Canon EOS Rebel T3i (with 18-55mm IS II lens)

• Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 15 reviews
• My rating: 0 stars

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• 9 stars

  Stunning stills, video will be a challenge to master

  by HoganPP on October 13, 2011

  Pros: + Crisp and clean handling and the colours and details are fantastic
  + Very User Friendly
  + Professional quality images
  + Big and Clear Display
  + Autofocus: 9 focus points and three auto focusing modes
  + Articulating rear LCD screen
  + Wireless Flash

  Cons: - No top LCD panel and rear Quick Control Dial
  - No AF Micro adjustment Feature

  Summary: Don't get rid of the camcorder yet.
  
  I bought the T3i hoping that I could use it as an all-in-one camera on work and holiday trips, capturing video and ...

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  Summary: Don't get rid of the camcorder yet.
  
  I bought the T3i hoping that I could use it as an all-in-one camera on work and holiday trips, capturing video and stills of usable quality. I've been using the powershot range and had hoped that the T3i would provide, in functional terms, an enhanced version of this capability.
  
  There's no doubt that the T3i is technically capable of doing that. The stills are far and away the best quality I have ever managed to get; portraits, landscape and action shots are stunningly good an the ease of use factor is very high. I'd hoped that it would be good for stills but it's so much better than good.
  
  Getting high quality video is certainly technically possible, but getting usable video easily is more problematic. The first time I used it for video I get a shock when I played it back on the screen; the amount of grain visible was appalling; equivalent to the point-and-shoot powershot camera that we already have. And the old-fashioned mini dv HD camcorder had it beaten hands down for quality. It was caused by the T3i's automatic settings which had adjusted the F-stop and the ISO and the shutter speed to get the most usable footage with the available light. Not good. So that meant tinkering manually with the settings and learning - rather quicker than you might usually - all about the limitations of using DSLRs for video if you haven't first mastered the art of filming. It soon became apparent that one of the problems was using standard lenses - perfectly acceptable for stills but not always able to cope with reducing light for video.
  
  So the next thing was to get was another lens - the 50mm f1.8 portrait lens from Canon, being the most affordable. That made things a whole lot better but still left a lot to be learned. A problem is though, that the bigger the lens in terms of f-stop, the more precise the focusing needs to be. So you'll need to master all kinds of handling techniques in order to get the best out of it, and it's not straightforward.
  
  Focusing is difficult to accomplish easily. Using the shutter button to focus usually throws completely whatever focus you may have gotten to at that point, stops down the aperture briefly, so everything goes darker, and it makes the kind of noise that non-mortgage scale lenses usually do. The only way of avoiding this is to focus manually.
  
  But you can't use the optical viewfinder and you have to rely on the live-view screen. It's good but still takes longer to set properly by hand and, if, like me, you have to wear glasses for close up work but don't need them for looking at your subject, this can be awkward, especially if you're not in control of the action in front of you or if you're on the move.
  
  Interestingly the swing-out screen proves valuable in this respect; if you hold the body with the right hand and swing screen swung out tilted upwards resting on the left wrist leaves the camera very stable and the fingers of the left hand are free to deal with focusing and or zooming. You're looking down at the screen rather than in the general direction of the action, but it's producing reasonable results so far.
  
  Then there's light sensitivity. The grain you get in lower light, especially indoors, can be quite a surprise compared to the sheer and undoubted quality you get outside in bright sunlight. If you want to use this for serious video, you'll need to invest in serious glass and think through in advance what you're going to film. You'll also need to learn much more about f-stops, shutter speeds, ISO settings and focus pulling than you might have expected. That said, if you want to do serious video you ought to do that anyway.
  
  But when you get it right, and especially from a tripod, the quality is absolutely stunning. And the zoom facility in HD video takes the breath away. I shot the `super moon' in March , using a F8 500 mirror lens and zooming in x3 and x10 meant the moon more than filled the screen. Adjusting the shutter speed produced video with real detail and quality, spoiled only by the slight pollution haze in the air.
  
  I'm now looking at other lens options for everyday use, including old Nikon, Pentax and Olympus lenses with adapters. I suspect - well I hope - that Canon will now be frantically developing dedicated lenses for DSLR video with quiet, fast autofocus, wide and controllable apertures and so on. But a word of warning; these need to be cheap; the 50mm F1.8 for around $90 is a good start; but what's needed is a 28-70 f1.8 with usm for under $300. I know, dream on. But the lens and focusing system of the Canon Legria camcorders is pretty good and adapting it for the EOS range couldn't, surely, be that problematic? I guess the next step might be future models having a lanc controller socket with an electronic focus wheel ... I know, I know, if you want that, buy a camcorder ...
  
  In summary; for stills, the T3i is fantastic. Way, way better than the 300D that I've been using for couple of years. Versatile, crisp and clean handling and the colours and details are fantastic.
  
  For video, you need to accept that you can't simply use the T3i as you would a compact cameras with video or a conventional HD camcorder. It doesn't do point-and-shoot that well and the standard lenses don't like low light much.
  
  It's outstanding for video in terms of tripod work, set-piece filming and for any filming you'd want or need to use a specialist lens for. But it's not a point-and-shoot camcorder with SLR scale lenses and if this is what you want, there are souped-up hybrids in the range which might suit better. Or you could stick with an HD camcorder.( NOTE, if you are purchasing the T3i I suggest you have to check for best price before you decide at: camerarev.blogspot.com/2011/10/rebel-t3i.html )
  
  As for HD video on the T3i, you'll have to work at it to master its undoubted capabilities, and until you succeed, you'll have to live with the way it reveals your own limitations.

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  34 out of 35 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Choosing between the T3i, T2i, 60D and 7D

  by djkmann on April 3, 2011

  Pros: Articulating Rear LCD screen
  Additional Movie options compared to T2i including digital movie zoom
  High Quality, great low light performance of the 18 MP sensor
  Remote off-camera flash triggering capabilities

  Cons: Limited controls, features, menus and Custom Functions compared to 60D and 7D
  Smaller, less rugged construction than 60D and 7D
  Slower continuous frame rate than 60D and 7D
  Less precise Auto Focus system compared to 60D and far less precise and sophistica

  Summary: The Canon Rebel T3i takes the consumer level dSLR a couple steps closer to the mid-level Canon 60D with the addition of the rotating rear LCD screen, remote flash firing, ...

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  Summary: The Canon Rebel T3i takes the consumer level dSLR a couple steps closer to the mid-level Canon 60D with the addition of the rotating rear LCD screen, remote flash firing, and in-camera processing features. The already highly competent, older Rebel T2i already shared many important features with the 60D (and even features of the semi-pro 7D) including the 18 MP sensor, 63-zone exposure metering system, high ISO performance, HD movie capabilities, and Digic 4 image processor. With these new upgrades, it might make it even more difficult to choose between them. But there are some important differences.
  
  If you are considering the Rebel T3i vs T2i, the Rebel T3i is replacing the T2i. Since both cameras share the same 18 megapixel sensor and Digic 4 processor, both the T2i and T3i will create images with exactly the same image quality, produce the same low light/ high ISO performance, shoot at 3.7 frames per second, and have nearly the same size and build quality. They are both offered with the same 18-55mm kit lens (with some minor cosmetic differences on the new T3i kit lens). The T3i is very slightly larger and heavier due to the addition of the rotating rear LCD monitor. And that is one of the biggest differences between the two cameras. Do you want and need a vari-angle rear screen or not? The other major difference is the ability of the T3i to remotely control multiple off-camera flashes. Like the 60D and 7D, you can use the built-in flash of the T3i to trigger other Canon Speedlites. Some other minor additions to the T3i include the Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, which is a feature borrowed from point and shoot cameras. When in Auto mode, the T3i will make a determination of what type of scene you are shooting - close-up, portrait, landscape, etc. - and automatically configure the camera settings accordingly. However, if you want to use a powerful and costly digital SLR as a point and shoot, you should probably save the money and just buy a nice, high quality point and shoot like the Canon S95. Other additional but not essential upgrades include the in-camera processing Creative Filters, and the ability to choose different image size ratios and to rate your images. (Helpful hint: press the Q Button while in image playback and you can access features like rating, rotating, and Creative Filters.) There is also a marginally helpful Feature Guide which gives brief descriptions of various settings and some additional video features like Video Snapshot, which you can use to shoot short video clips that are automatically joined together into a video, with music.
  
  Canon Rebel T3i vs. 60D vs. 7D
  Sensor and Image Quality: All three cameras share a very similar sensor and 18 megapixels, and so their image quality will be virtually the same. All are capable of taking professional quality images.
  
  Exposure Metering: The three cameras all share the latest 63-zone, dual-layer exposure metering system and 4 metering modes. That means they will all determine the exposure virtually identically and enable you to take properly exposed photos in most every situation, including difficult back-lit scenes. The size of the areas metered for Partial and Spot metering vary slightly between the cameras, but that isn't anything critical.
  
  Autofocus: The T3i shares a similar autofocus system to the 60D, with 9 focus points and three auto focusing modes. However the 9 AF points of the 60D are more sensitive than those of the T3i: all are cross-type in the 60D, only the center is cross-type in the T3i. The 60D autofocus system is much less complex than the sophisticated AF system of the 7D with its 19 AF point system and its additional Zone, Spot, and Expansion focus modes. These various modes address how you want to deal with and group the numerous AF points. Plus the custom settings of the 7D allow one to customize how the AF system works - how it tracks subjects, how it deals with objects that come between you and your initial subject, how quickly it responds to these changes of possible subjects that are at different distances from you, etc. However, if you are not an avid sports photographer, a wildlife shooter, or someone who understands, needs, and will use the elaborate features of the 7D AF system, then this shouldn't sway you.
  
  Construction: As you can probably figure out from the prices, each camera is not built the same. The T3i has relatively strong construction of a stainless steel frame with polycarbonate body. The 60D has a stronger and lighter aluminum frame and polycarbonate body, but not as strong as the 7D's magnesium alloy construction. The 60D also has some amount of weather sealing - more than the T3i, less than the 7D. But for most users, including even those using the camera daily or in travel situations, the construction of any of these cameras is far more than good enough, strong enough, and durable enough.
  
  ISO: Since they all share a very similar sensor, the ISO sensitivity and performance at high ISO settings is virtually the same for these three cameras. But don't take my word for it, don't be swayed by pixel peepers on forums, instead check out the camera sensor tests at dxomark to verify this. As you can see, they all share the exact same overall score, and show very similar performance.
  
  Controls: As with construction, the buttons and controls vary with these cameras. Unlike the T3i, the 60D and 7D have nearly every control an advanced photographer needs on the exterior of the camera and they also have the top LCD panel and rear Quick Control Dial that are not on the T3i. With all the cameras, any controls can also be easily accessed with the Q Button and Q Menu or in the other menus on the rear LCD monitor. The top buttons of the 60D set only one setting each, so this is less complicated than the multiple-setting buttons of the 7D. Canon has removed the white balance (WB) button on the 60D that the 7D has, but that isn't a big deal - use the Q Menu. Another change on the 60D is that the Multi-controller has been moved from the thumb joystick like the 7D and 50D and placed in the middle of the rear Quick-control dial. This doesn't change how it functions, and should just be a matter of getting used to the difference. If you plan on using your camera on Auto or Program most of the time, then the controls of the T3i are more than sufficient for your needs. If you work in Av, Tv, or M modes and need quicker and more direct access to your controls and the additional top LCD screen to view and change your current settings, then you need to consider the 60D or 7D over the T3i.
  
  Menus and Custom Functions: These allow for greater control over customizing how the camera functions. The T3i has less Menu and Custom Function setting options than the 60D, and the 7D has yet a few more than the 60D. These settings enable you to customize the operation, function, and controls to work how you want them to, including things like exposure increments, peripheral illuminations correction for lenses (fixes dark corners), tweaking how the autofocus system operates, setting more precise white balance settings, and customizing which button does what. There are ebooks such as "Canon T3i Experience - The Still Photographer's Guide to Operation and Image Creation With the Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D" and "Your World 60D - The Still Photographer's Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon EOS 60D" which walk you through all of the Menu settings and Custom Function settings so that you can set up your camera to work best for how you photograph, and also begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR camera.
  
  Wireless Flash: Like the 7D and 60D, the T3i incorporates wireless flash triggering. This allows you to trigger multiple off camera flashes at different output levels. The T2i does not have this feature.
  
  Articulating LCD Screen: The big new feature that the 60D and T3i have that the 7D and T2i do not is the articulating rear LCD screen. This may prove useful for videographers, as well as for setting up compositions while the camera is on a tripod, for macro use, or for using it from unusually low or high vantage points. Some users will be able to avoid buying an expensive angle finder because of this feature. There is also an electronic level in the 7D and 60D, visible in the viewfinder, rear LCD, or top LCD.
  
  Viewfinder: The T3i has a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage of the actual resulting image. The 60D has a large, bright pentaprism viewfinder with 96% coverage, not quite as nice as the nearly 100% view of the 7D pentaprism.
  
  Processor: The T3i shares the same Digic 4 processor as the 60D. The 7D has dual Digic 4 processors. However, if you don't need to shoot dozens of continuous images, you probably won't notice any processing speed issues.
  
  Continuous Shooting Speed: The T3i can shoot 3.7 frames per second. The 7D can shoot a blazing 8 frames per second, in which the photos barely change from frame to frame. The 60D can shoot a respectable 5.3 fps which is actually a more useful rate. If you need the extremely high fps for sports, wildlife, or other action shooting, get the 7D. If not, don't be swayed by this excessive feature.
  
  Memory Card: The T3i and 60D use the SD memory card. The 7D uses the CF card.
  
  Battery: The T3i and T2i use the smaller LP-E8 battery with less capacity than the LP-E6 battery used by the 60D and 7D.
  
  Size and Weight: The T3i is smaller and lighter than the 60D, which in turn is smaller and lighter than the 7D. Go to a store and hold them to get a better feel for their size, weight, and feel. The 60D and 7D "feel" like the more substantial cameras that they are. A nice improvement of the T3i is that its hand grip area has been modified, and has a different feel than that of the T2i - the area where the thumb rests is contoured differently and has a nice channel for the thumb, which allows for a much more secure one-hand-grip of the camera.
  
  AF Microadjustment: The 7D has this feature, the 60D and T3i and T2i do not. This allows you to adjust the focus of each of your lenses in case any of them are slightly front-focusing or back-focusing.
  
  Locking Mode Dial: This is a new feature for a Canon dSLR, only on the 60D, that keeps the Mode dial from accidentally rotating. A nice touch.
  
  Full HD video: Of course they all offer this capability. Note that this is not video for your kids' parties and soccer games. It does not have continuous autofocus while shooting, as a camcorder does. It is not designed for that kind of use, but rather for serious videographers who typically manually focus. You can adjust autofocus while shooting by pressing the shutter button or the AF button, but it may have a less than desired looking result and unless you are using an external microphone, the autofocusing sound will be picked up. The T3i has the digital zoom feature in video, which allows for nice smooth zooms while filming.
  
  Flash Sync: the 60D and T3i do not have a PC sync flash socket to plug in PC sync cords for off camera flash use. The 7D has this. However, they all offer wireless remote flash capability with the built in flash as a commander.
  
  Ease of operation: While beginners may find all the buttons, controls, and menus of any dSLR difficult and confusing at first, the menus and controls of the T3i and T2i are pretty basic and simple to learn for a dedicated user. The additional controls and menus of the 7D and 60D are all quite intelligently designed, intuitive, and straightforward for the more advanced user. Again, have a look at helpful guides such as "Canon T3i Experience - The Still Photographer's Guide to Operation and Image Creation With the Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D" and "Your World 60D - The Still Photographer's Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon EOS 60D" to begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR cameras.

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  33 out of 42 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  Switched From Nikon to Canon & So Happy

  by ChelseaRising on June 4, 2011

  Pros: - Clarity
  - Ease of use
  - Light weight (I bring it everywhere)
  - Sport mode works for kids and pets (so there is no loss in Nikon setting)
  - TV mode is SO helpful for long exposure
  - Great ISO sensitivity
  - ISO up to 6400 (and expandable, but haven't need

  Cons: - Certain lenses are too heavy for the camera (once getting into the 300mm range), but I don't need over 250mm anyways, and chances are if you do, you would be looking at a different DSLR.

  Summary: For years, I have been a Nikon customer, but I switched from Nikon to Canon for this camera and I am incredibly happy with my decision. It came down to ...

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  Summary: For years, I have been a Nikon customer, but I switched from Nikon to Canon for this camera and I am incredibly happy with my decision. It came down to the Canon Rebel t3i or the Nikon D7000. As a student, the price of additional Nikon equipment is over the top, and I've found that the quality is equivalent to Canon. I'm a rebel now.
  
  If you would like to see sample images of the Canon Rebel t3i photos I have taken, many are on my Flickr account: www.flickr.com/picturepandora (the camera is listed on the upper right for each photo, along with settings used). I find it effective when looking for new cameras (or equipment) to search for sample images on Flickr by searching the name of the camera. If you are interested in comparing HD video quality, search for videos. Of course, read the CNET reviews!
  
  The Canon Rebel t3i is lightweight, so I'm able to bring it everywhere and that provides more photographic opportunities. I cannot compare it to the t2i, but I can say that it's my favorite dslr in this price range in the current market. It's my favorite Canon too. Also, because most cameras are made in Japan, what's available now, for every brand, will probably be considered the latest model for longer than usual.
  
  At 18 megapixels, the clarity of the photos is beyond. This may be a problem with some portraits (ha), but that's where the soft focus effect helps. The scene intelligent auto allows me to focus on the shot, rather than fiddling around with settings and missing it. The macro capabilities are amazing. I wasn't into flower photographs before, but I've found myself attracted to taking nature photographs a lot since this purchase.
  
  The flip LCD screen is great for self portraits, a broader range of angles, and protection for the screen. It is easy to take long exposure photographs and I plan to experiment more with that feature. The sports mode works really well. Nikon has a setting for "kids and pets," but the Canon sports mode captures that fast movement, so no loss there.
  
  I purchased the Canon telephoto IS 55-250mm lens in addition to this kit and I definitely recommend purchasing an additional lens if you do not already have Canon lenses. If you are new to the world of DSLR's, then practice with the kit lens first, it's great (especially for portraits).
  
  Hope this review is helpful, and feel free to contact me with any questions about the camera! If you are looking for sample images taken with a specific setting, just send me a message, and I'd be happy to experiment with the camera for you.

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  5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  The Family Photographer - T3i a great intro dSLR

  by keekimaru on April 12, 2012

  Pros: taking fantastically sharp images, true to color.

  Cons: Memory Card: The T3i and 60D use the SD memory card. The 7D uses the CF card.

  Summary: MY GOALS/EXPECTATIONS:
  
  I have always been a photo fiend, taking my camera everywhere and pulling it out at any opportunity. While I'd gotten to a decent level of ...

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  Summary: MY GOALS/EXPECTATIONS:
  
  I have always been a photo fiend, taking my camera everywhere and pulling it out at any opportunity. While I'd gotten to a decent level of archiving important moments with my point-and-shoot cameras over the years, I wanted to take my photography to the next level. I was inspired by my brother-in-law's photos of his kids to take the dSLR plunge. But I knew (and still know), very little about professional photography. I wanted to start taking better photos right away. But I also wanted to have room to grow as a photographer and a camera that would grow with me.
  
  I also wanted the focus to stay firmly on my family - while I was willing to invest some time and care into the camera, I didn't want it to become like a pet I had to constantly watch over. While any dSLR takes some care and consideration, I've found the T3i has been an excellent camera for me and I've been quite pleased with it.
  
  PROS:
  
  * VERY USER FRIENDLY: The auto mode (or auto without flash, my favorite) is highly forgiving, taking fantastically sharp images, true to color. They look so clear that I feel I'm capturing as close to real life as I've ever seen before in a camera.
  
  * FAST: While I sometimes go in for trying out new modes and manual settings, I often leave the camera in auto or auto-sans-flash mode and just click away so that I can at least capture a moment before it's gone. I then play with manual settings if my kids stay still long enough for me to try something new. My previous cameras always had a horrible delay for the autofocus (the only mode they usually had), meaning I nearly always lost the moment when the toddler was on the move. The t3i is so ridiculously fast that I can snap multiple pics in the time one picture took before.
  
  * BEAUTIFUL PICTURES: This kind of goes without saying at this tier of camera, but the pictures are just amazing quality. Coming from the land of point-and-shoot, I'm pretty blown away. And I know I'm only touching the tip of the iceberg for what's possible.
  
  * BEAUTIFUL VIDEO: This is the nice new feature of the t3i. I wasn't sure I'd want or need the HD video. But hey, when you've got it, you use it. I've gotten some amazingly clear footage of the kiddo playing in the park with daddy and I'm so glad we went for the model with that feature.
  
  * BIG, CLEAR DISPLAY: It's really easy to see what pics you've just taken and adjust your photo-taking accordingly. Just by seeing what I've gotten, I'm able to try again and improve a shot almost immediately.
  
  * CLEAR MENUS/ABILITY TO IMPROVE: The interface on this is so intuitive that I've been able to learn a lot without even cracking open the manual (though that manual is my new reading material). The entry point for a new user is just a step up from normal photography - the possibilities, however, are nearly endless.
  
  * NICE KIT LENS: For all that photographers get into new and better lenses, the kit lens on this is really nice and easy to use. I think it will hold us for a good long while before I get to be more of an expert. It gives me the range of zoom and focus I need for now.
  
  * EYE-FI COMPATIBLE: WOW. I cannot even tell you how much this busy mom loves this feature. If you get an eye-fi card, your pictures can be set up to automatically upload to your computer whenever you are within range of your synched wireless network. My husband set up a SmugMug account and the eye-fi capabilities. I take pics to my heart's content while out on walks, in the park, etc., and come home, then leave the camera on (auto-shut off after 8 minutes) to upload the pics. I can then tag and sort pictures later at my leisure. For a busy mom, this is amazingly useful. I don't have to take time out to upload the pics - the camera does that for me.
  
  * BATTERY LIFE (for common use): So far, the battery we bought for the camera lasts very well during normal photo-taking. It's just a standard Canon battery for the rebel line and it charges quickly. Even when taking pics like a mad-woman, it lasts through a shoot. HD video eats it up more quickly, so be warned. Still, I rarely run out of juice during the day so long as I pop the battery into its charger in the evening. However, uploading is another story (See below in cons).
  
  Those are just the first few things I love about this camera. Here, however, are the...not cons, really, just challenges for a busy mom:
  
  CHALLENGES:
  
  * dSLRs ARE EXPENSIVE, DELICATE, BIG AND BULKY:
  
  And busy parents' lives have enough precious and delicate things to worry about - namely, the kids. No getting around it - you can't just toss a dSLR into a pocket and go. I'm in a quest for a good bag/carrying solution (heh, yeah, wish me luck with that.) and I'm trying to get used to having one part of my brain keeping an eye on the camera as well as keeping the majority of my focus on the kids. When I'm in photo-journalist mode, it's no problem, but switching back to mom-mode is the hard part. I've already seen the camera knocked onto the ground (a very short distance onto very soft ground, so it was okay, but still, the experience practically gave me a heart attack) and once, when bending over, I caught the toddler on the temple with the kit lens (She sobbed. I felt so awful!) This thing requires constant awareness to both the camera AND the kids when using it. I'm quickly adjusting, but if you're not totally committed to learning to use and love the dSLR, you may want to stick to really good point-and-shoot camera if you're a busy parent.
  
  ^ That's really the big one.
  
  * BATTERY LIFE (when uploading pics via eye-fi): Uploading pictures by eye-fi seems to eat the battery alive. It appears that the camera won't autoshutoff when uploading, so this morning, after a few hours of uploading big, glorious pictures to my SmugMug account, the battery finally ran out of juice. I wish there was a plug-in mode or some sort of docking-station I could plug the camera into when I return home. If it's only a few pics, they upload and the camera shuts itself off. But if it's a bunch of pics (and when the weather's nice and the lighting's good, I take a lot of pics), the camera requires a battery recharge just to finish uploading my pictures.
  
  * SWIVEL SCREEN WORRIES: I find that the swivel screen, while hugely useful, is something I constantly worry that I'm going to snap off. However, you can keep it closed with the screen facing in(a nice feature) or tuck it onto the camera with the screen facing out. I also find if I'm looking out of the eye-piece, I leave cheek smudges all over the screen when its facing out.
  
  * MANUAL-MODE GOOFS: Some of my manual mode forays have been less than stellar. I've taken a shot - set up so nice, focus just perfect, subject just so... only to find out I left it in white-balance adjustment for indoors and I was outdoors so the whole picture looks like I dipped it in blue. I've learned to take pics in auto-mode first before experimenting too much. I also learned to check the screen a LOT before proceeding.
  
  SUMMARY: While the dSLR has required me to make some adjustments for including it in my busy life, I really love this camera, am pleased with the investment, am inspired by its ease of use, and I LOVE the pictures I've gotten of my family.
  
  5 STARS: And so I give it 5 stars - my whole point in buying a nice camera was to make and preserve FAMILY memories - and the t3i records those memories beautifully - in .jpg, raw, or HD video - with a minimum of dSLR fuss.
  
  *** UPDATE: about 6 months later ***
  
  STILL AWESOME: I totally stand by the above review. If anything, I've come to adore this camera even more than I did when we first got it. When baby #2 arrived, the quality of pictures that we got far surpassed the pictures from the first baby's photo shoots. I'm truly pleased with this investment, as the pictures we get are lovely, clear, true-to-light/true-to-color, and just capture the memories so well. Really, this is EXACTLY what I was hoping for as an amateur photographer/mom.
  
  GOT BETTER:
  
  Battery Woes: We invested in an A/C adapter for the camera and now no longer eat the battery alive when leaving the camera to upload pictures via the Eye-Fi connection. It's a little annoying to have to swap over to the A/C and then back to a battery all the time - I would rather have a charging station of sorts - but it works and it means I stick the battery in the charger so it's almost always ready to go.
  
  Ease of Use: I adjusted to using this thing pretty quickly. I invested in a LowePro FastPack 250 and it works nicely as a diaper-bag/day bag/camera bag. Not the most attractive purse, but it works well. I'm much better at being ready for any photo situation now.
  
  Swivel Screen: No problems to report. I just leave it screen out all the time.
  
  SAME: Awesome camera all around. Truly, truly impressive. There might be higher tiers of quality out there, but for what I use in following the kids around, this captures amazing shots quickly. Love it.
  
  GOT (just a little) WORSE:
  
  Eye-Fi Annoyance: This is going to differ from person to person, but our Eye-Fi stuff has had some kinks to work out. The card we bought required several updates lately, then we had to change SmugMug account stuff, but the changed password meant Eye-Fi couldn't upload. Blah, blah, blah, I'm sure most of the problem is ME not getting the changes my hubby made. Still, Eye-Fi is usually automatic, but from time to time, it requires maintenance and understanding from all parties uploading stuff. Just be warned, it isn't so automagical as I hoped it would be.
  
  
  More Detail : http://www.amazon.com/exec/******/****/B004J3V90Y/tipfla-20

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  2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 10 stars

  simply super awesome picture quaLITY

  by t90loren on April 23, 2012

  Pros: -easy to handle
  -simple menu
  -light weight

  Cons: - can't find much ( in love with this machine)

  Summary: great picture quality for the price its a steal.. i feel like pro with this in my hand

  Summary: great picture quality for the price its a steal.. i feel like pro with this in my hand

  1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

• 9 stars

  Great camera for the money.

  by scombs62 on March 24, 2013

  Pros: Lightweight and easy to use.

  Cons: No cons to provide so far.

• 9 stars

  Perfect Entry Level Camera 9/10

  by Hacknet07 on June 11, 2012

  Pros: price
  quality
  features
  
  (it goes everywhere with me)

  Cons: No Cons as of yet..I've only had it for a week

  Summary: I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family!

  Summary: I would definitely recommend this to my friends and family!

• 10 stars

  Very Good Camera!

  by chagrinriv on September 29, 2011

  Pros: 1)easy to use
  2)takes beautiful pics
  3)lots of bells and whistles (for the price)

  Cons: None that I have found

  Summary: Great camera for the price

  Summary: Great camera for the price

• 9 stars

  Good balance of image quality, performance and features

  by desertratchel on September 6, 2011

  Pros: Image quality, low light shooting, video and video controls, easy-access menus, resolution, digital zoom in video, very good dynamic range, pleasing colors

  Cons: Dated nine-point AF system sometimes slow, monaural video sound, slow burst rate, tiny buffer, inaccurate white balance indoors

  Summary: Replaced a 40D with this model, and in most ways it was actually a step up. Image quality is better, broader ISO range, and it's not too big and ...

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  Summary: Replaced a 40D with this model, and in most ways it was actually a step up. Image quality is better, broader ISO range, and it's not too big and heavy to take most places. The kit lens takes a lot of criticism, but for what it is the EF-S 18-55mm IS is suprisingly sharp with low CAs and distortions (I've spent lots more on worse glass).
  
  The camera is fairly intuitive and easy to use, especially if you're already familiar with Canon menus. I'd really like it if there were an electronic level like the one in 60D, and more dedicated buttons would be a plus. But as it is, I get most of the shots I'm after. If it were any bigger, I wouldn't--the camera would be at home in a bag and not where it matters, grabbing the photo op as it comes available.
  
  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this model as a good back-up body to the most seasoned pro. It's that good!

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• 10 stars

  New to photography and amazed by this camera.

  by artful_chaos on August 22, 2011

  Pros: Ease of use, fully understandable manual.

  Cons: None found so far.

  Summary: I fully recommend this camera to anyone looking for a professional grade camera to start out with that is able to be used right from the box. The learning curve ...

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  Summary: I fully recommend this camera to anyone looking for a professional grade camera to start out with that is able to be used right from the box. The learning curve is not unreasonable if you're willing to READ THE MANUAL.

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