Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS II for $649 with free shipping

Quote from tranq01 : This is really tempting but I like to see what the T4i has to offer. The T3i has video zoom capability where the 60D does not but the 60D has a faster shutter speed. I had owned the D5100 and did not like the autofocus because of the noise it produces during video. Its really annoying to hear that sound when you're recording my kids concert. So I'm hoping T4i will have the silent autofocus I'm looking for but there has no news on the release date.

The autofocus motors for Canon cameras are on the lenses. If you want to have silent autofocus, you need lenses with USMs (ultrasonic motors) which are usually more expensive (such as on L lenses).

Quote from Mummel : Hey man, thanks, TU. This is exactly what I was looking for. The 50mm fixed lens seems to be perfect for me. These are the exact types of shots I was looking to take. Thanks. http://photo.tutsplus.com/tutoria...50mm-lens/

I have the T3 with kit lens and the 50 f/1.8. I absolutly love my camera and it works excellent for taking photos of my 3 young kids. I agree that the 50mm fixed is a great buy, but I would suggest having the kit lens as well for a wider angle. I use both lens probably equally since there are just some shots I can't get with the fixed 50mm (it is pretty tight so you have to step way back or it will be too cropped) but the 50mm f/1.8 takes some excellent photos with amazng bokeh!

With taxes it bring near to 700..Is worth buying at this price or should I wait?

Quote from patang123 : With taxes it bring near to 700..Is worth buying at this price or should I wait?

Wait as everyday one or the other T3i deal pops up.

Quote from amy823 : I have the T3 with kit lens and the 50 f/1.8. I absolutly love my camera and it works excellent for taking photos of my 3 young kids. I agree that the 50mm fixed is a great buy, but I would suggest having the kit lens as well for a wider angle. I use both lens probably equally since there are just some shots I can't get with the fixed 50mm (it is pretty tight so you have to step way back or it will be too cropped) but the 50mm f/1.8 takes some excellent photos with amazng bokeh!

What lens would you recommend in addition to the fixed 50mm? Also, would the 50mm fixed lens work with the video recording capability?

Quote from Mummel : Our firstborn is due in a few months. I wanted to get a new camera for baby photos. This will be my first SLR. Photos are most important to me. Video capture is a bonus. I could get a T3 and a Sony camcorder for the same price as this. I dont know what's better. Will the T3 take as nice photos for a beginner? I dont normally play with all the custom settings. Just set it to auto everything. I just love opening a photo on a 1080p monitor with everything crystal clear and rich in color (like its been Photoshopped). My impression is that a SLR will give me this (some of my family members have them, and about 50% of their shots hit right on the money). Any thoughts? TY and advance.

I dont have much experience over you, but if you choose a good lens for portrait taking, your photos will definitely outshine those taken by a p&s. Use the time before your baby comes out to learn about your new SLR!

Congrats, also!

boy..tough one to decide on..I was all set for the 60D purchase. I know it is more advanced camera but this price for the T3i makes it about $300-350 difference for body and lens offered. Decisions, decisions..

Quote from Mummel : Our firstborn is due in a few months. I wanted to get a new camera for baby photos. This will be my first SLR. Photos are most important to me. Video capture is a bonus. I could get a T3 and a Sony camcorder for the same price as this. I dont know what's better. Will the T3 take as nice photos for a beginner? I dont normally play with all the custom settings. Just set it to auto everything. I just love opening a photo on a 1080p monitor with everything crystal clear and rich in color (like its been Photoshopped). My impression is that a SLR will give me this (some of my family members have them, and about 50% of their shots hit right on the money). Any thoughts? TY and advance.

If I recall it correctly, T3i LCD display can be flipped out and rotate with different angles but T3 LCD display is fixed. In your case, I will say T3i is better fit your application. You will find yourself in a situation when you need to take a photo of your baby but with odd angle. You can rotate the display angle to get the shot quickly instead of spending time rolling yourself on the floor to get the shooting angle and then find out you just miss that precious moment.

How does this camera compare with the Sony A65 or A35?

Quote from deals pirate : How does this camera compare with the Sony A65 or A35?

dead i got to the last step after filling out shipping info and selecting next day and it says in store pickup as the shipping option... and call for availability

Quote from xwreckless : I dont have much experience over you, but if you choose a good lens for portrait taking, your photos will definitely outshine those taken by a p&s. Use the time before your baby comes out to learn about your new SLR! Congrats, also!

Hey thanks. Yeah I'm pretty excited now. I knew I would need to get a new camera but had been delaying the research to make the choice. But this 50mm setup looks ideal. Exactly the shots I will be looking for. My old Cannon P&S has served me well, but its our firstborn! I'll probably hold out for a better deal, I have three months. But like you said, I better learn WTF I'm doing before hand. Dont want to get home from the hospital to figure out I never put the lens on properly or something, HAHA.

Do you guys think these will be coming down in price over the next 2 months with the release of the T4i?

Quote from Mummel : What lens would you recommend in addition to the fixed 50mm? Also, would the 50mm fixed lens work with the video recording capability?

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS is a great addition to your kit lens. Two lens will cover a great focal length and there won't be any gap. You can also look for the Canon EF 70-300mm USM. It has a bit better build compare to the 55-250mm lens but it is also about double the price. It is an EF lens so you can still use it if you upgrade to fullframe cameras later.

The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for portrait. The aperture is big so the bokeh will be much smoother compared to the kit lens. It is good for filming but as you can not zoom in or out with this lens, you may need to use your "foot zoom" a lot. This may be difficult if you don't have enough room to move around when filming or taking pictures.

None of the 'values' lines of Canon or Nikon body are well made.

50 1.8 also cheaply build. Sometimes too less a DOF may be a problem for new user.

Some good DC like XZ-1 or Canon S100 may be all you need.

Look for if there are deals on Panasonic G3 if you may want a smaller package and the touchscreen focus a nice feather for focus.