Question for camera peeps

[Scrumhalf]

Guys, I am looking into getting an SLR.

Am thinking of the Canon T3i. It seems to have the best price to feature ratio for me. No sense for me to get a multi-thousand dollar camera.

I want to get Canon because i want to also use the camera for astrophotography - I have a really good telescope and I want to attach the camera to it and get some nice photos of planets, etc. Canon has much better noise characteristics than Nikons.

What are good online sites for cameras? Amazon? Or are there better ones?

[Scrumhalf]

Also, should I bundle in a telephoto zoom lens? Looking to go up to 300mm. My younger son has really got into birds (no jokes, Mr. I) and has been pestering me to get a (in his words) "gigantic zoom camera" to take some pictures.

[BEAST]

They have great deals right now on the rebel T2i bundle package. I just saw online and best buy adds for around $530.00 which is a great deal considering I got my bundle deal for around $900 about 5 months ago.
And also yes to the 300mm lens you'll take the most amazing shots with that. 55mm lens is good for a room/ family shots but 300 is much better for outdoor shots.
By the way I bought the T2 because I didn't see enought difference for my experience level (which is zero) to justify the price difference of T3.

[BEAST]

What are good online sites for cameras? Amazon? Or are there better ones?

At this point any place is fine. Even Costco sells the rebel. I guess it all comes down to how much do you wanna save vs waiting time. You can probably save a few bucks and tax by buying online an wait for the shipping or just walk in to a store pay 30-40 bucks more and walk out with it.

I'm one of those guys that wants their shit right now so I pay a bit more and start enjoying it ASAP. :D

[Scrumhalf]

Thx bro... will look into the T2i. Haven't done any comparisons, but as you say I suspect the differences are not really relevant for most users.

[Bouncer]

man get this and save some cash. no way you will be able to tell the difference in PQ between this one and the higher versions unless you are some damn pro photo guy.

Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black): Camera & Photo

[Scrumhalf]

Any of your guys shoot video on your SLR? I am really not a fan of video on a camera - I have a pocket 1080p camcorder for video and I'd rather get a dedicated camcorder for video if needed.

For the i models (T2i, T3i, etc.) you get 1080p video. Not sure if this is worth the $200 price tag. I'd rather save $200 and invest in a better lens.

Beast, since you have the T2i (right?), do you find yourself using the video feature much?

[BEAST]

I don't use my dslr for video shoot because it has a manual focus. I just use my little Panasonic. It has 1080p hd camera with 12 x optical zoom with auto focus.

[Scrumhalf]

Beast, what lenses did you get with your T2i? Do your lenses have IS? Are the kit lenses any good, or should I get the body and get a USM lens separately?

[BEAST]

Beast, what lenses did you get with your T2i? Do your lenses have IS? Are the kit lenses any good, or should I get the body and get a USM lens separately?

I got the lenses that came with the camera and they do have IS built in. What comes with the camera is really a good quality lense. I have two photographer friends and they both agreed that they are good lenses and I don't need anything else. (well for now. :D)

[Scrumhalf]

Ok.... Ordered the T3i with the stock 18-55 lens and a 70-300 lens that had a $250 rebate if I bought the camera too. It should arrive Tue or Wed. :weights:

[BEAST]

Ok.... Ordered the T3i with the stock 18-55 lens and a 70-300 lens that had a $250 rebate if I bought the camera too. It should arrive Tue or Wed. :weights:

Awesome! Looking forward to the pictures. :thumup:

[Bouncer]

Ok.... Ordered the T3i with the stock 18-55 lens and a 70-300 lens that had a $250 rebate if I bought the camera too. It should arrive Tue or Wed. :weights:

What's the total?

[Scrumhalf]

900 bucks.

[Bouncer]

900 bucks.

you better be posting some impressive pics. we will have battle thread, see if you can match One X! :D