This momma is looking to buy a camera ?

[Lesuediane]

I've been reviewing and reading for months now and still can't come to a solid decision . I'm a momma looking to buy a nice camera to take pictures of mostly my son with . I would like to be able to record video and take pics at the same time. I don't want to need a newer camera with more features later. Would like to spend around 700ish .. Would like touch screen if that would be easier to use ... I've been told to just get a t3 but I feel I will outgrow it quickly .. I've been leaning towards a 60d... I'm in need of some major direction.. Hopefully I can find it here . Thanks to everyone who helps ;-)

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

A camera that has the features that you describe is the Canon SL1 or Canon 100D (depending on country). It is small and light compared to competitors, and the picture is very good. It has intuitive menu and LCD touchscreen. Furthermore, it comes with a good lens for normal use (18-55 STM) and you can use other lenses such as the Canon 55-250 STM which is great.

 

[Swphoto]

What camera do you currently use? What shortcomings are you trying to improve by upgrading? Are you interested in carrying around multiple lenses and taking the time to swap them when needed?

 

[Lesuediane]

I currently use my phone .. I want a nice photo I can look back to years from now .. Don't really want to switch out lens too much ...

 

[unfocused]

The 60D, SL1 and most of the recent Rebels all have essentially the same 18 megapixel sensor, so the quality of the pictures will be about the same. It's the other features that differentiate them so it's best to do some reading up on the various features and see which ones you would like and use.

The 60D is a great buy right now because it has been replaced by the 70D but is still quite available. Check out the Canon refurbished store as well. Right now they are running a coupon special (details at CanonPriceWatch.com). But, be sure and compare new prices as well, as on some models, from some retailers, new is almost as cheap.

Consider a bundle with the 55-250 EFS lens along with the kit 18-55 lens. Do not, I repeat, do not buy a bundle with one of the 70-300 mm zooms, the 55-250 is a much better lens and has image stabilization.

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I currently use my phone .. I want a nice photo I can look back to years from now .. Don't really want to switch out lens too much ...

If you do not want to keep changing lens, depending on the type of picture, it is better to buy the camera kit with SL1 and lens 18-135 STM, which has longer zoom and is not too heavy. To make photos and video at the same time is recommended to use memory card "Sandisk class 10" because it is capable of recording at high speeds without getting catching. I see no advantages in 60D, for the use you plan to make.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I've been reviewing and reading for months now and still can't come to a solid decision . I'm a momma looking to buy a nice camera to take pictures of mostly my son with . I would like to be able to record video and take pics at the same time. I don't want to need a newer camera with more features later. Would like to spend around 700ish .. Would like touch screen if that would be easier to use ... I've been told to just get a t3 but I feel I will outgrow it quickly .. I've been leaning towards a 60d... I'm in need of some major direction.. Hopefully I can find it here . Thanks to everyone who helps ;-)

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Smaller cameras now are able to capture supurb images. The Canon EOS "M" can be found for much less than your target price, and with the 18-22mm zoom, you won't have to change lenses unless you want a telephoto. You can get a adapter and use any canon lens with it if you want a telephoto.

Another good choice is a G15.

Thru Nov 2, Canon is having a sale on used refurbished cameras. They have a 1 year warranty, you can return them within 14 days if you don't like them. They are generally like new, I've bought many that way, and have been happy with all of them.

Use code ZOMBIE2143 in checkout and get 20% off! This applies to most cameras and lenses in the store, only a few high end DSLR's are held back.

Many have already sold out, but you should find what you want for a very good price.

For Example, a G15 is $323, a G1 X $468, a T5i with 18-135mm STM lens is $672 (You won't need to change lenses with this one, and the touch screen is nice)., You can get that T3 with lens you mentioned for $287! (Its very Old but still sold), the Smaller SL1 with lens for $480.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/refurbished-products?cm_mmc=EM-_-ES-_-131014-_-LeadIn&WT.mc_id=EM1310ES14013&RID=1-DPPX6A&CON=1-2WYL-1665&PRO=&CID=1-DMK96B

 

[Ruined]

I've been reviewing and reading for months now and still can't come to a solid decision . I'm a momma looking to buy a nice camera to take pictures of mostly my son with . I would like to be able to record video and take pics at the same time. I don't want to need a newer camera with more features later. Would like to spend around 700ish .. Would like touch screen if that would be easier to use ... I've been told to just get a t3 but I feel I will outgrow it quickly .. I've been leaning towards a 60d... I'm in need of some major direction.. Hopefully I can find it here . Thanks to everyone who helps ;-)

I would recommend in the $700 range a Rebel SL1 with 18-135mm STM lens (it has touchscreen). The 60D is good at stills but very poor at video compared to the Rebel SL1, and the recommendation someone made earlier of EOS-M even more weak in comparison with especially weak lens selection.

If you can stretch the budget to $1400 (that includes lens), the 70D would be the ideal camera as it is intermediate level and would last you for years. It has the new Dual Pixel superfast Autofocus system which makes videos look outstanding, phase autofocus from the pro 7D camera, new sensor with lower noise for stills, as well as a lot of other high end features. If you are serious about really getting into things and want a camera for years to come, I'd highly recommend stretching your budget and getting a 70D + 18-135mm STM. 70D has touchscreen + wifi/gps (for phone upload) as well; sl1 has touchscreen but lacks wifi/gps. But, if 70D is completely out of pricerange, then SL1 it is!

Rebel SL1: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_rebel_sl1_18_55mm_is_stm_lens_kit
EOS 70D: http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_70d

 

[SirClownfish]

Since you mentioned video as a priority, look at cameras with continuous AF during video and an STM lens. The continuous AF will make it easier to keep the subject in focus and the STM motor in the lens will generally be quieter and smoother than a non-STM lens. The T4i, T5i, SL1, and 70D have continuous AF. As for 18-55mm vs 18-135mm, I would lean more toward the 18-135, unless you don't think you'll need the extra zoom range. Whatever combo you decide, I would also recommend a 50mm f/1.8 II lens. It doesn't have STM, but it's cheap and will be great for low light photos.

 

[Halfrack]

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Sorry, but this sounds super sexist. Where did she say she is too fragile and delicate to handle a manly camera? Where did she say she is too thick to figure out the complex features?

She said she has been researching for the past several months and is worried that she will outgrow a T3i too quickly. That doesn't sound to me like someone who can't worry her pretty little head over figuring out all those complicated settings on the camera.

I don't believe this is the case, as I would give the same advice to a new father. The whole thought that giving someone a DSLR as the answer to their needs is wrong. Kids are fast, and a G15/G1x is a perfect high end camera option that will fit in the diaper bag along with everything else that you get to carry in addition to a kid. The more pocketable the better.

 

[distant.star]

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Sorry, but this sounds super sexist. Where did she say she is too fragile and delicate to handle a manly camera? Where did she say she is too thick to figure out the complex features?

She said she has been researching for the past several months and is worried that she will outgrow a T3i too quickly. That doesn't sound to me like someone who can't worry her pretty little head over figuring out all those complicated settings on the camera.

Maybe sexist. Mostly it rankled me as elitist, but that's not a surprise.

One question I'd ask is if the original poster intends to do a lot of printing. If you're just shooting for the screen five or 10 years from now, that can have implications for necessary image quality being delivered by the equipment. If she wants to be doing a lot of print albums, photo books, cards, etc., she'll need something that provides best image quality.

 

[Lesuediane]

All the feedback is very helpful. Yes I will be doing printing from the camera .. I do alot of scrapbooking and want photos for christmas and birthday cards etc,....Didn't know about the rotating screen either .. Feedback on that would be great too.

 

[Lesuediane]

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Sorry, but this sounds super sexist. Where did she say she is too fragile and delicate to handle a manly camera? Where did she say she is too thick to figure out the complex features?

She said she has been researching for the past several months and is worried that she will outgrow a T3i too quickly. That doesn't sound to me like someone who can't worry her pretty little head over figuring out all those complicated settings on the camera.

Maybe sexist. Mostly it rankled me as elitist, but that's not a surprise.

One question I'd ask is if the original poster intends to do a lot of printing. If you're just shooting for the screen five or 10 years from now, that can have implications for necessary image quality being delivered by the equipment. If she wants to be doing a lot of print albums, photo books, cards, etc., she'll need something that provides best image quality.

Yes I will printing photos . Also what are your thoughts on the rotating screen ?

 

[ajfotofilmagem]

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Sorry, but this sounds super sexist. Where did she say she is too fragile and delicate to handle a manly camera? Where did she say she is too thick to figure out the complex features?

She said she has been researching for the past several months and is worried that she will outgrow a T3i too quickly. That doesn't sound to me like someone who can't worry her pretty little head over figuring out all those complicated settings on the camera.

Maybe sexist. Mostly it rankled me as elitist, but that's not a surprise.

One question I'd ask is if the original poster intends to do a lot of printing. If you're just shooting for the screen five or 10 years from now, that can have implications for necessary image quality being delivered by the equipment. If she wants to be doing a lot of print albums, photo books, cards, etc., she'll need something that provides best image quality.

Yes I will printing photos . Also what are your thoughts on the rotating screen ?

This is articulated LCD on T5i model, not the SL1. Cameras are very similar in features and quality, SL1 being lighter and small.

 

[Lesuediane]

I do not think that you will want a full size DSLR, the complex features are likely more than you need, lenses are large, and its just big.

Sorry, but this sounds super sexist. Where did she say she is too fragile and delicate to handle a manly camera? Where did she say she is too thick to figure out the complex features?

She said she has been researching for the past several months and is worried that she will outgrow a T3i too quickly. That doesn't sound to me like someone who can't worry her pretty little head over figuring out all those complicated settings on the camera.

Maybe sexist. Mostly it rankled me as elitist, but that's not a surprise.

One question I'd ask is if the original poster intends to do a lot of printing. If you're just shooting for the screen five or 10 years from now, that can have implications for necessary image quality being delivered by the equipment. If she wants to be doing a lot of print albums, photo books, cards, etc., she'll need something that provides best image quality.

Yes I will printing photos . Also what are your thoughts on the rotating screen ?

This is articulated LCD on T5i model, not the SL1. Cameras are very similar in features and quality, SL1 being lighter and small.

Yes ;-) do you think this is an option that we be useful to me ? Someone also told me they felt the sl1 would break easily if it did take a fall ... Being that it is smaller .

 

[mrzero]

The swivelling screen is really handy with kids. They are low to the ground and you will want to take low-angle pics of them frequently. It is a lot easier to just hang the camera low and swivel the screen up for viewing than it is to get down on the ground all the time.

I have a G1X and a Rebel, and I will say that the G1x is very handy in family situations. It is compact (not pocketable, but one-small-bag compact). The images are great quality. The AF can be tricky in low light, but most of the time it works very well.

I have an older Rebel, so the live-view on mine does not compare to the live-view operations of the newer cameras (T4i, T5i, 70D, SL1). I would love to hear somebody compare the G-series AF to the live-view AF on these newer cameras.

Lots of folks on here jump right into recommending DSLRs, but the DSLR vs fixed-lens/point-n-shoot decision is not always automatically in favor of DSLRs. Besides, if you buy a G-series or an S110/S120, you can always add a DSLR later and keep the compact camera, too. They both have their purposes.

 

[Don Haines]

My advice is to ignore any comments you read about "this camera is way to complicated" No matter how complex the camera is, you can put it into the AUTO mode and it will work great. As you get more used to the camera and want to learn/play with advanced operations then you can. As skills progress you can grow with a more advanced camera.... with a simple camera you will be restricted by it's limitations.

There is no shame in using a camera in the auto mode. There has been a lot of time/money/research that has gone into making the auto mode very good. The only shame is being to proud or elitist to use all the tools availiable to you.

The big thing that the 60D and 70D have over the rebels is the ergonomics. Once you get to the point where you start adjusting F-stop and shutter speed manually, you will really appreciate the shoulder display and extra controls. Image quality is comparable across the line.... there really isn't a big difference.

Some form of editing software like Lightroom will have more impact on your photos than the camera... If you shoot in RAW and frame a bit wider than you need, you can use Lightroom to adjust the framing and the colors afterwards... this is the digital equivalent of the darkroom and it is a very powerful step in creating great images... it also allows you to correct mistakes with things like the wrong color balance or to shift exposures and light levels afterwards....

 

[Lesuediane]

My advice is to ignore any comments you read about "this camera is way to complicated" No matter how complex the camera is, you can put it into the AUTO mode and it will work great. As you get more used to the camera and want to learn/play with advanced operations then you can. As skills progress you can grow with a more advanced camera.... with a simple camera you will be restricted by it's limitations.

There is no shame in using a camera in the auto mode. There has been a lot of time/money/research that has gone into making the auto mode very good. The only shame is being to proud or elitist to use all the tools availiable to you.

The big thing that the 60D and 70D have over the rebels is the ergonomics. Once you get to the point where you start adjusting F-stop and shutter speed manually, you will really appreciate the shoulder display and extra controls. Image quality is comparable across the line.... there really isn't a big difference.

Some form of editing software like Lightroom will have more impact on your photos than the camera... If you shoot in RAW and frame a bit wider than you need, you can use Lightroom to adjust the framing and the colors afterwards... this is the digital equivalent of the darkroom and it is a very powerful step in creating great images... it also allows you to correct mistakes with things like the wrong color balance or to shift exposures and light levels afterwards....

I feel that for a little more money I could get a 60d ... Not really sure what the difference in the rebel lines are compared to the 50,60,70d besides it being a full frame camera ? I don't see what the advantages are ?

 

[Loswr]

I feel that for a little more money I could get a 60d ... Not really sure what the difference in the rebel lines are compared to the 50,60,70d besides it being a full frame camera ? I don't see what the advantages are ?

The 60D isn't full frame, it's got an APS-C sensor (and one that's nearly identical to that found in the T2i - T5i and the SL1). The advantages of the 60D are better build (stronger body, some weathersealing), better ergonomics (more controls, top LCD display), faster frame rate, etc.

But for video, the T5i or SL1 will allow autofocus during video capture, something the 60D does not. The 70D would be the bset of both worlds, but more costly.

Kids are fast, and a G15/G1x is a perfect high end camera option that will fit in the diaper bag along with everything else that you get to carry in addition to a kid. The more pocketable the better.

You're right, kids are fast. The G-series takes approximately 0.7 s between fully pressing the shutter button and the image being captured. In that time, the moment you wanted to capture of your fast moving kids has passed. Did I mention the 1 fps in RAW shooting? Pocketable is good. Able to capture the moment is a lot better.

 

[KyleSTL]

I would say the 70D would be a good fit if you are going to be doing a lot of videos. The highly advanced dual-pixel AF allows the user to focus on composition and movement more than pulling focus. Get STM lenses (18-55 STM, 40 STM, 18-135 STM, 55-250 STM) and you basically have the most advanced camcorder on the market. You might be happy with the other AF-C capable cameras in movie mode, but you can't do better than the 70D in the Canon lineup (or arguably in anyone's lineup). As long as it isn't breaking the bank, 70D is the way to go in my opinion.