Canon Rebel T3i Review

If you are a photographer that wants to get into digital SLR photography and you have been waiting for just the right camera to come along, I have good news for you. Your wait is over. And this Canon Rebel T3i review will explain why.

Actually, the Canon T3i is neither late nor early. It is right on time! It has been almost a year to the day since the T2i was released.

And, if you have been following the Canon Rebel line, one year is about normal for the release of a new Rebel digital SLR.

The release of new Rebels is usually a reason for pomp and fanfare. But there is a kind of hush over this product release. It has not gotten the media attention of some of its predecessors, notably the T2i.

Some reviewers are scratching their heads over this news. It seems that there are features that normally get upgraded that did not in this camera.

One thing it does not have is a new sensor, and this is the biggest something that has some folks wondering. It's true that this is the first Rebel ever that has not had a larger sensor than its predecessor.

But before joining the nay-sayers, think about this - don't you think the 60D and 7D produce terrific images? The answer is a resounding "Yes", and they both have this exact same 18-megapixel sensor. This is excellent news for you, since you will be getting the same image quality as buyers of the more expensive cameras.

Here is a list of things that are the same on the Canon Rebel T3i as on the Canon Rebel T2i:

1. As already mentioned, the 18 megapixel CMOS sensor was not changed.

2. DIGIC 4 processor - nope, not changed

3. Kit lens - same 18-55mm lens

4. ISO sensitivity - still 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)

5. Video - unchanged from 1080P HD

6. Continuous shooting rate - 3.7 frames per second, just like the T2i

Wait! I can just hear you asking, "But what has changed, if anything?" Why not just get the older version and save a few bucks (because the price always goes down when the new product comes out).

Hold on to your reins, Hoss. This Canon Rebel T3i review ain't over yet!

OK, we finally get to the good stuff. Just check out the new/upgraded features that did make the cut. There is plenty to get excited about.

First - The new Rebel T3i has a vari-angle (articulating) LCD screen just like the 60D. Many photographers would give up their first-born for this, especially those who shoot lots of video.

Second - The "Green Square" is a new mode setting on the top dial. This setting allows the camera to make creative adjustments for each shot. Point and shoot camera owners may be familiar with this if they have an "Intelligent Auto" setting on their camera, because that is basically what it is. The advantage of this little setting is that if you are unsure of the right manual settings, you can let the camera make the right choices, while you enjoy the praise for a great image.

Third - Creative filters for in-camera editing . With this feature, you can convert a photo that you have already taken to a different mode without having to upload it to a computer. You can even create fish-eye effects with this new feature.

Fourth - Mode descriptions in the LCD screen . You no longer have to remember what those silly little pictures mean. Now when you select a setting, you can read a short description of that setting on the LCD screen. Gotta love this one.

Canon has taken steps to make this new Canon Rebel T3i just what the new digital DSLR owner needs.