Menu" you can tell it to turn off the LCD when the shutter is depressed (it will turn on again when the shutter is released), or turn off when the shutter button is depressed and stay off until the DISP button is pressed, or just leave the LCD on all the time. Whichever way, the DISP button will turn off the the LCD whenever you want it off. As well, unlike the other entry level Rebels (T3, T1i and T2i), because it has the articulated screen you can just flip it around so that the screen is faced inward to the camera body. This is a feature I really like because I can do that when pushing through brush and trees (looking for that perfect spot on the creek, river or waterfall) and I don't have to worry about the screen getting scratched.

Here's what I mean.



Though the dual wheels may be an advantage, it's not really something that is a must, just a convenience.

[ceremus]

Yeah, because the LCD is articulated on the T3i it doesn't have the sensor to shut it off when you're using the viewfinder. It doesn't really distract you, but it's not great for the battery life. As a compromise, they put the button to shut off the display next to the ISO button so it's a fast and easy button press to shut off the LCD.

Personally I think the extra flexibility from an articulated LCD is a perfectly fine trade off for the sensor, but you can still go for the T2i if it's an important thing to you.