Canon T4i w/18-55mm and 55-250mm $699 + FS

PMI Digital is on the Canon Authorized Dealer list. This deal is missing a few of those little extras that usually get this to the front page.

Wait for the T4i with STM lens deal. Though it is more in cost, but it is a better purchase than getting this one with the standard lens.

Quote from andromeda3 : Wait for the T4i with STM lens deal. Though it is more in cost, but it is a better purchase than getting this one with the standard lens.

The 18-55mm and 55-250mm are both quite capable. The STM gives you lesser range, and still average quality at best.

Depends what you're going to use it for. I really don't see the point of buying a bulky SLR, and then getting an 18-135mm or 18-200mm once size fits all lens. If you're doing video, you're probably interested in STM. Otherwise i'd grab this kit, and would probably try to sell the 55-250mm. If you're buying a camera that can take interchangeable lenses, then make use of that feature.

On a crop sensor like the T4i, I'd grab the 85mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8 or f1.4 depending on budget. If the Sigma 30mm f1.4 is still $289 or whatever on clearance i'd grab one of those first, since I doubt we'll see something at that price for a while. The 30,50,85 combo is relatively low cost and would give wonderful pictures. Yes you'd have three lenses, but they'll give you high quality results. The consumer zooms are convenient, but that's about it, they don't provide the same image quality, the same blur (bokeh), or the same ability to shoot in low light.

Quote from andromeda3 : Wait for the T4i with STM lens deal. Though it is more in cost, but it is a better purchase than getting this one with the standard lens.

Im doing the same. Its been a while

How does this compare to the bugdig sale 2 weeks ago? that one seemed slightly better.

Quote from andromeda3 : How does this compare to the bugdig sale 2 weeks ago? that one seemed slightly better.

I think it came with a bag + blower or something. Usually I don't worry about the no-name add-ons, especially if you're planning on buying a better bag or something.

this is a good deal, in my area, you can pawn off the 18-55 for $100 and 55-250 for $140
and this is an authorized seller under warranty!

just to contribute to the conversation about lenses, i highly recommend the tamron 2.8 17-50 non-vc version for crop sensor cameras. it won't do as well as the primes OP mentioned, but still a great midzoom for those who want flexibility. http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-17-5...B000EXR0SI

Quote from ColtsFan18 : this is a good deal, in my area, you can pawn off the 18-55 for $100 and 55-250 for $140 and this is an authorized seller under warranty! just to contribute to the conversation about lenses, i highly recommend the tamron 2.8 17-50 non-vc version for crop sensor cameras. it won't do as well as the primes OP mentioned, but still a great midzoom for those who want flexibility. http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-17-5...B000EXR0SI

Yes, that's another great budget lens. Fixed f2.8 aperture, and great quality. On a crop camera, it would likely be my choice, otherwise the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 at double the price. I'd probably lean towards the Tamron though for the price, and grab a few primes with the money saved

any idea when the successor to the t4i should be coming out?

noticed that the t3i and t4i have been coming out around feb/mar in the past couple years. waiting to jump on a good deal on the t4i once a new model comes out. looking to get one mid/late march.

i know one can only speculate, but i don't have much background on photography, just looking for a deal for my gf before she goes on a trip. TIA!

Quote from altan215 : any idea when the successor to the t4i should be coming out? noticed that the t3i and t4i have been coming out around feb/mar in the past couple years. waiting to jump on a good deal on the t4i once a new model comes out. looking to get one mid/late march. i know one can only speculate, but i don't have much background on photography, just looking for a deal for my gf before she goes on a trip. TIA!

I don't think you'll see anything before then, except perhaps a new 70D. I'd be surprised to see a rebel body by then, and if it did materialize I'd expect it to be very similar to the T4i. Where is she traveling to? Would she want to carry an SLR with her, since it can be bulky if you're not used to it, also there's a bit of a learning curve unless you're planning to shoot auto. Not trying to discourage you, but maybe see if she wants to carry a big camera, if not look for a deal on something smaller.

Nobody knows for sure, if there are any significant changes, I would expect those to appear in a 70D or 7D MKII. Canon's been using the 18MP sensor since the 7D, so it's several years old now. If there are to be major changes (new sensor) to the rebel line, then I would guess it would happen after the 70D or 7D MKII which are rumored to be released later this year.

If the successor is announced, I wouldn't expect it to be this price for a while. My guess is that the people who purchased a T2i and T3i aren't likely to upgrade to the T4i, and so we've seen the price drop relatively quickly. I would expect that if a new generation with a new sensor was to be released, it may take longer for the price to come down as it would be a justifiable upgrade for more users.

Quote from andromeda3 : Wait for the T4i with STM lens deal. Though it is more in cost, but it is a better purchase than getting this one with the standard lens.

Having owned the T4i, 18-135 STM, 40 STM, 18-55 IS II, and 55-250, I concur.

The T4i w/18-135 STM is where your money is best spent for a versatile walkaround kit. The 18-55 may satisfy some but any serious user will want to upgrade and ditch it. I also had the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. It was my favorite until I got the Canon 17-55 f/2.8. However, I still used the 18-135 STM more often when I had it. Then I upgraded to a 6D and full frame and that's a whole 'nother story. I miss that touch screen (but could do without the articulating).

Quote from intence01 : I really don't see the point of buying a bulky SLR, and then getting an 18-135mm or 18-200mm once size fits all lens.

the 18-200 allows you to not have to carry around 2 lenses and switch 'em. This all helps keep dust out, and maybe dropping or scratching of lenses when changing.