Help me decide!

[Iluvtink1327]

My husband wants to get me a new camera for our anniversary!! So excited!! I currently have a Sony DSC-H7, so just a point and shoot. I have looked and have decided on either the Canon T2i or the T3i. With everything that I have read I can't find too many differences with them other than the LCD display being movable in the T3i model. Your input is much appreciated!! He told me don't be cheap about and to research and I just can't figure out which is better for me. Thoughts???

 

[wbeem]

I don't know much about Canon cameras, but here's one advantage to having that movable LCD screen. Imagine you're down on the ground trying to get a shot. It's an uncomfortable position to look through the viewfinder. Using a Live View on the screen can let you do a composition without craning your neck in an awkward position.

Perhaps others here can tell you more details about the differences, but that was just the first thing that came to mind from what you shared here.

 

[photo_chick]

The T3i is really just a refinement of the T2i. They both use the same sensor and image processor, so your ISO performance and image quality are going to be the same. The T3i has, as mentioned, the articulated screen. It also has the ability to record in different aspect ratios if you want, and the auto mode (green box mode) is supposed to be "more intelligent". A really nice improvement is the ability to control off camera flashes wirelessly.

In my opinion, for whatever that's worth these days, the T3i is worth the extra $100 if you really want the articulated screen or if you do any work with off camera flashes. Otherwise I think the T2i is a little bit better value at the moment.

 

[boBQuincy]

Once you get used to an articulated screen it is hard to imagine not having one. It really comes in handy for tripod work.

 

[meanpc]

The articulated screen is awesome. You the an hold the camera above your head and shoot easily over a crowd. You can hold the camera down low and shoot easily. You can also just flip the screen over so you cant see it at all -the i would do that if i was shooting on a dark ride or a show and didnt want the light from my screen to bother those around me. The T3i is a fantastic camera, and my last camera was a 5dmk2. I would considrr getting the T2i as a second body for a zoom, because it is a great deal too. Sorry for the typos - on my phone.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Sorry to turn OP's thread into a discussion on articulating screens...

I have the Canon 60D, which also has the articulating screen. I wouldn't want to do without it now that I've been using it for a while. At the Epcot F&G festival, this year, I was able to use a monopod and a remote trigger release to hold my camera way over my head (full length of my arms plus full length of the monopod) to get some shots I really liked. I had the camera in live view with the screen pointing down so I could see what I was snapping.

So yes, even if the articulating screen was the only difference between the two cameras you're looking at, I'd be willing to pay more for that feature.

Minnie topiary from eye level using the eyepiece:

Minnie Topiary by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr

Minnie topiary from above using the method I just described:

Topiary Minnie by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr

Peacock topiary from above:

Peacock Topiary by BirdsOfPreyDave, on Flickr

Aside from the articulating view screen, the only real functional difference seems to be the T3i's ability to control an off-camera flash. The cameras are also slightly different sizes and weights, so you may want to hold them both to see which feels better to you.

CanonUSA's web site brags about something called Scene Intelligent Auto Mode on the T3i.

The EOS Rebel T3i DSLR's new Scene Intelligent Auto mode unites five Canon digital camera technologies – the new Picture Style Auto, plus Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure –into a powerful new feature for photographers. Using the advanced EOS Scene Detection System, the camera automatically analyzes the image, taking into account faces, colors, brightness, movement and contrast. Scene Intelligent Auto then chooses the enhancing features to deliver maximum impact. Blues and greens are more vivid, “hot” colors are more fiery, and skin tones are smooth and truer to life.

 

[mom2rtk]

Isn't the T4i supposed to come out soon? If so, maybe there are even better deals headed your way on the T3i.

I have the T2i and love it, so don't feel like that could be a wrong move. But the thought of an articulating screen is pretty appealing. I doubt I'd shoot over my head much, but I can certainly see the value of it for shooting wishes.

 

[Iluvtink1327]

Thanks for all the suggestions!!! I think at this point I will for with the T3i. Another question...other than the 18-55mm lens, is there another lens that you would recommend? One that you use often?

 

[Luvscrappin]

I think you will love the T3i, I know I love mine! As far as the lens go a lot of people seem to really like the 24-105 IS. Its kind of pricey though and not in my budget. I have the 28-135 IS and its a decent lens for the price and covers most of the pics i take in the park. Another lens that is good and affordable in the 55-250 IS. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Stitch_Is_King]

I have the 18-135mm IS that I use as a walkaround lens when I don't want to be changing lenses all the time and it is a really nice lens for the money. If you are looking for more zoom, I also think you can't go wrong with the 55-250 IS. Enjoy the new camera.