Canon T3

[Heva2015]

Hi all

I'm really really wanting to jump from a bridge camera to a dslr...I have a film slr which I love to bits too!

Anyway, the T3 seems to be on sale a lot of places - would you recommend this as a good starter camera? I want one that is fairly easy to use and will be good in dark rides etc.

Thanks for your help

 

[ukcatfan]

First, what is your film SLR? You might be able to use those lenses on a DSLR.

Any new DSLR is a capable camera. I personally think the T3 is too limiting given the rather small price jump to more capable cameras. Many people have it and are happy though. I would expect that you will be interested in buying a new camera sooner when you go with a bottom entry level model.

 

[Shutterbug]

I agree, if you are really into photogrpahy and want to stay with a canon consider the 60D.

 

[Heva2015]

Will definately check that one out...my film is a minolta...it's pretty old though!
My other digital (as dp calls it - the big one) is a S5 which I've had for a few years and I have a fuji P&S.

 

[ukcatfan]

Will definately check that one out...my film is a minolta...it's pretty old though!
My other digital (as dp calls it - the big one) is a S5 which I've had for a few years and I have a fuji P&S.

If they are auto focus lenses, then I believe that they will work on new Sony DSLRs.

 

[boBQuincy]

Having gone from a more advanced Canon dSLR (30D) to an entry level model (Rebel Xsi) three years ago I have a fair amount of experience with using each. It is difficult to "outgrow" a dSLR, even the entry level models have all the manual and semi-manual modes of the more advanced models (Auto, Av, Tv, and Manual). The Rebels give up almost nothing to the more advanced models, the lack of spot metering and slower burst speed are two that come to mind for the T3.

The handling of the Rebels is not as fast or as easy as the xxD models but it is not a big concern unless we really need to change settings rapidly. Some reviews note the cheap feel of the plastic T3, it doesn't bother me but if the feel of the camera is important then this may be something to consider. The xxD models are considered to be built better and to be more rugged but this may be more of a perception than reality, there is no data to show the entry level models do not hold up.

Canon's T3 goes to ISO 6400 and with the inexpensive 50 f/1.8 lens can get photos in most dark rides, Haunted Mansion and Peter Pan may be the exceptions. Here is a review that may help: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos1100D/

 

[photo_chick]

I don't think the T3 is limiting, especially when compared to DSLR's that are just a few years older. You can control shutter speed, aperture, ISO and focus which is all you need to make a great image. It's just very bare bones and doesn't have the same features higher level cameras do. And that's not necessarily a bad thing to me. It really depends on what you want. If your goal is an inexpensive DSLR that will allow you to take control of the variables to make an image, it can serve you well. But if you like bells and whistles, then you may want a higher level camera.

If you have Minolta lenses that are worth anything I'd really check out Sony though.

 

[Heva2015]

Thanks everyone! I've just found a couple of practika lenses too...are there any dslrs these will work with?

 

[photo_chick]

Thanks everyone! I've just found a couple of practika lenses too...are there any dslrs these will work with?

Are they M42 screw mount? Look at the mount, if there are threads, they are. If so you can get an adapter to use them most for DSLR's. However you have no interface with the lens so everything will be manual. But hey, it's more lenses to use and the adapter only costs like $10. Just don't expect stellar results with them. Like cameras, lenses have also come a long way.

 

[boBQuincy]

Thanks everyone! I've just found a couple of practika lenses too...are there any dslrs these will work with?

While on the subject of lenses, you noted that you want to take photos of dark rides. For this you will probably want a 50mm f/1.8 lens, it lets in about 2-3 more stops of light than the kit lens and makes dark ride photos much easier. Only about $100 at B&H, Amazon, or retailer of your choice.

 

[theduck619]

I love our T3! As someone mentioned before you can control a great deal of settings, but is not as complicated as more expensive models. My goal is to learn photography above a p&s level. I felt my money would be better invested in lenses as I progress then an expensive body.

 

[Heva2015]

Thanks everyone! Very excited to look properly now.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I know I'm coming to the party late, but I have a little different spin. Since you have already established what you want to photograph, my first concern would be budget, then features and last manufacturer. If my budget allowed, I would purchase the camera with the most features. Coming into the DSLR world, if you purchase an entry level camera you may outgrow it quickly and then be looking for an upgrade. My take, is to purchase a camera beyond your current capabilities and grow into it. You will not be changing cameras so quickly. IMHO, because I purchased the top prosumer camera my manufacturer produced it allowed me to skip two generations of upgrades before I pulled the trigger to upgrade. There's always going to be the next, newest camera on the horizon.

 

[bob100]

Hi all

I'm really really wanting to jump from a bridge camera to a dslr...I have a film slr which I love to bits too!

Anyway, the T3 seems to be on sale a lot of places - would you recommend this as a good starter camera? I want one that is fairly easy to use and will be good in dark rides etc.

Thanks for your help

the T3 /1100D is OK as a starter DSLR but it has limitations. I would recommend other inexpensive Canon Rebel models such as the T2i (550D) - higher FPS rate and buffer (good for sports), AF points, better video capabilities, etc. - around $550 with 18-55IS lens
http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2010/05/camera-test-canon-eos-rebel-t2i

 

[Heva2015]

I'm so confused now lol

Going to read thru tips again and take a lot of time to decide.

Thanks

 

[ukcatfan]

I'm so confused now lol

Going to read thru tips again and take a lot of time to decide.

Thanks

That is the best thing to do. You should make a list of the features that are important to you, go out to a store to handle them in person, then while considering your budget make a decision. Since you are starting new, I would suggest that you leave all brand options open.