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Is the Canon T3i Still Relevant?

Tags:
  • Canon
  • Photo
  • Cameras
  • DSLRs
Last response: in Digital Camera
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November 16, 2013 7:56:43 PM

I'm looking to purchase a Canon DSLR under $1000.

My choices come down to the T3i, T5i and SL1

The T3i is the only one I can really afford. So what am I missing by not buying one of the others? Keep in mind my regular use includes photography during the day and at night, usually with sufficient light and I also regularly record videos that I do a lot with in post production. Filming generally takes place with lighting and I pull focus manually. When I shoot photos I rarely burst capture. Thanks for any advice.

Also, Bonus Points, Lead me to the biggest, fastest SD card for the lowest price please. Thanks.

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November 17, 2013 11:21:45 AM

BranFlake5 said:
I'm looking to purchase a Canon DSLR under $1000.

My choices come down to the T3i, T5i and SL1

The T3i is the only one I can really afford. So what am I missing by not buying one of the others? Keep in mind my regular use includes photography during the day and at night, usually with sufficient light and I also regularly record videos that I do a lot with in post production. Filming generally takes place with lighting and I pull focus manually. When I shoot photos I rarely burst capture. Thanks for any advice.

Also, Bonus Points, Lead me to the biggest, fastest SD card for the lowest price please. Thanks.


Hi Bran - if you're shooting video, and you ever plan to record speeches, plays, sermons or anything else that lasts more than 12 minutes, you may be frustrated by the $559 T3i's 12 minute continuous clip length limit. The $703 T5i and $575 SL1 record for 30 minutes continuously.

That said, for video, the best large sensor interchangeable lens camera is the $598 Panasonic G6. Essentially unlimited clip length (hours, not minutes), 1080/60fps frame rate for smooth action and slow motion, and very little moire (a serious problem for Canon cameras when shooting patterned objects such as fabrics, brickwork and shingled roofs).

Please see these examples of typical Canon versus Panasonic moire:

http://vimeo.com/20565849

http://vimeo.com/21962491

The moire challenge (along with the lack of autofocus) were the main reasons I sold my Canon T2i and bought a Panasonic GH2 two years ago.

Here is the video image quality you can expect from the G6:

Narrative: "I've Got My Fingers Crossed" by Avner Levona: http://vimeo.com/78037118

Doc: "Creative Space: Kathy Ponce " by Kevin Mayuga: http://vimeo.com/73561266

Music video: A. BELKIN - Good Morning Mr. Blues by Romas: http://vimeo.com/76081090

Wedding: Junwei + Daohua by Jon Wide: http://vimeo.com/72010967

Sports: Wavetest 2013 / Side On - Onshore Impression by Gleiten.TV: http://vimeo.com/76875252

Travel: "Riverbanks" by emeric: http://vimeo.com/72107884

See more at: http://vimeo.com/groups/dmcg6 "Panasonic G6 on Vimeo"

As far as cards go - I use a $92.98 Kingston 128 GB in my Panasonic GH3 and a $49.49 Kingston 64GB in my GH2.

I have never had a failure with these cards, which is more than I can say for other inexpensive brands such as Komputerbay.

Hope this is helpful!

Bill
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November 18, 2013 5:47:02 PM

I'm probably going to buy the SL1. I have access to friends and family's lenses and I believe it is a good camera. Thanks for finding it that cheap as well. Cheers.
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