Is this still a worthwhile purchase in July 2014? I'm a beginner looking for my first camera. Thanks.
1852342
The short answer is 'yes'. The relative image quality provided by the T3i is actually on par with the newer models. If you ever want better image quality, a higher-end lens will provide a much, much bigger improvement (and, since you saved some money on choosing this model, you might be able to get such a lens sooner). The camera includes everything you need and is only missing a couple of shiny new features provided on the newer models. If video is VERY high in your priorities, however, you might consider the 70D or SL1.
1852343
This is a great camera, very easy for a beginner to use. It takes great pictures and video. As with any tech object, there are always new models coming out but I have really liked the camera and will continue to use it for a very long time.
774987
Hi Mr. Hewitt (I wonder if we have any relation?) Anyway, for a true beginner (as in you've never used anything but a point-and-shoot) I'd recommend you get a Nikon D40 and an 18-200 VR. Keep the 18-55 kit lens, you'll find it lighter when your just taking snapshots of the family or whatever. The D40 is an excellent starter camera, it has almost all the tweaks of this much more expensive camera without the weight and cost. The D300 has many advantages over it, but I really feel you'll learn a lot faster with a simpler camera, and step up to this when your ready. I actually started out with a D40 a bit over a year ago, it made starting out quite fun. The 18-200VR will follow you as a great lens on the D300 too, and you can use any newer AF-S lenses on it. If you have older AF-D Nikon lenses lying around that you want to use, a D80 is also a good place to start. It's easier to make the custom tweaks you'll learn about in your photography classes on the D80, but it still has Auto modes as well to get you started. Checkout www.kenrockwell.com, especially his recommended camera page. He's a bit more eloquent than I am. And I wouldn't be so fast to recommend the D60 to anyone, it's just the D40x's guts (plus active D-Lighting, but without the other enhancements of the D300/D3) with a different name stamped on it. I wouldn't recommend the D40x or D60 to anyone, they exist to fill a price point to compete with Canon. If your eyeballing either, jump to the D80 and don't look back.
473317
I just got this camera, and I'm surprised by how good it is for the price (I paid $69.99 on sale). The better memory cards will let you use this for about a couple of hours of video I think. It's really easy to use too, and as other people have pointed out - a great starter camera.
364005
I don't understand your question, if your asking: Does this camera have time as in how long has it been in the market? : I bought mine like 4 or 5 years ago so it's been a while, (and stopped working properly about 6-7 month after buying it; but looks good as a decor element) or Does this camera have time as if this camera has timestamp? yes it has but can't remember where is in the menu sorry..
779597
It's a very nice camera, I have it for more than one year and it's almost as new (I have dove with it, I took it to high altitudes - above 4,500 m.a.s.l - and extreme temperatures, and it always works).If I should said about any problem with the camera, is that sometimes when you want to take a fast photo and don't push a little bit to focus, the picture taken is blur (It also happens when I request any stranger to take a photo and he just push the button without focussing).Buy it, you won't regret!
296688
BUMP. Same question. I've been waiting awhile to get even a tiny camcorder b/c I figure wait as long as you can, then buy what's current. Some stuff I'll want to do, not sure if I can wait any longer than mid April. Anyone from Amazon please comment...
1736482
For me, yes (well, I bought mine used for $360).However, you're the only one who can decide whether it's worth it to you. How much do you value control over out-of-focus background (bokeh) or having a "3-dimensional" look? Do you like being able to shoot indoors and in other low-light situations without using a flash or high ISO settings?If these characteristics or important to you, then the $450 may be worth it.
1365589
I have that exact model, the Olympus E510, purchased right here from Amazon about 4 months ago and I LOVE it. It is an excellent camera. The live view works quite well (though in certain modes you can't use it...but that's ok..you don't always want to use "live view" mode and there are reasons for that which will become apparent when you get it and start learning the camera.) One of the selling points it had for me was the four thirds sensor. It allows the lenses to be shorter (and lighter!) and it also is a closer ratio to standard paper sizes such as 5x7 and 8x10. the four thirds ratio doesn't require zealous cropping to fit that ratio whereas a two thirds does. The four thirds also gives a greater depth of field compared to it's two thirds kin. It's a responsive, sturdy camera with plenty of features to keep you busy for a long, long time. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine. I am an artist an I purchased this camera to take reference photos. I have multiple sclerosis so I cannot work from life since I can't stand long enough to paint a picture plein aire or with a live model. I CAN, however, walk around and take lovely pictures for use in my comfortable studio later. I am also a portrait painter and I wanted a camera that would take beautiful portraits without washing out and dramatic lighting (which digital cameras tend to 'want' to do). So, an affordable, very well constructed camera that is capable of everything from beautiful scenic landscapes, dramatic portraits including under candlelight or at night, and even some macro work for some fun semi-absract paintings...it does them all terrifically. You will want to invest in some better lenses, though, if you got the kit. Not because they are bad, mind you. The two lenses it comes with are quite decently made and solidly constructed just like the camera body. It's just that once you get the camera's basics down and play you're going to be so tempted to go out and get those more expensive lenses because you will be having so much fun with it.
646861
I really want this camera- the manual controls using the touchscreen look great. Has anyone ordered from Amazon and gotten it already? It says it'll ship in "1-2 months," but if it's already out... ?
158700
I'm somewhat new to this too, but I'll try to be accurate. First, this is a "Micro 4/3", not a dslr. Call it a point and shoot that "thinks" it's a dslr. As a user, "you" decide which you want it to be. The 14-45 lense included is 28-90mm in 35mm terms. This is comparable to a typical P&S compact with a 3x zoom. Most dslr user's would consider this a "walkaround" lens. Very useful and versatile for the type of shots common with a simple compact or entry level dslr. This camera has a unique feature called Extended Zoom (EZ) that allows an increase in "zoom" if you find the need on occassion. The camera has a functional pop-up flash as well as a "hot shoe" for using a specialized flash unit if you prefer. You must open the flash when needed, it doesn't pop-up automatically. Amazon has a 30 day return policy I think, and I think the warranty is 1 year, but check Panasonic.com to be sure. In years, most cameras will last indefinitely. In "shutter clicks" that is probably an unknown at this time. "I" am assuming that 50,000 clicks is certain and expect 100,000 or I will be sorely disappointed. At my rate of 2000 per month that buys me 2 to 4 years, but for most people that is a lot. That is roughly the range of a good dslr. That's probably 10 years for someone "normal".
1136873
I have had this camera about a month and came a cross this site. http://www.tlc-systems.com/artzen2-0083.htm It is the most helpful piece of info on how to use the darn thing as well as explain the good and bad points of taking pictures with this particular camera. The pix's are amazing and the author is an excellant writer. Hope you get as much out of it. It is a bit long but take it one piece at a at time and by the end of the piece you will have more than enough info to Move forward in using this amazing camera and making some amazing photo memories. Good luck
1253106
I've seen it for as cheap as $194 new. I don't care about the cost of the camera when it fries. I care about losing four out of fives days of photos of wilderness kayaking/snorkeling.
2079455
It's definitely a great camera and I too would replace it with the same. (I'm actually on my 3rd one - the last two purchased very used)Does anyone have a suggestions for the natural progression to the line?
2025571
It used to say February on the Canon website until they changed it to "Spring." I too am waiting on this camera. Hopefully it will be released at the end of Feb., but if I were you once March rolls around (and REALLLY REALLY need HD video of the event), I'd go ahead and get the HF100 so you can capture your girl's birthday. The cheapest I found it on the net is $375 from Digital Future.Very tempted to get the HF100, but I'm trying real hard to hold out for the HF S100.
1448985
Thanks for the input and advice. I'm new to high-end(expensive) digital camera market. I realized after I posted this question that the camera is sold out or otherwise unavailable now and it could take a month or two to get one even if I ordered today. I'll definitely look into buying one in the next few months.
2169340
I have owned my 100-400 for 5 months now and I love it. I photograph wildlife and our Grandsons sporting events and use it 100% of the time. I must say that 95% of those pictures are taken using 400, however, it was nice to be able to zoom out for the 5%. The only time that I change a lens is for indoor use. So far it has been easy to use and produces very good quality photos. The only drawback at this point is that it is a little heavy so I purchased a shoulder strap to take the weight off my neck. My opinion is that if I had it to do over (purchase or not) that yes I would invest the money and purchase again. I have owned my 100-400 for 5 months now and I love it. I photograph wildlife and our Grandsons sporting events and use it 100% of the time. I must say that 95% of those pictures are taken using 400, however, it was nice to be able to zoom out for the 5%. The only time that I change a lens is for indoor use. So far it has been easy to use and produces very good quality photos. The only drawback at this point is that it is a little heavy so I purchased a shoulder strap to take the weight off my neck. My opinion is that if I had it to do over (purchase or not) that yes I would invest the... » Read More I have owned my 100-400 for 5 months now and I love it. I photograph wildlife and our Grandsons sporting events and use it 100% of the time. I must say that 95% of those pictures are taken using 400, however, it was nice to be able to zoom out for the 5%. The only time that I change a lens is for indoor use. So far it has been easy to use and produces very good quality photos. The only drawback at this point is that it is a little heavy so I purchased a shoulder strap to take the weight off my neck. My opinion is that if I had it to do over (purchase or not) that yes I would invest the money and purchase again. « Show Less
870407
I think so; it's a great camera that takes awesome pictures and has so many accessories in the package deal! I've been recommending it to people I know already! Just make sure to have it shipped to a physical address in order to get the free shipping :)