looking into getting a DSLR.

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 07:46 AM

after going to the anime expo this year and figuring that my phone, though excellent for calls, just doesn't cut it as a camera... i decided to look into DSLRs...

whenever i used a camera, it was always either, just use something like a phone or borrow one from someone as practically all of the ones around me were things i wouldn't buy for myself...

i pretty much just lived off of borrowing a camera from a parent or other relative, but as time went on, i began to see the need for having a good flexible camera to use.

DSLRs pretty much seem to be the right place to go as i want something with a simple to use control interface as well as advanced features for the future.

currently i was looking at the Canon Rebel T3 and T3i hosts and was wondering if those would be good for me.

i want a camera that can take good pictures as well as quality video recordings, if it can also take stereo audio input via an external mic then even better!

i definitely won't be getting a camera anytime soon but i want some solid information to build on and someone who can point me in the direction of whats good right now.

i don't want to spend a fortune on a camera and lens but if paying more can get me something that does everything i want well and lasts a long time, ill consider anything.

thanks guys!

Kizo · Jul 6, 2011, 08:05 AM

Of those two much better choice would be the T3i (or EOS 600D in Europe).
Its better in just about everything: jpeg, raw, video recording, features, build quality...

Overall, if you're asking if its generally a good choice, I would definitely say Yes.

Edit: You could also consider http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra580/, it has nice video features, and also built-in image stabilization, so the lenses would probably cost less.

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 08:11 AM

how about in other brands? would the T3i stack up to other models like the offerings from nikon in the same price-point?

what would be a good lens for high clarity indoor short-distance shooting that doesnt cost more than the host?

Newegg.com - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard & Medium Lens

i was looking at that but then was swayed away when i read that its made of plastic and doesn't last...

Kizo · Jul 6, 2011, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

how about in other brands? would the T3i stack up to other models like the offerings from nikon in the same price-point?

what would be a good lens for high clarity indoor short-distance shooting that doesnt cost more than the host?

Newegg.com - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard & Medium Lens

i was looking at that but then was swayed away when i read that its made of plastic and doesn't last...

Well, direct competitor price-wise I think would be the Nikon D5100. I beleive the image quality is pretty similar to the T3i, with the video quality being better on the T3i. It's a matter of preference.
Consider also the Sony Alpha 580 I mentioned in the previous post. (Edited it)

About the lenses, I'll let the more experienced people have their say (djstick maybe

), though I think Sigma makes very nice lenses for lower price.

***Veridian3*** · Jul 6, 2011, 11:50 AM

One thing also worth considering is whether for your needs a high quality point and shoot would be better. The one downside to a DSLR is its size, it doesnt exactly fit away into your pocket between pics etc. And for all the DSLR's are flexible and take awesome shots, you do need to learn how to use most of them to get the best results... and I mean experiment a lot, read a lot... buy extra lenses etc.

There are plenty of good alternatives out there which will create great results for a beginner, e.g Nikon | Imaging Products | COOLPIX S9100. Once you start to feel limited by something like that then it could be time to move up.

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 05:54 PM

the thing is that i pretty much want a good flexible platform that can grow with my needs. while the nikon s9100 looks very good for a compact point and shoot, it is out of stock everywhere around here.

the things i believe i would end up doing with this camera would be taking pictures at very close ranges for guides and things, taking indoor photos with low light conditions, and up close photos of landscapes.

for the video aspect of the camera, i would pretty much want the ability to record someone or something as far as 100 feet away and capture sound with an external mic.

i dont take pictures or videos often, but when i do i want something that can rise to any occasion. size doesnt matter all that much to me.

***Veridian3*** · Jul 6, 2011, 07:04 PM

Cool, as long as you are sure... i just know from experience that walking around shows/expo's with a big camera round your neck is a pain in the same area

so thought I would put across the alternative

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 07:17 PM

yep im no stranger to lugging heavy hardware around, i dont mind.

so what kind of DSLR and lens would you recommend?

so far i guess my list includes the T3, T3i, and Alpha 580

if that nikon actually was in stock, id probably buy that as a cheap compromise, but i dont see it in stock at any of my usual stores so thats a no-go.

***Veridian3*** · Jul 6, 2011, 08:00 PM

I personally dont think you could go wrong with buying anything by Canon, basically whatever meets your budget, and starting out with the standard lens kit.

Seeing how that works for you and then taking it from there is probably the best way...for example if that lens doesnt do it for you for specific tasks then you buy a specialist version to meet your needs.

NOTE: Beware the upcoming money pit

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 08:32 PM

im no stranger to money pits either

but since im young, i tend to move all over the place with my interests... so my life is a field of several thousand dollar pits... they all go dormant at some point, kinda like volcanoes... then start again awhile later...

im thinking that i should probably buy a Canon T3 and the EF 50mm lens to start out... roughly 500 bucks for the set, seems like a good place to start.

Callandor · Jul 6, 2011, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

i dont take pictures or videos often, but when i do i want something that can rise to any occasion.

**kris23** · Jul 6, 2011, 11:30 PM

hurr hurr

**dj_stick** · Jul 7, 2011, 10:56 AM

don't bother with the 1100D/T3

it's basically a revamped 450D, and quite limited in terms of it's burst rate and video modes

the 600D/T3i would get my vote, in fact it's my primary camera for all my photography.

Advantages over the 1100D - 18mp sensor, FullHD video, digital zoom in video, creative filters (non-destructive) wireless flash control and external audio input - VERY important for decent sound for video. The movable screen is handy for tight angles as well

the Nikon D5100 is another one to look at, very similiar in terms of price/performance, though the video's not as capable, on the other hand, the sensor is slightly better in lower light. In terms of handling I find it a little too small for my hands, the 600D with it's slightly longer/deeper grip work much better for me. However with a battery grip, that argument goes out the window

if you do go with Canon, you'll find their lenses tend to be a little bit cheaper for the same performance, and that 50mm 1.8 is definitely worth the cash (if you take care if it, you won't break/damage it) and it's optical quality is amazing for the price. Nikon's equivalent is about twice the cost

regardless of whatever you choose, take the time to learn it, you'll love it

EDIT: I work at a camera store now, so I get to play with a lot of toys

Kizo · Jul 7, 2011, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_stick

EDIT: I work at a camera store now, so I get to play with a lot of toys

I envy you so much...

**temeteus82** · Jul 7, 2011, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dj_stick

EDIT: I work at a camera store now, so I get to play with a lot of toys

TaxFree sales for people like me who pays your store a visit?

**dj_stick** · Jul 7, 2011, 12:31 PM

if you come down I'm sure we can work something out

**temeteus82** · Jul 7, 2011, 12:33 PM

Time to start saving money then

**dj_stick** · Jul 7, 2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kizo

I envy you so much...

it's a double-edged sword... makes me want to spend a sh*tload of money I don't really have...

what I meant by saying that is I can help with most questions people may have

**kris23** · Jul 7, 2011, 07:36 PM

ahh sounds like a plan then, looking at the T3i, i see it can do everything ive ever wanted...

while it will be a long time before i can actually get the camera, i do have quite a bit of unused stuff i can sell to close that gap....

maybe sometime next year.... at least i have an idea about whats good.

**Mousey** · Jul 9, 2011, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kris23

the thing is that i pretty much want a good flexible platform that can grow with my needs. while the nikon s9100 looks very good for a compact point and shoot, it is out of stock everywhere around here.

the things i believe i would end up doing with this camera would be taking pictures at very close ranges for guides and things, taking indoor photos with low light conditions, and up close photos of landscapes.

for the video aspect of the camera, i would pretty much want the ability to record someone or something as far as 100 feet away and capture sound with an external mic.

i dont take pictures or videos often, but when i do i want something that can rise to any occasion. size doesnt matter all that much to me.

I take all my shots on a Sony Alpha A230, It's pretty cheap and there's a myriad of accessories on Amazon for it, Mine came with an 18-55mm lens and it's a great all rounder, Does awesome macros as well as landscapes i was genuinely surprised by what it can do, And it's a pretty inexpensive camera

It's my first DSLR and it's still as awesome as the day i got it

**kris23** · Jul 16, 2011, 06:49 AM

finally back from limbo... computer died...

anyways, that camera also looks good, will definitely look into all the suggestions in detail.

my goal will probably be the T3i but knowing of good alternatives helps as well.

**kris23** · Oct 14, 2011, 11:23 PM

just thought id resurrect this thread, my dad ended up buying a DSLR for my parents' upcoming trip and i ended up deciding on ordering the T3i kit.

it should be here tomorrow and i guess ill be the one poking at it to see how it works....

while the camera ended up not actually being mine in the end, im sure i can use it for all my needs

**dj_stick** · Oct 16, 2011, 02:50 PM

Heh, that's how I got my 350D waybackwhen

Dad bought it, let it gather dust
I stole it, used it, used it a lot more, broke it

Falstaff · Nov 2, 2011, 02:41 AM

What did you settle on anyway Kris?

**kris23** · Nov 2, 2011, 05:42 AM

T3i kit with the 55mm zoom lens.... sure feels like a nice camera...

had the pleasure of running around a frys shooting pictures with the Canon EF 70-300mm lens on it.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-300mm.../dp/B0007Y794O

sure takes some nice pictures...

Kizo · Nov 2, 2011, 08:29 AM

Congrats on the buy.
A nice camera it certainly is ...

Jul 6, 2011, 07:46 AM	#1
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	looking into getting a DSLR. after going to the anime expo this year and figuring that my phone, though excellent for calls, just doesn't cut it as a camera... i decided to look into DSLRs... whenever i used a camera, it was always either, just use something like a phone or borrow one from someone as practically all of the ones around me were things i wouldn't buy for myself... i pretty much just lived off of borrowing a camera from a parent or other relative, but as time went on, i began to see the need for having a good flexible camera to use. DSLRs pretty much seem to be the right place to go as i want something with a simple to use control interface as well as advanced features for the future. currently i was looking at the Canon Rebel T3 and T3i hosts and was wondering if those would be good for me. i want a camera that can take good pictures as well as quality video recordings, if it can also take stereo audio input via an external mic then even better! i definitely won't be getting a camera anytime soon but i want some solid information to build on and someone who can point me in the direction of whats good right now. i don't want to spend a fortune on a camera and lens but if paying more can get me something that does everything i want well and lasts a long time, ill consider anything. thanks guys! __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 6, 2011, 08:05 AM	#2
Kizo HHs Valve fanatic/C++ dev Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 281 Rep Power: 73 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. Of those two much better choice would be the T3i (or EOS 600D in Europe). Its better in just about everything: jpeg, raw, video recording, features, build quality... Overall, if you're asking if its generally a good choice, I would definitely say Yes. Edit: You could also consider http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sonydslra580/, it has nice video features, and also built-in image stabilization, so the lenses would probably cost less. Last edited by Kizo; Jul 6, 2011 at 08:11 AM.

Jul 6, 2011, 08:11 AM	Thread Starter #3
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. how about in other brands? would the T3i stack up to other models like the offerings from nikon in the same price-point? what would be a good lens for high clarity indoor short-distance shooting that doesnt cost more than the host? Newegg.com - Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Standard & Medium Lens i was looking at that but then was swayed away when i read that its made of plastic and doesn't last... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 6, 2011, 11:50 AM	#5
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. One thing also worth considering is whether for your needs a high quality point and shoot would be better. The one downside to a DSLR is its size, it doesnt exactly fit away into your pocket between pics etc. And for all the DSLR's are flexible and take awesome shots, you do need to learn how to use most of them to get the best results... and I mean experiment a lot, read a lot... buy extra lenses etc. There are plenty of good alternatives out there which will create great results for a beginner, e.g Nikon \| Imaging Products \| COOLPIX S9100. Once you start to feel limited by something like that then it could be time to move up.

Jul 6, 2011, 05:54 PM	Thread Starter #6
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. the thing is that i pretty much want a good flexible platform that can grow with my needs. while the nikon s9100 looks very good for a compact point and shoot, it is out of stock everywhere around here. the things i believe i would end up doing with this camera would be taking pictures at very close ranges for guides and things, taking indoor photos with low light conditions, and up close photos of landscapes. for the video aspect of the camera, i would pretty much want the ability to record someone or something as far as 100 feet away and capture sound with an external mic. i dont take pictures or videos often, but when i do i want something that can rise to any occasion. size doesnt matter all that much to me. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 6, 2011, 07:04 PM	#7
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. Cool, as long as you are sure... i just know from experience that walking around shows/expo's with a big camera round your neck is a pain in the same area so thought I would put across the alternative

Jul 6, 2011, 07:17 PM	Thread Starter #8
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. yep im no stranger to lugging heavy hardware around, i dont mind. so what kind of DSLR and lens would you recommend? so far i guess my list includes the T3, T3i, and Alpha 580 if that nikon actually was in stock, id probably buy that as a cheap compromise, but i dont see it in stock at any of my usual stores so thats a no-go. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 6, 2011, 08:00 PM	#9
*Veridian3* Administrator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cloaked Posts: 5,028 Rep Power: 181	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. I personally dont think you could go wrong with buying anything by Canon, basically whatever meets your budget, and starting out with the standard lens kit. Seeing how that works for you and then taking it from there is probably the best way...for example if that lens doesnt do it for you for specific tasks then you buy a specialist version to meet your needs. NOTE: Beware the upcoming money pit

Jul 6, 2011, 08:32 PM	Thread Starter #10
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. im no stranger to money pits either but since im young, i tend to move all over the place with my interests... so my life is a field of several thousand dollar pits... they all go dormant at some point, kinda like volcanoes... then start again awhile later... im thinking that i should probably buy a Canon T3 and the EF 50mm lens to start out... roughly 500 bucks for the set, seems like a good place to start. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 6, 2011, 11:30 PM	Thread Starter #12
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. hurr hurr __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 7, 2011, 07:36 PM	Thread Starter #19
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. ahh sounds like a plan then, looking at the T3i, i see it can do everything ive ever wanted... while it will be a long time before i can actually get the camera, i do have quite a bit of unused stuff i can sell to close that gap.... maybe sometime next year.... at least i have an idea about whats good. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Jul 16, 2011, 06:49 AM	Thread Starter #21
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. finally back from limbo... computer died... anyways, that camera also looks good, will definitely look into all the suggestions in detail. my goal will probably be the T3i but knowing of good alternatives helps as well. __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Oct 14, 2011, 11:23 PM	Thread Starter #22
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. just thought id resurrect this thread, my dad ended up buying a DSLR for my parents' upcoming trip and i ended up deciding on ordering the T3i kit. it should be here tomorrow and i guess ill be the one poking at it to see how it works.... while the camera ended up not actually being mine in the end, im sure i can use it for all my needs __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Nov 2, 2011, 02:41 AM	#24
Falstaff Old Codger Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: USAFA Posts: 19,048 Rep Power: 207	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. What did you settle on anyway Kris? __________________ "Inspiration is always a surprising visitor."

Nov 2, 2011, 05:42 AM	Thread Starter #25
kris23 Going Insane..... Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 6,018 Rep Power: 131 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. T3i kit with the 55mm zoom lens.... sure feels like a nice camera... had the pleasure of running around a frys shooting pictures with the Canon EF 70-300mm lens on it. http://www.amazon.com/Canon-70-300mm.../dp/B0007Y794O sure takes some nice pictures... __________________ Hardwareheaven Super-Moderator Building a new computer system and not sure where to start? Click Here! last updated (5/18/11) Rosewill FUTURE case replaces CM 690 II with its greater interior length. Building a PC: Step by Step Guide Written by Kristopher Pedemonte and Nathan Marks-Forder Edited by Allan Campbell Questions or Comments? feel free to post them in the forums!

Nov 2, 2011, 08:29 AM	#26
Kizo HHs Valve fanatic/C++ dev Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 281 Rep Power: 73 System Specs	Re: looking into getting a DSLR. Congrats on the buy. A nice camera it certainly is ...