T3i vs T4i for first dslr

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Thanks for all the input.
I have decided on the t4i with the 18-135.
Now will look around to see what's available used in 50 or 60d and compare to new t4i.
I don't mind buying used but am skeptical buying something used that I don't know a lot about.

I'd get the 18-135mm STM, its a superior lens as far as Image quality goes, and while AF might not be super in video, it does work, so it is possible to take a video of a kids soccor game as long as you are zoomed out a little.  You would need a additional person to pull focus with the T3i, and even then it would be impossible to keep sharp focus on clooseup shots of fast and erratic moving subjects.
Lots of people buy a DSLR to use as a camcorder, but end up disappointed.  Its great for serious well planned and controlled video.

[LANA]

Just looking at the sale prices on these two cameras. 
The T3i is available for $600 with 18-55, thinking this might be worth buying. 
In comparison the T4i is available for $850 with 18-135. 

I'd like some opinions whether it's worth starting with the T3i and spending the extra on lenses.

 There are upgrades/differences  between T3i and T4i, check the features side by side
http://t4ivst3i.com/

[samkatz]

you will be happy. (See my post on T4i vs 60D)

I was tempted to buy the T3i to save a few dollars, but cameras are computers w/a lens and whatever you buy becomes "obsolete" quickly, in terms of features.  It doesn't pay to buy an older model, because you start out behind the curve.,  yeah, I know that these changes are very incremental and image quality isn't changing so fast, but my evaluation was that the T4i beat the 60D in many features(not all). The live view/touch screen makes live view a much better option than it has been, and the speed has been decent in the right conditions.

 Also the 18-135 STM which I did not mention in my other post has surprised me...way above the 18-55 IS imho.   My main lens is the 15-85 IS USM, which is super sharp.  The STM has been fine.

[sagittariansrock]

If you are serious about photography and if you're into pure stills and don't mind the weight, I wholeheartedly suggest a 5D classic (or 5D2 if you need video) + 50mm 1.8/1.4 depending on your budget.  This is the system I'll use if I were to  turn back time and start again.  I'll also get a Yongnuo TTL flash afterwards.  From there you can build your lenses then you can upgrade again your body if needed.  You will learn a lot with a professional body and a 50mm lens.

+1. If I had to start over again for photography, a 5Dc + 50mm 1.4. I'd never buy crop again.

+2...it's very hard to explain this to new DSLR users. I told my sister in law about this option, but she went other route(t4i + kit lens). 

I guess it's a good thing crop sensors (or any sensor for that matter) weren't available when I started

[LANA]

See the comparison in features
http://t4ivst3i.com