Need help choosing the best Canon

cschafe1 · Aug 7, 2012

Well I've narrowed it down to Canon (the other option was Nikon) for my first full size DSLR.
I've been using a Olympus EPL1 for the past 2 years, and I think its time that I upgrade to a full size DSLR. I am just a step or two above a noob, and want a camera with better auto focus, fuller colors, better lowlight, more lenses, and a viewfinder (many wants :mrgreen

. I have narrowed it down to a couple models: XSi, T3, T1i. A nice lady at the local camera store described the T3 as a very basic DSLR, and would most likely be a downgrade from my PEN. Video is not important to me at all, and MP is not a concern as most of my pictures never get printed larger than 8x10.
These all seem to be very comparable models and I am beginning to think that most likely the newest addition is probably the best for me, but any input would be very helpful.
Thank you so much in advance for your advice.
(My Nikon options were D3100, D80, D5000)

cschafe1 · Aug 7, 2012

Sorry for the addition, but I found this really cool (ie: fun, full of stats, colorful) website, Snapsort.com and all of Canon's DSLRs seem to score very low compared to Nikon's. The more people I talk to seem to tell me the opposite. Is the reason for their low scores because of a bias in snapsort.com's comparisons, or are Nikon's technically (on paper) a better camera?

pixmedic · Aug 7, 2012

a lot depends on what your budget is. If you can budget in a used T3, then you can budget a used Nikon D90, which in my opinion is a better option than the D80, D3100, or the D5000. From the Nikon end, the D90 will give you more lens options as it has a built in focus motor. so does the D80. I honestly do not see the Canon t3 as being a "downgrade" from your oly EPL1, but I dont know that much about canon.

daarksun · Aug 7, 2012

You aren't going to make a mistake with either Nikon or Canon. Personally you should get down to the ergonomics of both to see which fits best to your hands. Then figure which brand has the lens you want/need at the cost that will fit in your budget. Then... make your move.

Personally, if I didn't have my Canon I would have bought into the Pentax system. Good Luck with your choice and enjoy.

MLeeK · Aug 7, 2012

Read deeply into what is scored and why it scores high or low on snapsort.
WHat is your budget?

3bayjunkie · Aug 7, 2012

Nikon has a 200mm-400mm f/4.

Canon has:
200mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.0
85mm f/1.2

Canon bodies are normally less expensive.

cschafe1 · Aug 8, 2012

MLeeK said:
WHat is your budget?

I have been looking at used bodies for under $400.
Is there any advantage to having a built in focus motor other than to used older lenses without AF?

Thanks again for all the help.

cschafe1 · Aug 8, 2012

Are there no major differences between the XSi, T3, and T1i?

rokvi · Aug 8, 2012

If your going to go with canon I'd find a used 60D or even the 7D. You talked about better auto focus: The T3i (600D) has only 1 cross type focus point in the center whereas the 60D has 9 and 7D has 19!

daarksun · Aug 8, 2012

With your selections I would get the T3. The t1i and xsi are no models three and four versions old. If you could grab a T2i that would be and awesome camera to start with. Better with more room to grow is the 60D. But I know the selection is based on your budget. Purchase the best you can afford when you make your selection. The lenses can come and go, but the body will stick around for a while. Best of luck.

that1guy · Aug 12, 2012

:thumbup::mrgreen:

MLeeK · Aug 12, 2012

cschafe1 said:
Are there no major differences between the XSi, T3, and T1i?

There are major differences between the T1i and XSi. If you are looking at the T3, how about the T2i?

o hey tyler · Aug 12, 2012

3bayjunkie said:
Nikon has a 200mm-400mm f/4.

Canon has:
200mm f/1.8
50mm f/1.0
85mm f/1.2

They're looking for an entry level camera, not L glass. I don't get the point of this post.

Plus, the 50mm f/1 isn't worth getting for the price point, and the 200mm f/1.8 is prohibitively expensive and hard to find.

I would go for a T2i, OP. Or a used 40D.

ScubaDude · Aug 12, 2012

For $400 you could get a good used Canon 40D or T1i. Both great cameras. Don't place much stock in tests; at any given price point, photos from Canon or Nikon will look exactly the same. Pick the one that feels best in your hand and is easiest to set all the various settings and menu options.