Recommendations for a friend

[crasher8]

My friend is interested in moving into a DSLR from the high end P&S world. She is not interested in a kit lens or a slow tele (55-250). I have shown her what a pancake is capable of and she has it on her short list along with the nifty 50 as well. She has borrowed a T2i in the past and is comfortable with the ergonomics and menus.

Video is not a concern but if it's there well bonus. She is shooting product stills for her furniture biz, family portraits, candids and vacation pix. Nothing where much more than 135 on a crop is needed. Here is the list I've shared with her for her options below $800.

Used:

T3i (9+ B&H) and 40 pancake $600
same with  50 1.8 $560
50D (EX+ Keh) and 40 pancake $615
same with 50 1.8 $575

New:

T3i body and pancake $679

Highest suggested
T3i and 18-135 $819

Any suggestions of which of these to go for or something I haven't mentioned?

[friedrice1212]

If possible, new T3i and 50 1.8. This lens is simply amazing, both on crop and full frame, and I'm sure you have heard all about it from so many Canon shooters so I wont repeat hehe.

[RLPhoto]

If she is willing to learn the art of photography, I would highly recommend a

5Dc + 50mm (1.8 or 1.4) + (Maybe) 100mm F/2 or Macro 100mm 2.8 for product shots.

Far better IQ than any of the canon crop camera's so far and cheaper now with the MK3's release.

[wickidwombat]

I recommend the Nikon D5200 over any of canons crops for entry level stuff
with the 18-200 VRII lens this is an awesome entry level combo.
Currently Canon has nothing that can touch this for features, quality and price
the Nikkor 18-200 lenses are really good for super zooms

[BrandonKing96]

If she is willing to learn the art of photography, I would highly recommend a

5Dc + 50mm (1.8 or 1.4) + (Maybe) 100mm F/2 or Macro 100mm 2.8 for product shots.

Far better IQ than any of the canon crop camera's so far and cheaper now with the MK3's release.

+1000000

[crasher8]

I recommend the Nikon D5200 over any of canons crops for entry level stuff
with the 18-200 VRII lens this is an awesome entry level combo.
Currently Canon has nothing that can touch this for features, quality and price
the Nikkor 18-200 lenses are really good for super zooms

That doesn't work with an 800 budget.

[Hillsilly]

For what its worth, I've got both the 50 f/1.8 and 40 f/2.8.  Although sharpness is similar, the 40mm is a much nicer and quieter lens to use.  It would be my pick if I had to choose between them.  (Although...the 50mm is a little longer and a nice portrait length on a crop camera).

With the cameras, I'd probably just buy the new t3i given the smallish price difference.
 

[robbymack]

Define high end p&s? any reason not to push her towards a nex or micro 4/3's? mirror less and pocketable is the wave of the future. Why saddle her with a dslr when there doesn't seem to be the need for action sports af?

[RickSpringfield]

You can find some interesting deals this way:

Open Google; put the following in the search bar:  site:craigslist.org Canon 5D

Or if you are thinking of the T series you could always get one of these deals, sell off the lens or just keep them and buy the 50 1.8 anyway and be right around 800 and change.

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/88510/ebay.com-canon-eos-digital-rebel-t4i-18mp-slr-camera-w-1855mm-lens-55250mm-is-lens

Or you could go with a Canon EOS 60D DSLR Camera (Body Only):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732047-REG/Canon_4460B003_EOS_60D_DSLR_Camera.html
PRICE: $ 699.00 FREE SHIPPING price reflects $200.00 Instant savings From B&H and just get the 50 1.8 there as well. 

[gigabellone]

I would pick a T3i and a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. This setup lacks some reach in the long end, but the constant f/2.8 aperture and the IQ of the Tamron are hard to beat at that price. Later she can buy a 100 f/2.8 macro for portraits and still life.

[Hillsilly]

....any reason not to push her towards a nex or micro 4/3's?

One of the benefits of sticking with Canon would be that she can take advantage of your experience and knowledge and you could lend her a lens or two when needed.  But if we're allowing new options, I'd at least consider the Olympus EPL-5 with kit lens and EVF.  And, although currently out of your price range, the OM-D EM-5 has been discontinued and a new model will be released soon.  There should also be some good deals coming up on this too. 

[sagittariansrock]

I recommend the Nikon D5200 over any of canons crops for entry level stuff
with the 18-200 VRII lens this is an awesome entry level combo.
Currently Canon has nothing that can touch this for features, quality and price
the Nikkor 18-200 lenses are really good for super zooms

That doesn't work with an 800 budget.

I'd go for the Nikon D3200 + 35 1.8 DX.
I have never owned a Nikon but I always recommend them to people who want to buy dSLRs but do not plan to spend big eventually. Nikon has quality gear at the basic entry level (talking lenses, cameras are about the same although the entry-level Nikons might be better for low light based on my very limited experience) and the 35 1.8 is more versatile than the 40mm pancake (IMO). Just had another friend buy it and bring back excellent night pictures from Vegas.