Looking for a Canon dSLR (slr newbie)

[bazzanoid]

Morning all!

I'm looking at buying a dSLR when I'm over in the US next (farrrrr cheaper than the UK!), and having never bought one before, I'm not too sure which one to get.

At work i've had the pleasure of trying out pretty much everything from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax, and the Canon bodies feel nicest for me to hold and everything is laid out well.

So, having chosen the brand, what's the difference between the 60D and Rebel T3i (apart from $450-$500!)? Or is there a different model I should consider?

My budget is around $2000 to include a lens like an 18-55, and a zoom lens of about 70-300, with OIS, and i'm looking for 18 megapixel plus (i do a fair amount of very large scale printing, think wall-sized murals, so the detail is needed)

The US model names are different to the UK, i'm guessing the T3i is the equivalent of our 600D and the 60D is our 6D from looking at the spec. But I can't tell much difference

Help would be appreciated!

 

[Luvscrappin]

Sorry I can't help you with describing the differences in the models. I just wanted to say good luck with your purchase. I received the t3i for Christmas from DH and I absolutely love this camera! I had the original canon Digital Rebel for 8 years and loved it too...but this camera is just amazing to me. The images are so sharp! Which ever one you chose I'm sure you'll love it.

 

[reimero]

From what I've been able to gather, the sensor and electronics are essentially the same, but the controls are different and they feel different in your hand. Really, your best bet is to stop at a store and try them both on for size.
Also, if you're looking seriously at a 60D, you may want to check out the T4i as well: it's got a few nice updates over the T3i, but costs in the same ballpark as a 60D.

 

[meanpc]

I haven't shot with the 60d specifically, but I used to shoot the 40d, and up until recently was shooting with a 5d mk2. The biggest differences will be the build quality, feel and controls. The 600d, or T3i definitely feels cheaper than the pricier models.

If you spend a lot of time in Manual mode, the control wheel on the 60d might be a big deal for you. I shoot in manual occasionally, but I spend most of my time in Av mode. I don't HAVE to have a control wheel.

The image quality and focusing on the T3i is really top notch. In my case, there is no way I would consider the 60d to be worth the extra money versus the Rebel line. A few years ago, the difference was much greater.

 

[Frantasmic]

Rumor is 60D is being replaced. I think you will be able to get a great deal on a really good camera soon. I love my 60d. It is a consumer reports best buy recommendation. I would think you could get a lot of photographic bang for your buck (pound?) soon.

 

[photo_chick]

I'll agree with meanpc that the XXD (40D, 50D) cameras used to feel a bit heaftier than the Rebel line, but with the 60D they took out all the metal in teh body so it's all plastic like the Rebels and they lost that. Size wise the 60D is bigger than the T3i, but it doesn't have that heft that the XXD cameras used to have.


Go to dpreview.com and compare the cameras if you want to nit pick the features, because that's where the differences are. They use pretty much the same sensor and image processor so you'll get the same quality images from both. The differences are in the details. To me personally the differences are not worth getting the 60D, not with the updated T4i out now and with the T3i and T2i still using the same sensor. But if there's a feature you need that it has then it might be worth it to you. Of all those the T2i and T3i are awesome deals right now. They are both less than $600 right now for the body and you're getting the same great IQ and ISO performance of the T4i, 60D and 7D.

Anyone notice that the T4i and 60D are about the same price now? My guess is that we will see a good price increase with the next XXD camera like they've done with the 1D and 5D lines. If you have a budget that's something to consider as well. Just because a new camera might come out doesn't mean it will be priced the same.

 

[bazzanoid]

The control wheel is quite a big thing, my current advanced PnS has a decent level of manual control but you have to tweak it all on the menu system (beyond having aperture and shutter priority on the dial), and the less buttons i have to press to quickly set up the shot i want, the better

 

[Lzika]

You might want to consider a Canon 7D. In our family, we have Rebel, Canon 7D and Nikon D7000 shooters. I shoot with the Canon 7D and it's an awesome semi-professional camera. You'd love it for the large format printing you do. We just picked up a brand new one with a 24-105 lens for $1900. We have had great success purchasing camera equipment on EBay. You might find a slightly used one with the lenses you are looking for there. I think you might prefer the 24-105 or the 17-40 lens over the 18-55.

 

[bob100]

Morning all!

I'm looking at buying a dSLR when I'm over in the US next (farrrrr cheaper than the UK!), and having never bought one before, I'm not too sure which one to get.

At work i've had the pleasure of trying out pretty much everything from Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax, and the Canon bodies feel nicest for me to hold and everything is laid out well.

So, having chosen the brand, what's the difference between the 60D and Rebel T3i (apart from $450-$500!)? Or is there a different model I should consider?

My budget is around $2000 to include a lens like an 18-55, and a zoom lens of about 70-300, with OIS, and i'm looking for 18 megapixel plus (i do a fair amount of very large scale printing, think wall-sized murals, so the detail is needed)

The US model names are different to the UK, i'm guessing the T3i is the equivalent of our 600D and the 60D is our 6D from looking at the spec. But I can't tell much difference

Help would be appreciated!

I agree with the others, compare the features and prices. I think the 60D is being replaced but that makes the prices better, the 60D was recently going for $640 (body only) on the CLP program
http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2011/01/lab-test-canon-60d

 

[mom2rtk]

I think the 60D has a little higher FPS. If you shoot any sports, I'd go that direction. I have a T2i and my son plays HS sports. I do often fill the buffer when shooting RAW and wish it could do better.

 

[ukcatfan]

Be sure to check out all the customs rules first. Many countries require you to pay tax when bringing a purchase back in. A smart agent might recognize the different model numbers and require you to prove that you purchased it in your own country. Since you cannot prove that you might end up paying a tax.

 

[photo_chick]

You might want to consider a Canon 7D. In our family, we have Rebel, Canon 7D and Nikon D7000 shooters. I shoot with the Canon 7D and it's an awesome semi-professional camera. You'd love it for the large format printing you do. We just picked up a brand new one with a 24-105 lens for $1900. We have had great success purchasing camera equipment on EBay. You might find a slightly used one with the lenses you are looking for there. I think you might prefer the 24-105 or the 17-40 lens over the 18-55.

The 7D uses an almost identical sensor to the T2i, T3i, T4i and 60D. So they'll all be more than adequate for large scale printing.

 

[rex008]

I would suggest you double check that you're actually going to get a better price. Given you're not paying Canon UK prices for a Canon UK warranty, it's no different to going to one of the many far-east importers either on ebay or their own sites. I suspect you can get an even better deal. Especially considering the strength of the $ at the moment. Kiss X5 (Japanese name for 600D/T3i) can be had body-only from Digital Rev UK for £393 (I've had stuff from them, very reputable importer). Currently this is equivalent to $609. J&R (big US retailer) lists the T3i at $619 (+TAX), Best Buy $630 (+TAX). Same story with lenses.

Significant savings by shopping for electronics in the US are rare these days, if you spend a bit of time finding good UK prices. And, as has been pointed out, if you get caught on the way back in, you risk paying import duty (4% I think) AND VAT (20%).

In terms of choice, I started with a 550D(T2i), and now own a 7D. Same sensor, but the handling and build quality are so much better. £870 for an import body. Big difference, but superb piece of kit. I'd also suggest you look at reviews on the 70-300 zoom. Not usually particularly favourable. 55-250 is generally considered a much better choice.

 

[photo_chick]

rex008.. I don't think the 70-300 IS is that bad. Now the Canon 75-300, that's a truly awful lens. It's slow, soft, muddy and really fringy.

 

[bazzanoid]

Looks like i've started a heated debate....

Interesting about the asian markets, i may well consider that

I took the opportunity yesterday to pop into a photo specialist shop, and i'm definitely liking the 7D - over here it's £1400 ($2100) with the 18-135 lens.

Just looked on ebay... there's a seller doing a serious bundle... WITH a 1 year warranty, the same I would get if bought here in the UK!

7D body
18-55 IS lens
55-250 IS II lens
16Gb CF card
LPE6 Additional Battery
Camera bag
LCD protection film
Microfibre cloth
UK Power adaptor

... for £1016 ($1500)

Methinks i will be saving and seeing!!!!

My only doubt with this bundle is the CF card, i know they have faster read/write times but it's not as easy for me as the SD, since all the family laptops have SD slots built in! I will have to pick up a CF reader to take on holiday with me

 

[PrincessInOz]

Interesting about the asian markets

I was in Hong Kong at Easter and took the opportunity to "browse". The really interesting thing about the HK market is that there is also a grey market for camera equipment.

I was completely floored by that; given that HK and the US is grey market for Australia; HK is grey market for US and UK etc.

Grey market stuff in Hong Kong comes from Europe!

 

[Lzika]

Looks like you found yourself a deal! Just pick up a small CF card reader for under $20 - you will like how many photos you can store on a 16 GB CF card.