T2i vs. T3i

Smitzel269 · Jul 3, 2011

I'm a very indecisive person :/

I started saving up for a camera a while ago, about 3 months now. I originally was saving up for the T2i kit. Then I heard about the T3i about a month ago and since have been saving up for that because I thought the swivel screen could come in handy.

I will have the money next week. I believe my budget is $1100 dollars. This is my first DSLR camera so that has to include the Camera, the lens, a 16gb SD card, and a bag.

So I can either get a:

Canon Rebel T3i with kit lens. I would eventually save up for better lenses but I am just a beginner and I'm sure I will be satisfied with the kit lens long enough to save up for a better lens.

-or-

Canon Rebel T2i body and get another lens for about $200. I don't know if a $200 lens is a lot better than a kit lens or not which is why I'm asking.

The only reason I would get a T2i instead of a T3i is because of the possibility of having a better lens.
So which option do you think I should go for?

I'm not asking for "what DSLR camera do you think I should get" but which of these 2 options?

Derrel · Jul 3, 2011

Isn't the 3 in T3i 50% higher in value than the 2in the T2i, and therefore that means the T3i is 50% better?

Raian-san · Jul 4, 2011

Derrel said:
Isn't the 3 in T3i 50% higher in value than the 2in the T2i, and therefore that means the T3i is 50% better?

It might seem like that, but technically, there's also a t1i so makes the t3i is only 33.33333333% better than t2i.

johnh2005 · Jul 4, 2011

If you have the cash for the T3i I would get it. It is basically the same camera but with an articulating screen. While most here would prefer NOT to use the live view to take shots I have found it to come in REALLY handy with my T3i and my former P&S Canon. Getting shots over your head in a crowd, around corners capturing candid moments of your son at play or dog at play, getting ground level shots of odd things. Depending on the price you can get the T3i for (I got mine for $755 with the kit 18-55 lens) you might be able to pick up a 55-250 Canon lens on sale till the 4th of July at Target for $150. Either way you go definitely try to get that lens for $150 it is a hell of a deal.

Smitzel269 · Jul 4, 2011

johnh2005 said:
If you have the cash for the T3i I would get it. It is basically the same camera but with an articulating screen. While most here would prefer NOT to use the live view to take shots I have found it to come in REALLY handy with my T3i and my former P&S Canon. Getting shots over your head in a crowd, around corners capturing candid moments of your son at play or dog at play, getting ground level shots of odd things. Depending on the price you can get the T3i for (I got mine for $755 with the kit 18-55 lens) you might be able to pick up a 55-250 Canon lens on sale till the 4th of July at Target for $150. Either way you go definitely try to get that lens for $150 it is a hell of a deal.

Awesome, Thanks. I will check that out!

prodigy2k7 · Jul 4, 2011

Personally I'd get the T2i and get better glass. The IQ is all about the glass!!! Its night a day between junk kit lenses and "L" or similar lenses. There isnt a big enough difference IMO to get the t3i over the t2i for that price.

ClickAddict · Jul 4, 2011

The T3i also has a built in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter which the T2i does not. If you are thinking of getting Speedlite Flashes, this is also something to consider.

table1349 · Jul 4, 2011

Side by Side Comparison: Digital Photography Review

Raian-san · Jul 4, 2011

Also the t3i has a crop zoom option, basically it's an optical zoom 10x. It's real nice when you don't have the lens that reach far enough and you can stand far away and zoom in up to 10x. Although 10x will have distrotion, around up to 5x it doesn't ruin the quality of the photo or video. Very helpful, check out this review.

Smitzel269 · Jul 4, 2011

I think I'm going to go for the T3i like I have been

Thanks guysss.

flatflip · Jul 4, 2011

ClickAddict said:
The T3i also has a built in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter which the T2i does not. If you are thinking of getting Speedlite Flashes, this is also something to consider.

Does that mean it will command an off camera flash?

iNick · Jul 4, 2011

i have the T1i and i like it a lot for the time being. I think you should go with the T2i get a nice 50mm prime and learn the basics of photography (this will take some time) If you only plan on buying one body for as long as you are a photographer then get the 3i, but if you plan on using it as a stepping stone to bigger and better bodies then go the 2i route and get some sexy glass. It's been my experience that most "pros" or people who know a lot about the craft will almost always say glass>body. good luck!

johnh2005 · Jul 4, 2011

iNick said:
It's been my experience that most "pros" or people who know a lot about the craft will almost always say glass>body. good luck!

That is very true. I am a soooo glad you said "most" and "almost". There are exceptions. And that is when a person is looking at/for certain features. Almost no one would tell someone to buy Camera X if it did not shoot video and OP said they wanted to shoot some video. (not saying that is the case here just using it as example) Same with someone needing a flash commander. Or an articulating screen. Or a digital zoom. Those are about the only three differences in these two camera's besides the price. Since the price difference is only $60-$100 at most... If someone wanted/needed the convenience of any of the features of the T3i I would see no reason not to get it. Plus it will have a higher resale value when/if they decide to sell it to upgrade again later on. Not sure if anyone can buy some "sexy glass" for $60 to $100 but if they can can you point me in the right direction?

I was not saying any of this argumentatively or anything. Just sharing my own personal point of view on it.

Raian-san · Jul 4, 2011

johnh2005 said:
iNick said:

It's been my experience that most "pros" or people who know a lot about the craft will almost always say glass>body. good luck!

Click to expand...

That is very true. I am a soooo glad you said "most" and "almost". There are exceptions. And that is when a person is looking at/for certain features. Almost no one would tell someone to buy Camera X if it did not shoot video and OP said they wanted to shoot some video. (not saying that is the case here just using it as example) Same with someone needing a flash commander. Or an articulating screen. Or a digital zoom. Those are about the only three differences in these two camera's besides the price. Since the price difference is only $60-$100 at most... If someone wanted/needed the convenience of any of the features of the T3i I would see no reason not to get it. Plus it will have a higher resale value when/if they decide to sell it to upgrade again later on. Not sure if anyone can buy some "sexy glass" for $60 to $100 but if they can can you point me in the right direction?

I was not saying any of this argumentatively or anything. Just sharing my own personal point of view on it.

^^ I agree with this. The option in the t3i could be a deal breaker for people to buy now or in future resale. T3i would be a camera that you can grow for years to come even if you upgrade to a newer body or FF body. DSLR is becoming a very popular choice for video since it can do both photography and video. The screen, zoom and flash is well worth the extra $150 or so. Plus it will have a better resale value in the future.