This momma is looking to buy a camera ?

[takesome1]

So between the Sony nex5 and the eos m ... You would hands down choose the Sony nex5 ? I was really liking the eos m .... Looks cleaner than the Sony ( call me crazy ) I like the body better .

One advantage the M will give you is that you can buy the adapter and use all off the current EOS lenses, the same that they use on the pro grade cameras.

The other advantage the price is great, B&H has the M camera, zoom lens and flash combo for $359.00. The Nex 5 with lens and add a flash you are looking at over $600. If you are spending that much go with one of the DSLR's, much better performance and better to grow with.

 

[bholliman]

The more relevant question is whether EOS M is suitable for photographing children?
The clear answer is that this is the worst camera in Canon EOS lineup for this purpose.
A lot of people have already alluded to this mildly.
Fanboys can say whatever, iphone 5/5S has better success catching them in action than EOSM.
Another word of caution: If you are a very experienced photographer, you can possibly use EOSM well under certain situations (landscapes, adult studio portraits etc.) overcoming its limitations. If you are just starting, this might frustrate you from investing further into photography.

+1 The EOS-M is not a good camera for shooting young children. We have an 18 - month -old boy and lots of cousins and neighbor kids around. I've tried shooting the kids at play many times and just get frustrated. The AF is slow and the recovery time between shots is several seconds. I miss more smiles, great expressions and interaction then I capture. I now always use my 6D with the kids. It's immeasurably better for this task. A T4i, T5i or SL1 would perform almost as well as the 6D.

The OP really should try shooting with these cameras at a camera.store.to see how the work side by side.

 

[jebrady03]

I think I will order the whole kit for $400 .. Even if I find I'm wanting a bigger dslr later .. I will always have the eos m for when a smaller camera would be better suited . I have looked at sample images and they look way nice !! I could pick up a small video devise for those times when I want to record. . I like the compact size and price . I'm not really wanting to shoot him running anyway ... I think the continuous shooting will catch him in action , right ?

With regards to catching "action" (ie, a kid running) be it in video or pictures, it's TOUGH with mirrorless cameras. For video, I honestly don't know if they can keep up, I don't shoot enough video to be able to say. For pictures... a kid running. You're looking at a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras simply aren't fast enough as a group to be able to do that. Yet. And many of them will not continue to track the subject after the first picture when taking pictures in "continuous shooting".

Are there better cameras than the M? Sure. At that price point? I don't believe so (could be wrong). You still have $300 to your budget max so you could definitely get improved performance if you bought something else and maxed out your budget. It's just a matter of whether you want to spend the money and/or if you need the improvement. Truthfully, only you can decide that. Again, you absolutely WILL get better performance if you spend more money - and it might even be performance you want.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

So between the Sony nex5 and the eos m ... You would hands down choose the Sony nex5 ? I was really liking the eos m .... Looks cleaner than the Sony ( call me crazy ) I like the body better .

One thing to be wary of on this site is people making recommendations for scam dealers, or about cameras they do not own. There is a lot of good information here, but there is a lot of information that might not be backed by actual experience with a product. Beware of that!

Stick with major and reputable camera stores like B&H, Adorama, Amazon, and a few others. some like onesaleaday.com seem to have a lot of unhappy customers.

Reseller Ratings is just one place to check out sellers. When a seller has a 4.5 / 10 rating, 65% of the buyers posting are unhappy. 1saleaday.com and 1sale.com are the same.

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Sale_a_Day

 

[Lesuediane]

I think I will order the whole kit for $400 .. Even if I find I'm wanting a bigger dslr later .. I will always have the eos m for when a smaller camera would be better suited . I have looked at sample images and they look way nice !! I could pick up a small video devise for those times when I want to record. . I like the compact size and price . I'm not really wanting to shoot him running anyway ... I think the continuous shooting will catch him in action , right ?

With regards to catching "action" (ie, a kid running) be it in video or pictures, it's TOUGH with mirrorless cameras. For video, I honestly don't know if they can keep up, I don't shoot enough video to be able to say. For pictures... a kid running. You're looking at a DSLR. Mirrorless cameras simply aren't fast enough as a group to be able to do that. Yet. And many of them will not continue to track the subject after the first picture when taking pictures in "continuous shooting".

Are there better cameras than the M? Sure. At that price point? I don't believe so (could be wrong). You still have $300 to your budget max so you could definitely get improved performance if you bought something else and maxed out your budget. It's just a matter of whether you want to spend the money and/or if you need the improvement. Truthfully, only you can decide that. Again, you absolutely WILL get better performance if you spend more money - and it might even be performance you want.

When looking at dslr I should consider a sl1 or t4i ... With 18-135 STM lens right ? This would catch fast action and take great continuous shots . Either one will cost around $700 . Man , than eos m for 400 with two lens sure looks appealing to me for everyday use . I'm just afraid ill be let down with blurred photos and missed smiles ;-(

 

[jebrady03]

Also keep in mind, my original recommendation in your price range was a refurbished T4i + 18-135 IS STM from Canon. For $588 (including the 20% discount with promo code ZOMBIE2143) plus tax, it's probably the best value available to you with very few compromises.

As Mt. Spokane said above, I have not ordered from 1saleaday. But, I do personally know a few people who have ordered from them (this camera) and other than shipping times, they were happy. My guess is the shipping time is the majority of the complaints against them (haven't looked to be sure).

If I were in your shoes, I'd get the T4i + 18-135. But if you REALLY want a small/portable camera, the M is very nice - especially at that price.

 

[jebrady03]

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t4i-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

That's a link to the T4i - you enter the promo code at checkout.

 

[Lesuediane]

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t4i-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

That's a link to the T4i - you enter the promo code at checkout.

What advantages does the t4i have over the sl1 besides the articulating screen ?

 

[jebrady03]

I'd love to help you with that but I'm wiped out and heading to bed. If you Google "T4i vs SL1" or "T5i vs SL1" you'll find quite a few articles and videos. The T4i is basically the same as the T5i (three minor changes that don't affect much of anything to be honest) so a T5i to SL1 comparison is valid for the T4i.

 

[takesome1]

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras/eos-rebel-t4i-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

That's a link to the T4i - you enter the promo code at checkout.

What advantages does the t4i have over the sl1 besides the articulating screen ?

Frames per second, T4i will do 5 vs 4

The other differences are minor.

View and compare here;

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras

 

[Lesuediane]

I'd love to help you with that but I'm wiped out and heading to bed. If you Google "T4i vs SL1" or "T5i vs SL1" you'll find quite a few articles and videos. The T4i is basically the same as the T5i (three minor changes that don't affect much of anything to be honest) so a T5i to SL1 comparison is valid for the T4i.

thanks for all your time ! Good night

 

[jebrady03]

Up with the baby thought I'd respond

SL1 vs T5i format:
4 FPS vs 5 FPS (25% more FPS)
9 AF points with the center being a cross-type point vs 9 AF points with ALL being cross type (VERY significant, IMO)
80% AF coverage in live view vs not sure - but substantially less than 80%
fixed touch screen vs articulating touch screen
smaller/lighter vs larger/heavier
fewer shots per battery charge vs more shots per battery charge
flash is less robust (coverage) vs flash is more robust and can be used to control speedlights

I think that's it, but there could be other things. Hope that helps!

 

[bholliman]

When looking at dslr I should consider a sl1 or t4i ... With 18-135 STM lens right ? This would catch fast action and take great continuous shots . Either one will cost around $700 . Man , than eos m for 400 with two lens sure looks appealing to me for everyday use . I'm just afraid ill be let down with blurred photos and missed smiles ;-(

I think you will be very happy with either of these cameras. The SL1 is considerably smaller, which could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preference.

The 18-135 STM lens isn't cheap, goes for roughly $550. If that's above your budget, you can probably get by with the 18-55 STM kit lens and can add the longer lens later. You mentioned earlier that you didn't want to change lenses frequently, so the 18-135 would be the ideal option for that.

 

[Lesuediane]

Up with the baby thought I'd respond

SL1 vs T5i format:
4 FPS vs 5 FPS (25% more FPS)
9 AF points with the center being a cross-type point vs 9 AF points with ALL being cross type (VERY significant, IMO)
80% AF coverage in live view vs not sure - but substantially less than 80%
fixed touch screen vs articulating touch screen
smaller/lighter vs larger/heavier
fewer shots per battery charge vs more shots per battery charge
flash is less robust (coverage) vs flash is more robust and can be used to control speedlights

I think that's it, but there could be other things. Hope that helps!

I think I would benefit fri, the articulating screen , and with the refurbished deal with 18-135 STM lens at $588 I just don't think I can bet that deal . That being said if I were to add another smaller lens for indoors would a cheap 50mm be ideal ? Or the 18-55mm or 40mm ? @jebrady .... You have been a TON of help thank you for taking the time to help me !!

 

[jebrady03]

For indoors, many people find 50mm too "long". Usually, a wider angle is preferred indoors. One option to consider would be an external flash that can be bounced. I have the 430exII. Something you could do is pick up one of those (or similar) and use it for a while, then check and see what focal lengths you're using most often, that would tell you what small prime might work best for you for indoor shots.
You're welcome for the help, I'm happy to be of assistance and hope that you find we've all given you a thorough examination of your options!

 

[Ruined]

I think I would benefit fri, the articulating screen , and with the refurbished deal with 18-135 STM lens at $588 I just don't think I can bet that deal .

I agree, I would buy ASAP because these deals sell out fast. The 18-135mm STM is the perfect starter lens due to its wide focal length range as well as its superior performance in video due to the STM. It will be your workhorse.

hat being said if I were to add another smaller lens for indoors would a cheap 50mm be ideal ? Or the 18-55mm or 40mm ? @jebrady .... You have been a TON of help thank you for taking the time to help me !!

Actually, the best small indoor lens would IMO be the Canon EF 28mm F/2.8 IS USM:
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/wide-angle-lenses/ef-28mm-f-28-is-usm

This lens is ideal because it matches the diagonal of the sensor and gives the perfect "normal" field of view for this camera. Meaning it will be like taking pictures as similar to what you see with your own eyes. It is also one of the smallest lenses available and has image stabilization plus constant f/2.8 aperature which helps greatly for indoors low light. The 18-55mm is slower & lower quality than this lens plus is redundant with your 18-135, while the 40mm is too long for indoors and lacks IS.

 

[Lesuediane]

For indoors, many people find 50mm too "long". Usually, a wider angle is preferred indoors. One option to consider would be an external flash that can be bounced. I have the 430exII. Something you could do is pick up one of those (or similar) and use it for a while, then check and see what focal lengths you're using most often, that would tell you what small prime might work best for you for indoor shots.
You're welcome for the help, I'm happy to be of assistance and hope that you find we've all given you a thorough examination of your options!

Yes you all have .

The 70d is just too expensive for my taste ( right now anyway )

The sl1 is the same price as the t4i and lacks some of the functions I would like .. ( the articulating screen, 9 cross points , more fps )

The t5i is a bit more expensive than the t4i ( for no good reason , IMO )

The eos m size it Very appealing to me but I feel I will get more blurred photos than in focus ones , and maybe miss a lot of smiles due to it being slower ....

The t4i seems like my ideal option , paired with the 18-135 STM Lens I will be able to shoot great video . That lens would cost me 400ish , so with the refurb deal I'm getting the body for $200. Ill need to pick up a smaller lens for family gatherings but that shouldn't break the bank ...

Going to do a little more researching before making my decision ... But I've pretty much made my mind up thanks to all the help I found here . Look forward to growing , and being a part of this little community !!!

 

[jebrady03]

I think I would benefit fri, the articulating screen , and with the refurbished deal with 18-135 STM lens at $588 I just don't think I can bet that deal .

I agree, I would buy ASAP because these deals sell out fast. The 18-135mm STM is the perfect starter lens due to its wide focal length range as well as its superior performance in video due to the STM. It will be your workhorse.

hat being said if I were to add another smaller lens for indoors would a cheap 50mm be ideal ? Or the 18-55mm or 40mm ? @jebrady .... You have been a TON of help thank you for taking the time to help me !!

Actually, the best small indoor lens would IMO be the Canon EF 28mm F/2.8 IS USM:
http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/lenses-flashes/wide-angle-lenses/ef-28mm-f-28-is-usm

This lens is ideal because it matches the diagonal of the sensor and gives the perfect "normal" field of view for this camera. Meaning it will be like taking pictures as similar to what you see with your own eyes. It is also one of the smallest lenses available and has image stabilization plus constant f/2.8 aperature which helps greatly for indoors low light. The 18-55mm is slower & lower quality than this lens plus is redundant with your 18-135, while the 40mm is too long for indoors and lacks IS.

I think the 28mm 2.8 IS is likely a great lens, but I hesitated to recommend it without knowing more about the amount of light in the OP's house. In my house, 2.8 isn't sufficient to get speeds fast enough to freeze even minor motion at a decent ISO. 2.0 seems to get the job done though. In my house the Canon 28mm 1.8 or Sigma 30mm 1.4 ART would be better solutions. IS is GREAT but if you can't freeze motion you're simply trading one type of blur for another (camera shake vs subject blur). At 28-30mm, the shutter speed to freeze motion (1/60 usually, or higher) will compensate for any normal camera shake.
All of that is moot if she prefers a different focal length though, which is why I think an external flash isn't a bad idea. Getting one refurbished at a discount may be very cost effective as well.

 

[KyleSTL]

Three other good lenses for indoors:

EF 35mm f/2 IS USM - $550
EF 28mm f/1.8 USM - $450
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM DC Art - $500

And the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM mentioned by Ruined ($500 currently). Here's a good website for tracking current prices, deals etc:

http://www.canonpricewatch.com/

Unfortunately Canon has not made an APS-C fast normal lens like Nikon (AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX - $200), so the Sigma prime is the only non-FF option (and isn't significantly cheaper than the Canon options, but does have a 2/3 stop advantage in aperture).

 

[Lesuediane]

Three other good lenses for indoors:

EF 35mm f/2 IS USM - $550
EF 28mm f/1.8 USM - $450
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM DC Art - $500

And the EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM mentioned by Ruined ($500 currently). Here's a good website for tracking current prices, deals etc:

http://www.canonpricewatch.com/

Unfortunately Canon has not made an APS-C fast normal lens like Nikon (AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX - $200), so the Sigma prime is the only non-FF option (and isn't significantly cheaper than the Canon options, but does have a 2/3 stop advantage in aperture).

How would the cheaper 40mm lens line up ? Not really wanting to spend a ton right now as I'm buying the refurbished kit .. Trying to stay within my budget . I like the small size of the 40mm, any other small cheap options ?