Canon purchase advice, please.

[Stitchless]

Hi folks. After doing some research I'm thinking of buying a Canon DSLR but I hope to not go broke in the process. I'm considering Canon EOS Rebel T1i or maybe Canon EOS Rebel T3 or something like these that I can get for below 600.00 bucks. My local Walmart has this Canon EOS Rebel XS IS for 396.00 and it looks pretty tempting. I want to be able to take low light pictures and, I'm not sure of the correct terminology but, macro-focus(?) photos. What camera looks like what I would need and also would I be able to take the pictures like I want without a tripod?



I'd like to take these sorts of pictures:

by South Carolina

by BirdsOfPreyDave

 

[mom2rtk]

You won't be able to take a shot like the first one without a tripod. The water is blurred, indicating a long shutter speed, so the camera needs to be stabilized.

Any DSLR can accomplish the second shot. But you need to use a lens with a wide aperture to accomplish that blurry background.

As for the models you are looking at, I would pass on the XS. It has been around for a while and does not have the high ISO capabilities of the T series rebels. The XS probably only goes up to 1600 ISO. THe T series will to to 12,800 I think. I consider the 3200 to be quite useable. This will enable you to take low light photos without a tripod, just not identical to the one above with the blurred water.

 

[kshark]

I have a T1i and 7D and can tell you that the image quality is very similar between the two under most conditions. The 7D is more customizable, has faster AF, maybe one stop better ISO performance, and better ergonomics.

So, even compared to Canon's top of the line APS-C camera, the T1i can really hold it's own. I think you will have no problem getting beautiful images with a Rebel, just stay with a T1i or better.

 

[photo_chick]

The T3 (not to be confused with the T3i) replaced the XS in the line up. It's a step below the Txi series. If I were shopping between the T3 and the T1i I'd personally go with the T1i even though it's an older model. Through for just a little bit more you can get the T2i (it's around $600 for the body only) which gives you a little bit better performance in the ISO/noise department along with some other nice features like a better auto focus system. However, the other cameras can more than get the job done. But you won't be able to avoid a tripod for certain shots like long exposure fireworks and night shots and because of that even some of the simplest point and shoots can get those types of shots.

 

[C&B Young]

I see you're in Canada too. Although I'd prefer the T1i over the T3, I really recommend the T2i. For the difference in price over the T1i it's well worth it. Aden Camera in Toronto has the T2i body with 18-55 kit lens right now for $700 (we've ordered from Aden before, they're great to deal with and are almost always the cheapest Canadian retailer listed on Photoprice.ca).

 

[MarkBarbieri]

You won't be able to take a shot like the first one without a tripod. The water is blurred, indicating a long shutter speed, so the camera needs to be stabilized.

That's generally true, but you can sometimes get by with either a gorillapod or even just setting the camera on a bench, fence, trashcan, or even the head of a kneeling person. A tripod will work much better and give you much more flexibility, so I strongly recommend it. Just don't assume that because you don't have a tripod with you, you can't take long exposure shots.

 

[Stitchless]

Thanks for the help, guys.

 

[poplover777]

Hands down, the T1i(my backup to the 7D). It is outstanding camera for the amateur photographer. You will be able to use this for some time while honing your skills. One point to remember is it takes a combination of knowledge of the exposure triangle and good lenses to continue to progress. Good Luck. Happy shooting.

 

[disneychic]

I just wanted to let the OP know that QVC has a Canon Rebel T1i bundle pack for $769 -- Includes Rebel T1i body, 2 lenses: EF-S 18-55mm lens, EF-S 55mm-250mm lens, two battery packs, battery charger, 4GB SD memory card, 6'L HDMI cable, & Canon camera bag

And it's on their easy pay option for about $150 per month

You can go onto their website and check it out (qvc.com) here is the item number: E167917

I picked one up myself -- too good of a deal to pass up ** also, they have a 30 day money back guarantee