Canon upgrade help

pixmedic · Feb 21, 2013

So.... My friend shoots canon. Not sure why, but he does. He got his DSLR quite a few years ago and has never had the extra money to upgrade. I believe he has a rebel XTI. Or is it XSI? Not sure. Anyway, i want to buy him a new camera. Going to stick with canon since he already has a few lenses. I dont know much about canon so i was wondering what would be a decent upgrade for him without breaking the bank. Under $500, and can be body only. Maybe a T2i or T3?
Will most likely buy used or refurbished.
I don't have a huge budget for this so i cant go state of the art, cutting edge new. Thanks for the help.

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ronlane · Feb 21, 2013

pixmedic, Both that you mentioned are good ones. I have the T3i and really like it (although I need better glass). The main difference in those two is the screen on the T3i pulls out and tilts and swivels.

Side note, you are a heck of a guy for wanting to do this.

Big Mike · Feb 21, 2013

Off the top of my head...I'd lean toward the "i" models. For example, the T3i is a better model than the T3.

But if you are looking at used bodies, I'd suggest stepping up a level and looking at something like a 20D, 30D, 40D or 50D.
I still use 20Ds as my backup or whenever cameras. Only 8MP, but that really only matters if he's into making really large prints.

My vote would be for a 40D. I've talked to more than a couple photographers who prefer the 40D over the 50D, and it shouldn't be to hard to find one for less than $500.

For your reference, the 20D was pretty much 'best in class' for several years. The 30D was only very minor changes, basically the same camera. The 40D was a significant upgrade from the 30D and the 50D was only a marginal upgrade from the 40D. Although, I believe that the 50D might shoot video (live view etc.), where the 40D certainly doesn't.

pixmedic · Feb 21, 2013

He would like to be able to do larger prints than he is currently able to. I have been looking at used t2i's just for the mp's.

ronlane · Feb 21, 2013

Pixmed, when I uploaded my photos to mpix.com, they give me max size prints on them and the biggest that I saw on my pictures with the T3i was 24x36, is that big enough? It is 18.1 mp I believe.

pixmedic · Feb 21, 2013

ronlane said:
Pixmed, when I uploaded my photos to mpix.com, they give me max size prints on them and the biggest that I saw on my pictures with the T3i was 24x36, is that big enough? It is 18.1 mp I believe.

Should be more than enough. Im just not sure i can get a good t3i in my budget.

manicmike · Feb 21, 2013

YOU are buying him a camera? You're a good dude. With a cool mustache.

pixmedic · Feb 21, 2013

manicmike said:
YOU are buying him a camera? You're a good dude. With a cool mustache.

Yea... Hes got a rebel xt.. Whatever the 8mp one is. Hes been wanting to upgrade for years. After he moved up north hes only been able to get part time work so no camera budget. So im gonna budget for him. Should be a nice surprise. Wish my budget was a bit bigger tho.

goodguy · Feb 21, 2013

You are buying your friend a new camera, WOW what a friend!!!
Can I be your friend ?
I really want a Nikon D600 LOL

Both the T2i and T3i are using same sensor so both cameras are very good, either way your friend is a lucky man to have a friend like you!!!

07Vios · Feb 21, 2013

I like my T2i.

I think the main differences between the T2i and the T3i are the swivel screen (great if you'll be doing macro photography or shooting something that requires the camera to be at a weird angle), and a built in wireless flash transmitter. Ask your friend what he likes to primarily shoot, and pick the one that would be better suited for him.

07Vios · Feb 21, 2013

If he can wait, the Canon refurbed site sometimes drops the T2i and T3i in the low to mid 300's for just the body (I don't think your friend would need the kit lens). You'll just have to keep looking to see if Canon has any refurbed units in stock, and what their pricing is for that time.

pixmedic · Feb 21, 2013

07Vios said:
If he can wait, the Canon refurbed site sometimes drops the T2i and T3i in the low to mid 300's for just the body (I don't think your friend would need the kit lens). You'll just have to keep looking to see if Canon has any refurbed units in stock, and what their pricing is for that time.

Yea, he can wait. He doesnt even know im getting it for him. I will definitely keep an eye on canon's refurbished bodys.

Justman1020 · Feb 21, 2013

Dude I have said it a few times, but, you are freaking amazing.

I know for 650, you can get a brand new t4i kit with 18-55 mm lens, so a t4i body alone would probably be right around 550 I believe?