New member & new camera

nodlenor · May 23, 2012

Hello everyone! I bought a new camera a few days ago. I had narrowed my choices to a Nikon 510 or a Canon SX40. They didn't have the Canon in stock and I was told the Nikon didn't have a very long battery life. So I looked at some other cameras and settled on a Canon Rebel T3. I'm just an amature so I won't be doing any professional work with it. I was just wondering if I should have waited for the SX40 or did I do the right thing.

KenC · May 23, 2012

Welcome! I don't know the SX40, but it's not an SLR so it would limit you to some extent and the T3 is a great camera, so you did the right thing by getting something in your hands (preferably an SLR) and getting started. Too many people come on here agonizing endlessly over their choice of first camera when in fact anything will do to get started and figure out what you really need. The T3 will do a good job on most subjects and under most conditions (and nothing is perfect) so it will last you a while.

StandingBear1983 · May 24, 2012

the T3 is much better, there is no comparison between a P&S superzoom sensor and a DSLR sensor. you made a good choice. you didn't say what lens did you get with it...

nodlenor · May 24, 2012

My lens is a Canon zoom EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS II. At least that is what it says on the front of the lens. I would like to purchase a telephoto lens later. I don't need a really good one but I don't want a cheapie either. Any suggestions? Thanks for your comments and advise (I need it).

mochroi · May 24, 2012

Nodlenor, hi! Im jessica. Im getting ready to buy a T3i in about two weeks and was wondering how you liked your camera so far? I am coming from a glorified p&s so I am really excited to get my hands on my very own DSLR. Let me know what you think

nodlenor · May 24, 2012

Jessica, I've only had my T3 less than a week but so far I like it. At first it was a little intimidating with all the buttons and switches but I'm starting to get used to it. I've wanted a DSLR for some time now but just couldn't justify the cost. I still can't but I decided to go ahead anyway. I don't know what the difference is between the T3 & T3i but I would guess it is a newer version with some updates. Good luck and I hope you like yours as well.

KenC · May 24, 2012

nodlenor said:
My lens is a Canon zoom EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS II. At least that is what it says on the front of the lens. I would like to purchase a telephoto lens later. I don't need a really good one but I don't want a cheapie either. Any suggestions? Thanks for your comments and advise (I need it).

As with everything else, it depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in wildlife, especially birds, you will want a long focal length and the best place to start probably would be a 70-300 or 70-200 zoom. If you're interested in portraits or other work that doesn't require a long focal length, an 85/1.8, 100/2 or 135/2 might be better. There are significant differences in price and capability among these lenses, so you really can't start deciding on this until you have used the lens you have for a while.