Which do I choose? T3I, 5D or 7D

I was in your same position a few weeks ago.... deciding which camera to buy as my first DSLR and was looking at the T3i and had some of the same concerns you had. I definitely couldn't afford a 5D and the 7D was still a reach, yet I wanted something professional and that I wouldn't want to upgrade right after I bought it.....

So I got the 60D.

- Articulating screen is a MUST...... I repeat, a MUST. The first day you're out in the sun shooting or need to get a tight shot you'll understand why.
- It's built sturdier than the T3i and the buttons, dials, etc. are laid out in a more user friendly way.
- I only paid $70 more than the T3i (T3i + kit lens: $900; 60D body + Tamron 28-80mm: $970)

It was a no-brainer and I know I made the right decision for me. Don't wait a whole other year just to get started shooting. Save up a couple of months and get the 60D... you won't regret it.
 
I am a complete noob with the DSLR. But I am not really keen on getting a starter camera since it would mean I would have to upgrade. Has anyone here jumped in feet first with a 5D or 7D?
 
Here's my input: as a t2i owner I would say consider only cameras with an articulating LCD, TRUST ME plus if you can wait 1 year then just wait for the new canon lineup that SHOULD fix all the problems in video mode and give a real HD video. Remember that all the cameras that you're considering have a processor 3y old
 
Currently have a t2i and have just got a 7D. I was really unsure about which i was going to keep but after using the 7d for a spot of photography there is no way I can go back. That viewfinder is gorgeous and the ergonomics of the camera are perfect, not to mention the AF system.

Video wise I'm sacrificing magic lantern but I'm not too fussed, it still shoots great footage at the end of the day.

I would say get a t2i and spend more on a better lens. Then you get better features and better quality!

the articulating screen is nice but an external monitor is better (which you could spend the money you save on)...
 
Umm Yeah. I dont know why the 7D is even mentioned so highly for video save for Canon trying to boost their 7D sales. When the T2i emerged, they were calling it a 7D killer. After using both for video, it pretty much is. Its the same camera (video wise) for half the price. And dont give me that dual processor nonsense. The video is the same. You can diffuse the noise in post if you turn the recommended settings down/off. I was about to buy a 7D when I heard about the T2i. I waited and got a T2i. In addition to buying a T2i (because I had money left over from my 7D fund), I got a canon 75-300, a 50mm 1.8, and a 28-135mm. Pretty nice if you ask me.
 
Personally, I think the T3i and T2i are two considerable options for someone on a budget. You probably can find the T2i for less than $600 around now, and with ML, it's the best "feature camera" in the Canon selection. However, if you don't want to hack, the T3i would be your next choice - it has all the video features of the 60d and 7D plus more, and body wise, it has the flip screen and I'd definatly purchase it with the 18-135mm kit.

However, the only negative (and I mean the only negative) to the T3i is that it doesn't have numeral white balances. It's the white balance presets of the T2i, though if you use a card anyway, this doesn't matter. And of coarse, it can't be hacked. Personally, in terms of what I use, the lack of a flip screen KILLS me in my practicing and shooting, so I'd personally go with the T3i if you're in a learner stage. The 7D and up is really built more for studio set work or extreme terrain, IMO.
 
I had a t2i, now have the 7d. It's a much better camera. No overheating, better ergonomics (battery door properly placed to remove on tripod for example). It's a pro camera. But ifyou just want to dip your toe into videotaping, the t2i is cheap! I'd likely look at the gh2 as well.
 
I don't think anyone's mentioned the lack of a white balance button on the 60D, which is another reason to go for the 7D.
 
8string said:
I had a t2i, now have the 7d. It's a much better camera. No overheating, better ergonomics (battery door properly placed to remove on tripod for example). It's a pro camera. But ifyou just want to dip your toe into videotaping, the t2i is cheap! I'd likely look at the gh2 as well.
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That's interesting, because I'm under the complete OPPOSITE impression as far as overheating. The 7D has dual processors, which is why its the only Canon DSLR currently that can send live HDMI out to an external monitor in HD while filming at the same time (all others downres to SD as soon as you hit record- the single chip design apparently isn't strong enough to handle both).

The dual chip design has cons, mostly overheating. I've heard far more users complain about 7D overheating, while the same users claim their T2i and 60D never do. I did a shoot recently on my t2i, filmed for almost an hour with a lot of hot lights (using magic lantern to autostart when it stopped for the 4GB limit), and not a single overheat warning.

Are you sure you're not confusing the overheat icon with the buffer speed one? They both cause the camera to stop prematurely, only the buffer icon is very easily fixed.

Also, the lack of Magic Lantern is a deal breaker for me personally- the design of the camera makes ML development nearly impossible, despite 5D, t2i, and soon 60D users loving it.
I love the suite of video-centric features it adds, and rely on it for my workflow. I understand that many people prefer the 7D because of the live HD out feature (good for working with a large crew who want to see what the camera sees), and the better build quality and protection from the elements (which actually requires Canon only lenses I think, otherwise you don't get a proper seal), but for everyone else I would strongly recommend a good look at the t2i, and soon the 60D (when a1ex finishes porting ML over).
 
M. Gilden said:
That's interesting, because I'm under the complete OPPOSITE impression as far as overheating. The 7D has dual processors, which is why its the only Canon DSLR currently that can send live HDMI out to an external monitor in HD while filming at the same time (all others downres to SD as soon as you hit record- the single chip design apparently isn't strong enough to handle both).
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I've never experienced an overheat on my 7D. Shoot in SoCal when it's hot and outside for long durations. I did get overheating problems with the T2i before I moved onto the 7D. Just my real world experience.
 
Foster Kane said:
If I save for a couple of more months, I could pick up a T3I. However if I wait a couple of more months, actually make it almost a year, I could stretch getting a 7D or 5D.

Money is always an issue but the ability to use this equipment is also an issue.

I have never used a DSLR in my life. I have tested them out a stores but I have shot footage with them. I have been told that the T3I is a great starter camera for beginners which is good for me. But I think they I will have to upgrade after learning how and using the T3I.

Should I just go for the 5D or 7D? Why buy two cameras when I can get one?
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If video and you are on a budget then T3i. If stills only then 7D, however Nikon D7000 would be better. If you need to take wide angled shots then 5D. If you want your video to have a unique look then 5D.

However there was no mention of 60D. If you want reliability then 60D since it does not overheat.

Keep in mind that the T3i and 60D both have a flip LCD screen which allows for better angle shooting as well as manual audio control so you can attach an XLR pre-amp
 
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