Canon EOS Rebel T3i/ Canon EOS 600D (EU)/Canon EOS Kiss X5 (JPN)
Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera (Canon EOS 600D/EOS Kiss X5), released in February 2011, is a compact, lightweight Digital SLR Camera that makes photo shooting exciting and fun. Creative images are easier to achieve than ever. Canon EOS Rebel T3i is perfect choice for beginners as well as someone who is looking for a combination of outstanding image quality and ease-of-use. Each key setting has been described in camera’s Feature Guide and it helps you to learn more about the EOS Rebel T3i camera every time you use it.
Rebel T3i comes with 18 megapixels and expandable ISO for shooting from bright to dim light
The EOS Rebel T3i Digital Camera comes with an 18 Mega-pixel sensor that catches images with outstanding clearness and tonal range while offering plenty of resolution for large enlargements or crops.
The Canon EOS Rebel T3i Camera features an extended ISO selection which enables picture taking feasible in conditions earlier impossible with no flash. By having an ISO rating up to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12800), combined with the DIGIC 4 Image Processor's improved noise-reduction technology, innovative options are numerous.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i provides Full HD Movie function
The EOS Rebel T3i provides the improved ease-of-use picture quality, smooth frame rates and flexible exposure
compensation required within a professional video-making device by offering one of the most sophisticated EOS video recording functions up to now. While using the Video Snapshot function, the EOS Rebel T3i DSLR will capture short video clips, and then mix them instantly into a single video file like a snapshot or highlights “album”. Without the need of modifying required after shooting, the produced video clip is great for sharing online or showing directly on an HDTV through the Rebel T3i camera’s HDMI port.
Rebel T3i contains 3.-inch Clear View LCD monitor and New Feature Guide
The EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR
Camera contains a brilliant,
high resolution, flip-out Vari-angle 3.-inch Clear View LCD monitor for
shooting at a range of perspectives. Just by turning the monitor, you are able
to hold the camera directly overhead for above-the-crowd photos at events, or
hold the camera at a lower perspective for children and pets.
New Feature Guide provides brief information of every function and Quick Control display for simple function. Showing up on the camera’s LCD, the Feature Guide shows a fairly easy explanation or assistance for that particular function.
Canon EOS Rebel T3i's Compatibility with memory cards and Canon lenses
The EOS Rebel T3i Digital Camera uses common SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Small, affordable and easily obtainable in significantly big capacities, In addition, the EOS Rebel T3i is compatible with Eye-Fi SD cards, that are equipped with a Wi-Fi transmitter as well as an inside antenna for wireless, high-speed transport of photos directly from the camera.
The EOS Rebel T3i works with all Canon lenses within the EF collection, such as small and light-weight EF-S lenses, which range from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses.
Rebel T3i and Flash Photography
The Canon Speedlite 430EX II is the perfect step-up accessory for effective flash shooting with the EOS Rebel T3i. It offers outstanding flash power and is a brilliant way to have excellent flash photos whenever you can't get right up to the subject. 430EX II contains an effective AF-assist beam that allows the EOS Rebel T3i digital camera to auto-focus even in complete darkness on subjects so far as 32 ft. from the camera.
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| Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D Digital Field Guide | Canon EOS Rebel T3i/600D From Snapshots to Great Shots | Canon Speedlite System Digital Field Guide |
What Others Are Saying about Canon EOS T3i Digital SLR Camera…
Canon EOS Rebel T3i has received excellent reviews from actual users with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon website
- “Canon Rebel T3i takes the consumer level dSLR a couple steps closer to the mid-level Canon 60D”
- “The auto mode is highly forgiving, taking fantastically sharp images, true to color.”
- “It uses normal SD cards, no need for the expensive CF flash cards”
- "This SLR is everything the beginning or experienced camera buff could want"
- "I am absolutely blown away by the quality"
- "The Canon T3i comes with the best lens in the market"
- "Big pros for me are: It's lightweight, it's fast and the auto focus is almost perfect everytime"
The best place for reviews from people who actually use the Canon EOS Rebel T3i is Amazon.
Click here to read more reviews
Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera comes with
- EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II Lens
Software
- Zoom Browser EX / ImageBrowser
- Digital Photo Professional (Windows / Mac)
- PhotoStitch
- EOS Utility (inc. Remote Capture; Windows & Mac except Mac Intel)
- Picture Style Editor
(Canon EOS Rebel T3i is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.)
| Model: | Rebel T3i Kit |
| Released: | 2011/Q1 |
| Optical Sensor Resolution: | 18 MP |
| Optical Sensor Technology: | CMOS |
| Image Processor: | DIGIC 4 |
| Optical zoom: | 3x |
| Maximum Aperture Range: | f/3.5-5.6 |
| Minimum focal length: | 18 mm |
| Maximum focal length: | 55 mm |
| Lens Type: | Zoom Lens |
| Optical Sensor Size: | 14.9 x 22.3 mm |
| Dust Deletion Filter: | Yes |
| Included Flash Type: | Pop-Up Flash |
| Display Size: | 3.0 |
| Light Sensitivity: | ISO 12800, ISO 100-6400, ISO Auto (100-6400) |
| Image types: | JPEG, RAW |
| Color Space: | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Exposure Control Type: | Landscape, Portrait, Action, Close-Up, Night Scene |
| Viewfinder Type: | Optical |
| Continuous Shooting Speed: | 3.7 frames per second |
| Focusing: | Manual Focus, Auto Focus |
| Width: | 5.2 inches (133.1 mm) |
| Depth: | 3.1 inches (79.7 mm) |
| Height: | 3.9 inches (99.5 mm) |
| Weight: | 1.26 pounds (570 g) |
The Canon Rebel T3i takes the consumer level dSLR a couple steps closer to the mid-level Canon 60D with the addition of the rotating rear LCD screen, remote flash firing, and in-camera processing features. The already highly competent, older Rebel T2i already shared many important features with the 60D (and even features of the semi-pro 7D) including the 18 MP sensor, 63-zone exposure metering system, high ISO performance, HD movie capabilities, and Digic 4 image processor. With these new upgrades, it might make it even more difficult to choose between them. But there are some important differences.
If you are considering the Rebel T3i vs T2i, the Rebel T3i is replacing the T2i. Since both cameras share the same 18 megapixel sensor and Digic 4 processor, both the T2i and T3i will create images with exactly the same image quality, produce the same low light/ high ISO performance, shoot at 3.7 frames per second, and have nearly the same size and build quality. They are both offered with the same 18-55mm kit lens (with some minor cosmetic differences on the new T3i kit lens). The T3i is very slightly larger and heavier due to the addition of the rotating rear LCD monitor. And that is one of the biggest differences between the two cameras. Do you want and need a vari-angle rear screen or not? The other major difference is the ability of the T3i to remotely control multiple off-camera flashes. Like the 60D and 7D, you can use the built-in flash of the T3i to trigger other Canon Speedlites. Some other minor additions to the T3i include the Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, which is a feature borrowed from point and shoot cameras. When in Auto mode, the T3i will make a determination of what type of scene you are shooting – close-up, portrait, landscape, etc. – and automatically configure the camera settings accordingly. However, if you want to use a powerful and costly digital SLR as a point and shoot, you should probably save the money and just buy a nice, high quality point and shoot like the Canon S95. Other additional but not essential upgrades include the in-camera processing Creative Filters, and the ability to choose different image size ratios and to rate your images. (Helpful hint: press the Q Button while in image playback and you can access features like rating, rotating, and Creative Filters.) There is also a marginally helpful Feature Guide which gives brief descriptions of various settings and some additional video features like Video Snapshot, which you can use to shoot short video clips that are automatically joined together into a video, with music.
Canon Rebel T3i vs. 60D vs. 7D
Sensor and Image Quality: All three cameras share a very similar sensor and 18 megapixels, and so their image quality will be virtually the same. All are capable of taking professional quality images.
Exposure Metering: The three cameras all share the latest 63-zone, dual-layer exposure metering system and 4 metering modes. That means they will all determine the exposure virtually identically and enable you to take properly exposed photos in most every situation, including difficult back-lit scenes. The size of the areas metered for Partial and Spot metering vary slightly between the cameras, but that isn’t anything critical.
Autofocus: The T3i shares a similar autofocus system to the 60D, with 9 focus points and three auto focusing modes. However the 9 AF points of the 60D are more sensitive than those of the T3i: all are cross-type in the 60D, only the center is cross-type in the T3i. The 60D autofocus system is much less complex than the sophisticated AF system of the 7D with its 19 AF point system and its additional Zone, Spot, and Expansion focus modes. These various modes address how you want to deal with and group the numerous AF points. Plus the custom settings of the 7D allow one to customize how the AF system works – how it tracks subjects, how it deals with objects that come between you and your initial subject, how quickly it responds to these changes of possible subjects that are at different distances from you, etc. However, if you are not an avid sports photographer, a wildlife shooter, or someone who understands, needs, and will use the elaborate features of the 7D AF system, then this shouldn’t sway you.
Construction: As you can probably figure out from the prices, each camera is not built the same. The T3i has relatively strong construction of a stainless steel frame with polycarbonate body. The 60D has a stronger and lighter aluminum frame and polycarbonate body, but not as strong as the 7D’s magnesium alloy construction. The 60D also has some amount of weather sealing – more than the T3i, less than the 7D. But for most users, including even those using the camera daily or in travel situations, the construction of any of these cameras is far more than good enough, strong enough, and durable enough.
ISO: Since they all share a very similar sensor, the ISO sensitivity and performance at high ISO settings is virtually the same for these three cameras. But don’t take my word for it, don’t be swayed by pixel peepers on forums, instead check out the camera sensor tests at dxomark to verify this. As you can see, they all share the exact same overall score, and show very similar performance.
Controls: As with construction, the buttons and controls vary with these cameras. Unlike the T3i, the 60D and 7D have nearly every control an advanced photographer needs on the exterior of the camera and they also have the top LCD panel and rear Quick Control Dial that are not on the T3i. With all the cameras, any controls can also be easily accessed with the Q Button and Q Menu or in the other menus on the rear LCD monitor. The top buttons of the 60D set only one setting each, so this is less complicated than the multiple-setting buttons of the 7D. Canon has removed the white balance (WB) button on the 60D that the 7D has, but that isn’t a big deal – use the Q Menu. Another change on the 60D is that the Multi-controller has been moved from the thumb joystick like the 7D and 50D and placed in the middle of the rear Quick-control dial. This doesn’t change how it functions, and should just be a matter of getting used to the difference. If you plan on using your camera on Auto or Program most of the time, then the controls of the T3i are more than sufficient for your needs. If you work in Av, Tv, or M modes and need quicker and more direct access to your controls and the additional top LCD screen to view and change your current settings, then you need to consider the 60D or 7D over the T3i.
Menus and Custom Functions: These allow for greater control over customizing how the camera functions. The T3i has less Menu and Custom Function setting options than the 60D, and the 7D has yet a few more than the 60D. These settings enable you to customize the operation, function, and controls to work how you want them to, including things like exposure increments, peripheral illuminations correction for lenses (fixes dark corners), tweaking how the autofocus system operates, setting more precise white balance settings, and customizing which button does what. There are ebooks such as my Canon T3i Experience – The Still Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation With the Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D and Your World 60D – The Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon 60D which walk you through all of the Menu settings and Custom Function settings so that you can set up your camera to work best for how you photograph, and also begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR camera.
Wireless Flash: Like the 7D and 60D, the T3i incorporates wireless flash triggering. This allows you to trigger multiple off camera flashes at different output levels. The T2i does not have this feature.
Articulating LCD Screen: The big new feature that the 60D and T3i have that the 7D and T2i do not is the articulating rear LCD screen. This may prove useful for videographers, as well as for setting up compositions while the camera is on a tripod, for macro use, or for using it from unusually low or high vantage points. Some users will be able to avoid buying an expensive angle finder because of this feature. There is also an electronic level in the 7D and 60D, visible in the viewfinder, rear LCD, or top LCD.
Viewfinder: The T3i has a pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage of the actual resulting image. The 60D has a large, bright pentaprism viewfinder with 96% coverage, not quite as nice as the nearly 100% view of the 7D pentaprism.
Processor: The T3i shares the same Digic 4 processor as the 60D. The 7D has dual Digic 4 processors. However, if you don’t need to shoot dozens of continuous images, you probably won’t notice any processing speed issues.
Continuous Shooting Speed: The T3i can shoot 3.7 frames per second. The 7D can shoot a blazing 8 frames per second, in which the photos barely change from frame to frame. The 60D can shoot a respectable 5.3 fps which is actually a more useful rate. If you need the extremely high fps for sports, wildlife, or other action shooting, get the 7D. If not, don’t be swayed by this excessive feature.
Memory Card: The T3i and 60D use the SD memory card. The 7D uses the CF card.
Battery: The T3i and T2i use the smaller LP-E8 battery with less capacity than the LP-E6 battery used by the 60D and 7D.
Size and Weight: The T3i is smaller and lighter than the 60D, which in turn is smaller and lighter than the 7D. Go to a store and hold them to get a better feel for their size, weight, and feel. The 60D and 7D “feel” like the more substantial cameras that they are. A nice improvement of the T3i is that its hand grip area has been modified, and has a different feel than that of the T2i – the area where the thumb rests is contoured differently and has a nice channel for the thumb, which allows for a much more secure one-hand-grip of the camera.
AF Microadjustment: The 7D has this feature, the 60D and T3i and T2i do not. This allows you to adjust the focus of each of your lenses in case any of them are slightly front-focusing or back-focusing.
Locking Mode Dial: This is a new feature for a Canon dSLR, only on the 60D, that keeps the Mode dial from accidentally rotating. A nice touch.
Full HD video: Of course they all offer this capability. Note that this is not video for your kids’ parties and soccer games. It does not have continuous autofocus while shooting, as a camcorder does. It is not designed for that kind of use, but rather for serious videographers who typically manually focus. You can adjust autofocus while shooting by pressing the shutter button or the AF button, but it may have a less than desired looking result and unless you are using an external microphone, the autofocusing sound will be picked up. The T3i has the digital zoom feature in video, which allows for nice smooth zooms while filming.
Flash Sync: the 60D and T3i do not have a PC sync flash socket to plug in PC sync cords for off camera flash use. The 7D has this. However, they all offer wireless remote flash capability with the built in flash as a commander.
Ease of operation: While beginners may find all the buttons, controls, and menus of any dSLR difficult and confusing at first, the menus and controls of the T3i and T2i are pretty basic and simple to learn for a dedicated user. The additional controls and menus of the 7D and 60D are all quite intelligently designed, intuitive, and straightforward for the more advanced user. Again, have a look at helpful guides such as my Canon T3i Experience – The Still Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation With the Canon Rebel T3i / EOS 600D and Your World 60D – The Photographer’s Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Canon 60D to begin to learn to master all the advanced features, settings, and controls of these powerful dSLR cameras.
I am a Nikon owner for years now trying to switch to Canon. After receiving this camera for a few days, I can now give a list of the differences between this T3i and the Nikon counterpart D5100.
1. T3i has 4 buttons on the back defined to be used to control “AF”, “White Balance”, “Drive Mode”, and “Picture Control”, plus a dedicated ISO button on the shoulder, and a focus point selector on the top right corner of the back, which is great, and also the main reason I am trying to switch to Canon. For D5100, you have to go deep into the menu.
2. T3i can trigger external flash, D5100 can’t.
3. T3i has White Balance Shifts with the Custom White Balance, Nikon D5100 Customer White Balance is a one shot setup.
4. T3i’s image quality seems to be a little better than D5100. Especially the LCD is brighter and looks great.
5. T3i can work with any Canon lens, D5100 only works with AF-S lenses due to the lack of a body motor.
6. D5100 has Distortion Control, before and after shoot, T3i doesn’t.
7. D5100 has Color Balance adjustment after shot, T3i doesn’t.
8. D5100 has Straighten feature, T3i doesn’t.
9. D5100 has Perspective adjustment, T3i doesn’t.
10. D5100 makes smarter decision when shoot in P, A, S modes, while T3i frequently make you shoot in a wired combination like “1/320, ISO3200, f22″…
Common issues:
1. When in bright sunlight, both tend to produce yellowish images, that’s more like a common issue of CMOS sensor. I have never had a problem with CCD cameras, but I have experienced the same issue with all the CMOS cameras including Nikon D7000, Nikon D90, Nikon D300s.
2. Live Mode focuses very slow on both (Nikon is slightly better).
* The 18-135 lens is a pretty sharp IS lens, the IS works as well as Nikon’s VR does. However, this 18-135 is only like 20-135, compared to the Nikon 18-200 VR.
Overall, both of them are good entry level cameras. T3i will be a better choice for a more advanced user.
Update on July 13, 2011:
11. D5100′s battery lasts much longer, almost 50% longer. T3i’s battery is small and looks cheap.
12. T3i’s White Balance Bracketing is both ways. D5100 is only for Amber and Blue.
13. D5100 has HDR feature which sometimes maybe useful.
14. D5100′s power switch is located in a perfect position. T3i’s is a little awkward.
Video reviews to come! This body is rock solid and worthy of purchase for ANY and ALL people entering or needing an advanced DSLR camera. I purchased the body only – I have several lenses from my previous Canons which are NOT currently ‘IS’ lenses. I’ve been shooting people, places and other things for more than 45 years and LOVE this camera. It’s extremely mobile. I can just flip open my tripod lock and GO! My only issue with the T3i concerns the GRID functions. These work only in LIVE VIEW MODE (as I’ve found so far). As soon as you move up to manual for full control, you lose the grid (I use the 3×3), which helps me set my composition. Yes, I can use my eye to place an imaginary grid in the viewfinder, but WHY when one is readily available.
With my additions on the camera already, video/image reviews will be plentiful. As I learn new tricks and shortcuts, I’ll inform the public so they too can enjoy ALL of the features of this outstanding camera. The articulating screen wasn’t necessary, yet it IS what made me choose this model over the T2i. The prices were just too close to pass it up. I’ll be adding more T3i and T2i cameras to my photo biz in the coming months, as well as trying out the ‘IS’ lenses. This camera is very tight on power consumption and has extreme accuracy when you set it for pinpoint focusing as I do for model and portrait photography work. The macro features are also on par with its more advanced (and WAY higher priced), big brothers to this camera. Now, the 18.1MP sensor…..WOW! The image sizes of the CMOS sensor allow me great latitude in adjusting and tweaking my RAW images anytime I wish to be creative. If you are just starting out, are bored with the out of date “point-n-shoot,” want to upgrade your digital cams, or you want to move from film to digital, the T3i will not disappoint. It’s an excellent camera for ANY level of photographer – beginner or experienced pro, this camera really shines. Oh, and the video…..It’s 1080p HD, nothing more needs to be said. Canon, you’ve been ROCKIN’ my images for years!!!! Stay cool and keep up the great work. Dr. C, Photographic Adventures, Ltd – I’m outta here and back to taking pics!!!
I bought the T2i first, then decided to upgrade to the T3i. For a period of two weeks, I had both cameras in my possession, so I could make a direct comparison, and decided hands-down that the T2i is the one I will keep. Why? The T2i is FAST. I shoot my toddler in continuous mode, and the camera delivers the 3.7 fps it’s supposed to. It makes a huge difference…
I have owned a T1i and a T2i which I used for semi-professional family shoots. I recently upgraded to the 60D and honestly was extremely surprised at the big upgrade it is from the T2i. For advanced users, it is more than worth the extra cash. It fits in my hand much better and the controls are easier to access. When using my 50mm 1.4 the 60D focuses much more accurately than my T2i does. I was having a lot of problem with the T2i front focusing, but the 60D has been spot on. I am also very pleased with how it handles my indoor lighting. Shots with my T2i usually turned out yellow when on auto-whitebalance, but the 60D seem to produce much better indoor color. Another surprise was how quiet the shutter mechanism is. It is much softer than the T2i which will be very nice with the wedding shoots I have coming up. There are so many more advanced options in the menus than you get on a Rebel. Another surprise for me was that it has ISO increments in 1/3 stops. For people considering taking the photography to the next level, I couldn’t recommend this product any higher.