noob here looking to be schooled on some 'higher end than P&S" camera gear

[fralexandr]

The SL1 is a smaller and lighter camera
Whether you want the t3i or SL1 is up to personal preference. The SL1 is newer, smaller, and lighter, but the t3i has a flip-out LCD and was probably a little higher end when it was released.
The differences between the cameras might matter for travel purposes, and for how the camera feels in your hands.

a quick breakdown of some differences.
http://snapsort.com/compare/Canon-Rebel-SL1-vs-Canon-T3i
note: sometimes snapsort has incorrect data.

both cameras/lenses use the EF-S mount which is backwards compatible with the standard EF mount.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF-S_18–55mm_lens

STM is canon's newer silent motor technology that should focus faster and quieter.
http://explore-lenses.usa.canon.com/stm-lens-stepper-motor.html

 

[IndyColtsFan]

realistically, can i expect to get this kind of image quality out of the t3i camera if i get it? and if so, how much of it would be manual vs just using some auto settings? also, how much post processing, if any (other than white balance) is done to those pics? that is kind of the quality that i'm talking about getting.

Yes, you can get photos that good from a T3i even with auto settings. For me, I go manual when lighting conditions are rough or I want to play or get inventive with my photos. I use an 70D as my main camera now but from 2006-2013, used a Rebel XT (the second model released in the Rebel line).

 

[purbeast0]

well finally ordered one. just ordered this.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/c...ras/eos-sl1-18-55-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

was still going back/forth the last time it was on sale for $370, and saw it for $350 now so i jumped on it.

 

[balloonshark]

It's good to hear you finally decided. I hope you enjoy your new camera.

Also, your topic inspired me to finally get a dlsr so I owe you a thanks

 

[EOM]

well finally ordered one. just ordered this.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/c...ras/eos-sl1-18-55-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

was still going back/forth the last time it was on sale for $370, and saw it for $350 now so i jumped on it.

Looks like you got a good deal for a jump into the DSLR world! Hope you're learning a bunch and enjoying the new hobby!

 

[blurredvision]

well finally ordered one. just ordered this.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/c...ras/eos-sl1-18-55-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

was still going back/forth the last time it was on sale for $370, and saw it for $350 now so i jumped on it.

Wish I would've seen your post beforehand to help out with advice. Assuming you've got it already, how do you like it so far?

 

[purbeast0]

Wish I would've seen your post beforehand to help out with advice. Assuming you've got it already, how do you like it so far?

i like it a lot. i borrowed my friends $1200 lens the first weekend i had it and took a bunch of pictures at a mothers day gathering. i forget the details of the lense, but it was like the standard lens that comes with it, however the aperature (i think that is what it is, the f number that helps DoF) was at 2.8 i believe and stayed there through all zoom levels. it took some really nice pictures.

but then i go back to the standard one and man, night and day difference.

i plan on getting the 50mm prime lens very soon. i'm actually borrowing his today to play with over the weekend. it's the standard "nifty fifty" one. i saw there is a new version of it that just came out (the STM one) so if i get one, it will probably be that one.

i still have A LOT to learn though. i'm still basically just doing the trial/error thing for the most part without actually learning why things work a certain way and what not. other than knowing that higher aperature (lower number) can give a better DoF, I really don't know wtf i'm doing so i try different things with letting more light in and stuff.

i'm still a long way away from "getting" it.

couple pics from the gathering

 

[ControlD]

i plan on getting the 50mm prime lens very soon. i'm actually borrowing his today to play with over the weekend. it's the standard "nifty fifty" one. i saw there is a new version of it that just came out (the STM one) so if i get one, it will probably be that one.

Nice pics!

If you can stretch your budget just a little, consider the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 when you are looking for that next lens. A 30mm lens on a Canon crop body gives you pretty much what a 50mm lens is on a full frame camera. the 50mm lens was always considered the "standard" prime lens for film and that has sort of carried over to being recommended to this day. On a 1.6x crop camera however the 50mm lens is a little long to use as a general purpose lens IMO, especially indoors. I also have the cheap Canon 50 f/1.8 but I don't think I have used it one time since I got the Sigma. You can get the Sigma used for under $300 so it isn't a huge investment but it is a lens you will use a TON once you have it.

 

[EOM]

I liked the composition on some of those pictures.... a little bit of off camera flash and you'll be set !

 

[balloonshark]

Hey purbeast0, You pics look great. The colors look amazing!

There are tons of tutorials on websites and youtube to help you get started. Here is what CuriousMike suggested I learn in my topic.

Here's the order I'd go

1) Find a video that explains the "exposure triangle." This should explain to you what shutter speed, aperture and ISO are. It should also explain to you how they inter-relate.
2) Use #1 above and play with your camera and see the results.
3) Hammering on 1 and 2, be sure you know how to read your shutter speed in your viewfinder. Understand that when it says 1" and you're hand-holding, you're going to get a blurry photo. Understand why your camera is telling you 1". Use your learnings from 1/2 to get it to a useable shutter speed.
4) Learn about your focus systems.
4a) Understand "single" focus vs "continuous" focus.
4b) Understand why letting the camera decide where it will focus sucks donkey balls, and take control of where the focus spot is and YOU tell the camera where it will focus.

All of this information is available in a deluge of youtube and website blogs.
The key is for you to go thru the video/blog and dick with your camera.

I'm a bit of a bookmark collector and here's a few that may help. Also, some stores that sell camera gear have tutorials like Adorama.

http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/
http://www.fredmiranda.com/
http://www.dofmaster.com/