I did it-I took the plunge!

[ancestry]

After lurking here for a long time I finally took the plunge and ordered my first DSLR. I should have it tomorrow.

I outgrew my point and shoot quite some time ago. It just wasn't meeting my needs.

I really waffled back and forth on what to order. After a lot of research I decided to go with a Canon but was stuck between the T3i, 60D, and 7D. I eliminated the 7D because of cost, size, weight, and because it really was overkill for me as a hobbyist/advanced beginner. I wanted the 60D so I could get some good shots of my son's football team in action but I also was happier with the reviews on the T3i's video than that of the 60D.

Because of the deal that Amazon.com currently has going I settled on a Canon Rebel T3i. Amazon.com has a promotion where if you buy a Canon Rebel (which is also currently $50 off nearly everywhere) and buy an additional selected lens you get an instant rebate of $150.

So I managed to snag the Canon Rebel T3i package that comes with the 18-55mm lens and an additional 55-250mm telephoto lens for $880.

I hope I made the right decision. My father-in-law is a professional photographer (makes a living in his retirement taking pictures in France for French language textbook publishers) and in addition to the Amazon.com deal he insisted that the T3i was best for my needs.

Anyone else out there using a T3i? Are you happy with it?

Thanks for letting me share!

 

[HPS3]

Congrats! Have fun with your new DSLR.

 

[photo_chick]

The T3i is a great camera for any level photographer. Have fun and happy shooting!

 

[C&B Young]

Great setup, you'll be quite happy with the T3i and those lenses for quite a while. And you got an excellent deal!

 

[saintstickets]

Congrats and I'm glad you were able to pull the trigger and make a decision! I cannot!

I'm trying to decide between the Canon T3i, Nikon D5100 and the Sony A-55. I'm leaning towards the Sony but I imagine any one of these will be fine. Comments anyone?

 

[fuzzylogic]

Congrats! I have a Canon 7D, part of me wishes that I had a T3i for WDW. Between the size and weight, I figure I may get tired of lugging around the 7D.

You'll love the dslr world!

 

[eblong]

Way to go. From my experience, you will love:

• The very fast response when you depress the shutter button that lets you capture the shots you want instead of something a second or so later
• The ability to make the camera behave the way you want. I recommend "Understanding Exposure". I got it a few weeks ago and it is guiding me to no longer use the point and shoot modes.
• Oh, yes, buying accessories - external flash, filters, tripod, and remote shutter control, etc.

Enjoy. Please consider posting your first shots here, so we can share your fun.

 

[ancestry]

Thanks for the support everyone! I'm definitely excited.

 

[ancestry]

Congrats and I'm glad you were able to pull the trigger and make a decision! I cannot!

I'm trying to decide between the Canon T3i, Nikon D5100 and the Sony A-55. I'm leaning towards the Sony but I imagine any one of these will be fine. Comments anyone?

I also looked at the Sony as I had several Sony cameras (p&s) over the years that I have loved. As I mentioned in my op the deal they have going on at Amazon.con is what swayed me to the T3i.

Let me tell you, it took me forever to make a decision. Good Luck!

 

[Porktitioner]

Hard to go wrong with a Canon. Congrats!

 

[klmall]

Hard to go wrong with a Canon. Congrats!

Totally agree! Looking back at my Canon G5 pictures from eight years ago tells me I started on the right path!

 

[bob100]

Anyone else out there using a T3i? Are you happy with it?

I only have the older XSi - I would be happy if I had a new T3i/600D !

 

[networktek]

congrats on the new camera your gonna have lots of fun with it.