This momma is looking to buy a camera ?

[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....

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 ?

I shoot with a 60D... It has seen almost 4 years of rugged use and still works great.. I do not shoot a lot of video with it but it does passable images.... but forget about autofocus on the video.... The T5i and the 70D are far more capable cameras for video.... I have a little waterproof p/s camera that does better video than my 60D...

The 60D is an old design, the 70D beats it in every way... the T5i either beats it or ties it in every way but one.... the shoulder display and extra controls on the 60D have better ergonomics than the T5i. If you are using the camera in manual or semi-manual modes this makes a big difference, but if you shoot in program modes or automatic it makes no difference.... plus, both the T5i and the 70D have touchscreens as well... I am told that once you get used to them you will love them...

If video is important to you, I would say either a T5i or a 70D... but the 70D is starting to get a bit expensive....

 

[Ruined]

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 ?

PHOTOS: BEST >> 70D >> T5i = T4i = 60D >> SL1 >> WORST

VIDEOS: BEST >> 70D >> T5i = T4i >> SL1 >> 60D >> WORST

Basically the 60D is great for photos, but not good at all for videos due to lack of continuous autofocus; the 60D is also the only camera out of all of the above that does NOT have a touchscreen. The SL1 is decent for photos though AF for stills could be better, but much better in videos than the 60D due to its continuous AF. While you will likely still get some good still shots using the AF in the SL1, the lack of continuous autofocus in the 60D is going to make it tough to get good videos. Thus I'd give the overall advantage to the SL1 slightly since you said you wanted to take videos in addition to photos.

If you can spend more... the 70D clearly dominates everything else, and the t5i/t4i are both a clear notch above the SL1/60D. The t5i/t4i are both pretty much the same camera. The problem is a t5i/t4i+lens (go for the 18-135mm STM) will likely be in the $800-$1000 range while a 70D will be in the $1200-1400 range. So both of these options will exceed your budget.

If you can exceed your budget, the 70D is your best bet, followed by the T5i/T4i. If you can't, the SL1 is probably best because the 60D isn't so hot at video. Also, the SL1 may be easier to operate because it has a touchscreen.

 

[brad-man]

I am not aware of any meaningful difference between the T4i and the T5i, other than price. Your best lower cost solution would be the T4i + EF-S 18-135 STM IS. You can pick up the kit from directly from Canon as a refurb (good as new with 1 year warranty) for $588 (with coupon code ZOMBIE2143). This is a very capable combination for stills and video:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/331230?WT.mc_id=C126149

The next step up would be the new 70D with the same lens (too new to be available refurbished) for $1400 from an unauthorized dealer Big Value via ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231078556883&item=231078556883&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

or from an authorized dealer such as B&H Photo for retail $1549:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/986391-REG/canon_8469b016_canon_eos_70d_dslr.html?sub=cpw&sid=cpw-13752347

Good luck & happy shooting!

 

[Lesuediane]

I want to reply to everyone with a big Thank. You. . I'm still researching as my husband says if we spend this much money he " wants a full blown essay on why the camera we are going to buy is the best for me " lol everyone's comments are easier to understand rather than reading specs about them . I still have a lot to learn ... Could anyone point me in the right direction of an informational website showing about ISO and aperture and all the other things I will have to learn to adjust . And thank you all once again !!!

 

[lux]

I thought I'd throw out one more idea:

If you are not sure about whether you want to get a dslr or a point and shoot...how about buying a good waterproof/crushproff point and shoot. If you find yourself liking it and taking lots of pictures and wishing you had more control over the photos then you could be a dslr and no feel like you wasted money since the rugged point and shoot can be used at times where a dslr is a poor choice. I love mine, it has a little camera life jacket and when camping, while I use my 6d and 70-200 for a lot of photos, when you are in the river having the point and shoot is awesome and it takes video too.

Of course I also have a 55-250 older lens and a 2ti I keep in a dry bag in the canoe to take out for wildlife etc.

 

[Don Haines]

I am not aware of any meaningful difference between the T4i and the T5i, other than price. Your best lower cost solution would be the T4i + EF-S 18-135 STM IS. You can pick up the kit from directly from Canon as a refurb (good as new with 1 year warranty) for $588 (with coupon code ZOMBIE2143). This is a very capable combination for stills and video:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/331230?WT.mc_id=C126149

The next step up would be the new 70D with the same lens (too new to be available refurbished) for $1400 from an unauthorized dealer Big Value via ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=231078556883&item=231078556883&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466

or from an authorized dealer such as B&H Photo for retail $1549:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/986391-REG/canon_8469b016_canon_eos_70d_dslr.html?sub=cpw&sid=cpw-13752347

Good luck & happy shooting!

Brad-Man is quite right.... The only difference between the two is that the mode dial on the T5i spins all the way around....If you can find a T4i you get every bit as good of a camera as the T5i, but save $$$$.

 

[Loswr]

VIDEOS: BEST >> 70D >> T5i = T4i >> SL1 >> 60D >> WORST

... the t5i/t4i are both a clear notch above the SL1/60D.

Can you explain why you rank the T5i/T4i over the SL1 for video? I would think just the opposite, if one is planning to AF during video. The Hybrid CMOS AF of the T5i/T4i is limited to the center of the frame, whereas the Hybrid CMOS AF II of the SL1 covers most of the frame.

 

[takesome1]

VIDEOS: BEST >> 70D >> T5i = T4i >> SL1 >> 60D >> WORST

... the t5i/t4i are both a clear notch above the SL1/60D.

Can you explain why you rank the T5i/T4i over the SL1 for video? I would think just the opposite, if one is planning to AF during video. The Hybrid CMOS AF of the T5i/T4i is limited to the center of the frame, whereas the Hybrid CMOS AF II of the SL1 covers most of the frame.

Wasn't my statement but when it comes to small children I would say flip screen for the win for video.

 

[Loswr]

Wasn't my statement but when it comes to small children I would say flip screen for the win for video.

Personally, I'd pick in focus for the win (especially with the generally thinner DoF of dSLR video).

But I should also say that I don't shoot video of my kids with my dSLR, but with my Vixia HF M41 camcorder (good quality, and smaller/lighter than most of my lenses, plus dedicated accessories like a mini-hotshoe directional mic from which the sound gets directly recorded in the footage with no extra cord). The camcorder ergonomics are better for video, too.

 

[takesome1]

Wasn't my statement but when it comes to small children I would say flip screen for the win for video.

Personally, I'd pick in focus for the win (especially with the generally thinner DoF of dSLR video).

But I should also say that I don't shoot video of my kids with my dSLR, but with my Vixia HF M41 camcorder (good quality, and smaller/lighter than most of my lenses, plus dedicated accessories like a mini-hotshoe directional mic from which the sound gets directly recorded in the footage with no extra cord).

That cracked me up, "in focus for the win". I have a t4i and the focus in video mode works just fine. I guess the t4i still wins.

 

[Loswr]

That cracked me up, "in focus for the win". I have a t4i and the focus in video mode works just fine. I guess the t4i still wins.

Do you find it works well with your subject off-center, too? Or do you just always keep your subject centered? :

 

[takesome1]

That cracked me up, "in focus for the win". I have a t4i and the focus in video mode works just fine. I guess the t4i still wins.

Do you find it works well with your subject off-center, too? Or do you just always keep your subject centered? :

I just gave it a try, honestly I haven't paid attention. It worked fine and would focus on subjects to the side. Just touch on the touch screen the point you want. Although the noise is annoying.

But you are right in suggesting a camcorder. DSLR's are not the best at video. The OP did say they wanted a camera that could do both.

 

[Loswr]

I just gave it a try, honestly I haven't paid attention. It worked fine and would focus on subjects to the side. Just touch on the touch screen the point you want. Although the noise is annoying.

But you are right in suggesting a camcorder. DSLR's are not the best at video. The OP did say they wanted a camera that could do both.

Good to know.

Yes, that's why an external mic is best for video.

 

[Ruined]

VIDEOS: BEST >> 70D >> T5i = T4i >> SL1 >> 60D >> WORST

... the t5i/t4i are both a clear notch above the SL1/60D.

Can you explain why you rank the T5i/T4i over the SL1 for video? I would think just the opposite, if one is planning to AF during video. The Hybrid CMOS AF of the T5i/T4i is limited to the center of the frame, whereas the Hybrid CMOS AF II of the SL1 covers most of the frame.

The increased focusing area is nice, but I would consider the lack of an articulating screen crippling for casual video taking.

 

[Loswr]

The increased focusing area is nice, but I would consider the lack of an articulating screen crippling for casual video taking.

Makes sense. My camcorder has one, but it also has an EVF which is handy in bright sunlight.

 

[eml58]

Could anyone point me in the right direction of an informational website showing about ISO and aperture and all the other things I will have to learn to adjust . And thank you all once again !!!

There's actually a gazillion sites out there, try these though to get you started, and Good Luck, but mostly, Enjoy your Photography.

http://digital-photography-school.com

http://tv.adobe.com

http://improvephotography.com/1341/top-21-up-and-coming-photography-sites-to-watch-and-learn/

http://www.lynda.com/Photography-training-tutorials/70-0.html

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

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 .

I apologize if my comment assumed that you were asking for too large of a camera. I thought I had read that you wanted something small.

Pretty much any DSLR will be damaged in a fall if it lands the wrong way.

Printing does not require a special high mp camera, even billboards have been taken with 6mp images. Photobooks and the like do not require high resolution at all.

If you want to print 30 X 40, then 12 mp is a good minimum size, but all cameras are 12 mp or more these days.

If you can go to a best Buy, look at them, and see how they feel in your hand. Be aware that the low end models come with a lightweight plastic lens, so if you decide to go for a higher end lens, they will be heavier. Just be aware that most of the Best Buy salesmen are not photographers, and want to sell the item with the highest profit.

Its generally considered good advice to buy a less expensive body and a upgraded lens. The "STM" lenses mentioned in the threads are a upgrade to the basic unit.

The reason I suggest a Refurbished Camera is that they have the same warranty as new, they have extra QA, and you can get more for your money. A good lens will hold its value for many years, but bodies lose value quickly.

The T5i with the articulated viewfinder, and STM lens might be the most you can get within your budget.

By the way, do you realize that most of the DSLR's do not autofocus while tasking video, its manual focus and its difficult to do on a moving subject (The T4i, T5i, and SL1 do Autofocus, but not good enough to follow a sport). The only DSLR Canon makes with good camcorder type autofocus during video is the 70D, but its pretty pricey.

 

[jebrady03]

The time frame on this deal is about up (ends today - Oct 28th) but if you could stretch the budget, this would give you the very best of everything....

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010978-REG/canon_eos_70d_dslr_camera.html

That's the 70D + 18-135 IS STM + Pixma Pro 10 ink jet printer, paper, shoulder bag, and a class 10 16GB memory card for $1249 after rebate.

The 70D autofocuses in video better than any other DSLR on the market, hands down, no questions asked. This is a camera that you will no need to upgrade for MANY MANY years.

That aside, the 20% discount on the T4i + 18-135 is likely the best deal out there for you at $588 plus tax (promo code ZOMBIE2143). It has the articulating LCD which I feel like is a great option to have on a DSLR, especially when shooting video.

The T4i autofocuses in video decently well, but it's a first generation of autofocus technology in video so in time, you will probably want to upgrade it. You didn't say how old your son is but the autofocus on this camera in video mode will NOT keep up with him running around if you're nearby (on a soccer field it might but not well).

Avoid the 60D. And I'm saying that as a 60D owner. It doesn't autofocus when shooting video which means YOU have to constantly focus the lens and it's a MAJOR pain in the butt. It's a fantastic camera, but does not fit your needs and experience level (you need some pretty impressive skills to be able to take good video with it - I unfortunately lack those skills so I never use it for video). Avoid the T3 as well for the same reason, no autofocus in video mode.

 

[Zv]

I have only read the OP and none of the other replies so apologies if someone already mentioned it but I reckon a T4 would be perfect. Great all round performance for a consumer DSLR.

Otherwise you could stretch for a 70D for it's video features. It's a bit out of the budget but if you want something that you can use for a few years and learn with it's prob the way to go.

It might also be worth waiting a little to see what the EOS M2 holds? Might be just the ticket. I like the current M but couldn't seriously recommend it if you want to shoot video.

 

[jasonsim]

If it were me and I could wait a while longer, scrape up together a few more bucks, I'd get the Canon 70D. It seems to be a great all around camera. You will thank yourself a hundred times over to have the Autofocus dual-pixel movie mode. Otherwise, manual focus with the other bodies is very tedious! To the point where I just don't enjoy making movies...even with the 1Dx!

That's just my two cents.

Best of luck with any decision you make!

--Jason