Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens - Bundle - with Switronix Powerbase 70wh Battery Pack, and Switronix Power Tap Charger

2011-06-25T21:00:00

I'm not sure of my qualifications or ability to make a detailed review of this camera, but I love it and will do my best. Having only ever used a Canon PowerShot SD610 and cell phone cameras before, this was a huge leap for me. I was given this camera by my parents to ensure they receive quality photos of there grandchildren :) I use the camera primarily to take pictures of the kids and flowers/gardens. I have read through the manual and found it a great asset (I have written techmanuals and read a lot of manuals, and find this one to be very easy to use). With its use I have tried every mode on the dial and used the Q - Quick Control to try the different functions. With the exception of the "M" -Manual Exposure, I have taken great pictures (OK - Excellent/Awesome by my standards, the people on the photo blogs may disagree with my assessment of my photos:)). The video capability is truly amazing, but does require a fast card (class 6 and up). The Grandparents will be able to watch HD movies on their big screen. The weight is a bit hefty compared to the Point and Shoot but feels right in your hands. I have larger hands and the grips feel really nice even when holding the camera for extended time. in an extended session of taking portrait pictures the overhand grip did wear on me a bit. I have read that the battery grip that attaches to the base of the camera, allows for a more natural position when taking portrait. Battery life appears to be excellent, I have yet to have the battery fail on me when I need it, but I have only had the camera a short time. Time will be the judge of this. I did get a second battery (Canon clone, not OEM - part of this package). File size requires a SD card of decent size (Large .jpg High Quality = 6.4MB, RAW = 24.5MB) the camera is compatible with SDHC and SDXC cards (and according to some its compatible with the UHS-1 standards, but I have yet to confirm this), I use the 16 gig SDHC Class 10 (A-Data 16 GB Class 10 SDHC 10MB/s Flash Memory Card 16GSDHC10 (Blue) Part of this package). Live Mode (like a standard point and shoot - LCD screen shows image to be captured) is great for videos and can help when composing shoots from various angles (taking pictures of the dog near floor - without kneeling). There is even a Live Mode with facial recognition and tracking, chases my sons face all over and gives me the correct focus. The Live Mode was the only mode I figured I would be able to use, but I find the standard viewfinder eyepiece to be very easy to use and has all of the information you need. I plan to have this camera for years to come and hope to someday master all of the settings (high expectations). I feel this camera is the perfect match for my current ability (A+ Fully Automatic Shooting allows me to take excellent pictures while using the camera like a Point and Shoot) and my desire to become the photographic artist I hope to be. This package has everything you need to get started: - Kit includes the EF-S 18-135 IS lens which has meet and exceed all of my needs to date. - Sling bag - Well padded, comfortable to wear (though I have to admit it took me several tried before I figured out how you were suppose to wear it. A variety of zippered pockets for storing everything. Velcro main pocket walls for greater flexibly in how you store the camera and any accessories. - Cleaning kit: Comes with a screen protector (very nice) cleaning supplies and a blower. Nice little starter kit in a zip-able pouch. - Card reader: Small kind of cheap feeling reader, but effective, allowing you to read the card without expending your camera battery. The only down side I have to this is the battery charger that comes with the T3i (LC-E8E) it comes with a short power cord instead of the standard Canon flip out prongs. (the T3i can come with either the standard LC-E8 (flip out prongs) or the LC-E8E. The cord is not as convent to have to deal with and added another item to carry, and its too short to be truly effective. All in all a very minor complaint, and easily corrected in the aftermarket. Anyone thinking about make the change from Point and Shoot to dSLR should really consider this camera.

Madphule