T3i Battery Life

[swanysto]

I have been reading review after review(16 of them to be exact) trying to make up my mind between the T3i and the D5100 as a starter DSLR. From the picture and video comparisons I have seen in all these reviews, I have decided on the T3i for now. One of the things I am wondering about though is the battery. The D5100 has 50% higher capacity battery. Is that a big negative on the T3i, or should I not worry about it?

UPDATE:

So I have been also looking at the T2i based on recommendations. I found this package being sold and wondered if it was worth it. Sounds like a great deal, maybe too good to be true? Or maybe something I just don't know about it, but seems like a nice beginners package.

Canon Rebel EOS T2i digital camera (full HD 1080p, 18MP, charger, and so much more to list)
EF-S 18-135 IS Lens
EF 75-300 Lens
Mini HDMI cord
Canon Rebel T2is for Dummies How To Book
Gorilla Carrying Case

 

[twistedlogic]

Is that a big negative on the T3i, or should I not worry about it?

I wouldn't worry about it. Today's batteries are much better than just two generations ago.

I'd pick the one that feels the best in your hands or the brand that someone else you know might be using, that way you can borrow their lenses, .

 

[AkumaX]

pick what your friends have, so you can trade lenses

 

[Kaido]

The T3i is excellent. My wife is a Nikon fan and I am a Canon fan (I actually prefer Nikkor glass via adapters though, haha) - I have a T2i and LOVE it. The Canon is just so versatile, especially with low-light and video mode.

If you are really concerned about battery life, you can get a knockoff battery grip from eBay for $60 that includes 2 batteries (takes both at one time) plus a remote. My T2i lasts forever with 2 batteries, plus it acts as a vertical grip, which is really nice. I also like the added weight for stability when shooting handheld. I should note that you get pretty good battery life with stills mode on a single battery on the T2i...I only really eat up my batteries when doing video.

 

[swanysto]

Unfortunately none of my friends have a DSLR camera. I pretty much have to rely on touching the camera in store and reading reviews. I was hearing really good things about the Nikon cause of it's specs, but reading through the reviews, everyone loves the Canon. Both seemed fine with me as far as their aesthetics and feel, but obviously I cannot use them each for a bit of time so that I can figure out which setup is better for me.

I am going to Brazil(rainforest) this summer, and I really want a camera that is going to take beautiful pictures, as I would probably regret taking those with a point and shoot Nikon I have.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

Battery is not a reason to get one camera over another. Both are excellent models.

 

[Kanalua]

Both are great. Have you considered a T2i?

 

[corkyg]

Regardless of what you choose, always carry a spare battery fully charged. As for the Brazilian adventure, been there, done that (twice.) Be prepared for some serious humidity and rain showers.

 

[swanysto]

Both are great. Have you considered a T2i?

It is certainly an option at this point. I am going to do more research on it, as my research started with the T3i since it is the newer model. But if I can save a little bit of money for a similar product, I might just go that route. The refurbished T3i looks to be around $650 and the refurbished T2i looks to be around $540, is the $100 worth saving on performance?

Regardless of what you choose, always carry a spare battery fully charged. As for the Brazilian adventure, been there, done that (twice.) Be prepared for some serious humidity and rain showers.

Yeah, it will be interesting. Never been to South America before, but I am looking forward to some beautiful scenery. Have you been to Brasilia? We are staying there, but we are going to take some trips. If you have, do you have any recommendations on things to do, we are still searching for cool stuff.

 

[Scooby Doo]

The T3i is excellent. My wife is a Nikon fan and I am a Canon fan (I actually prefer Nikkor glass via adapters though, haha) -

On that note, Canon has a far wider range of vintage glass to work with, 44mm rather than 46.5mm

 

[NAC]

Definitely don't choose a camera due to the battery. As Kaido said, once you have the camera - if the battery life is insufficient buy one or more off ebay.

 

[swanysto]

Update added.

 

[Kaido]

On that note, Canon has a far wider range of vintage glass to work with, 44mm rather than 46.5mm

Definitely - I live for vintage lenses. I have some awesome 50yo+ Zeiss glass that is just phenomenal. Some of them lack full control, but I have so much fun with them I don't really care :awe: I shot this on my favorite lens of all time - 35mm Zeiss Jena: (on the T2i)

http://vimeo.com/14378607

 

[Kanalua]

I would not get the packaged you mentioned. i would stick with a T2i, 18-55mm, 55-250mm and a 50mm f/1.8. That will be a VERY useful starter lens package. I would try to find the 55-250mm on Craigslist, usually can be had for $150.