So, I really need to stop putting off getting a semi-pro camera for taking pictures for this here website thingy. My 8mp Camera phone is good, but not good enough. It's going to come out of C&G's budget and I might put up a donation screen for those who wish to help out.

Any of you Camera experts see anything promising in either of these lists?

http://www.costco.com/Common/Category.aspx?ec=BC-EC10604-Cat83&pos=0&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=87150&eCat=BC|90607|83|87150&lang=en-US

http://www.target.com/c/digital-slr-cameras-camcorders-electronics/-/N-5xtem

I think the Canon T3 from Target is a good bet: http://www.target.co...c_qi_detaillink

The camera is well reviewed and has excellent image quality. But the price isn't anything special.

However, I think going the used route may be a better option for semi-pro stuff. I've taken high-speed, sports pictures with a 6.1MP Pentax DSLR from 2005 and the quality between it and my more modern Canon T1i is negligable. The money on the camera body can go towards good glass.

This would be a very good pick: http://www.ebay.com/...=item4604816c65

Under 400 shutter actuations, so it's barely used. It doesn't have a lens. But, you can find a nice multipurpose Canon or third-party (Tamron or Sigma) lens. Also, a macro lens that lets you take extreme 1:1 close-ups of dash materials, switchgear, detailing, stitching, etc. would be beneficial.

http://thethrottle.t...macro-pictures/

I am a Cannon fan, never liked the Nikon layout of controls. While the 60D is a solid semi-pro setup, I got for my son since he needed it for college, the last model version that this Cannon replaced and I have to say I am very impressed with the images and Costco has a great return policy if you end up not liking it.

Canon

Rebel T3i DSLR Camera with 18-55mm IS II Lens + 55-250mm IS II Lens Bundle with 8GB Class 10 SDHC Card,Canon Rebel Gadget Bag,Mini-HDMI Cable, & Tutorial DVD

Item # 652089

$100 OFF and Free Shipping

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11760020&whse=BC&topnav=&cm_sp=RichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory&cm_vc=categorypageHorizontalTop|PopularProductsInCategory

This is a great package for using at auto shows and for being out and about. This would be my recommendation.

Edited June 15, 201213 yr by dfelt

Same model at costco but with an additional lens for $872?

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11760020&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=87150&b=1&lang=en-US

Same model at costco but with an additional lens for $872?

http://www.costco.co...&b=1&lang=en-US

I would for that price take the costco package of two lens and their support over Target.

Drew,

For your needs the T3i and those two lenses will be an excellent set up. It can even take video and has the same sensor, as my 7D.

Anyone wishing to help out. http://www.cheersandgears.com/donate/

$1.00 - $10.00 will get you 60 days of premium subscription (ad free surfing on C&G)

$11.00 - $30.00 will get you 360 days of premium subscription

$31.00 + will get you 720 days of premium subscription

If you are already a member of a special group (editor, moderator) on C&G, PM me for your status upgrade as you can't be upgraded automatically.

I'll donate to your camera fund if you donate to mine.

With black in just a few days, anyone spot any spectacular deals out there on one of these?

Target.com

$499.99 Store Price

CANON BUNDLE

$499.99

ONLY AT TARGET! TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS INCLUDED. $749.99 TOTAL BUNDLE VALUE! Includes Rebel T3 digital SLR camera, 18-55mm lens, 75-300mm zoom lens, 4GB SDHC card and Canon DSLR bag.

plus, with my target card, I get another 5% off.

Not bad, although the 75-300 isn't the greatest lens. You're better off with the 50-250mm.

The T3 takes nice photos, but it's basic. Based on the price adjustments I've seen on the T4i, you might get a good deal on that model with the excellent 18-135mm lens that takes great shots and is optimal for capturing HD video

GREAT DEALS with Full Warranty on Refurb Cannon cameras here:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/subCategory_10051_10051_-1_29252

Amazon also has some of these even cheaper here. Wonder how that happens:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=canon+refurbished+cameras

Enjoy

If going the Canon refurb route, check this out:

http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10051_10051_227015_-1

The T1i has better everything over the T3. For $358, it's an incredible price!

The next step up, the T2i, has a slightly better sensor which lets it shoot low-light images slightly better. Also it does HD at a higher FPS, but neither warrant a $90 increase.

What? A T1i is better than a T3? I know nothing about all of these camera thingys

Canon's naming-scheme sucks.

Essentially, the T1i has a much larger sensor, higher-res screen, shoots 1080 as opposed to the T3's 720 and slightly better image quality. Also, the sensor is self-cleaning, which is a neat little bonus.

I do own a T1i, and I will say that it can be a little noisy when it comes to shutter sound and auto-focusing. But that's nothing to be worried about. The HD video is 21fps which is a little weird, but it looks fine for even semi-pro use. Also, the LCD screen is fixed in place - some people like one that can pop out and rotate.

Again, 358 for a body and lens is incredible for what you get.