I bought this camera for Christmas 2012. So far I am quite impressed. This is my first Digital SLR (I shot 35mm SLR, and Digital Mirror-less prior). I purchased this over the Nikon D5100. The Nikon does produce less noise at higher ISO's, than the T3i does, but I don't generally shoot fast and/or night action, so It hasn't been a problem for me yet. Auto-focus is quite quick and intuitive. I actually prefer Nikons focus-point layout better, but the T3i seems to be a bit faster auto-focusing, and the view-finder is far superior I think. Unfortunately there is no continous auto-focus for video on the T3i. The D5100 does auto-focus in video mode, but it is quite sluggish at best. I have a dedicated video camera, and when shooting video with the T3i, I prefer a manual follow-focus anyways. So no major points lost there as far as I'm concerned. Both cameras have great LCD's. However the T3i does not crop the image unless you are shooting specific formats. Otherwise it maintains 3:2 aspect-ratio full-screen. The Nikon D5100 crops the image in the LCD and uses the border for camera info, whereas the T3i has the information overlayed on the image (and can be toggled on/off with live-view Hstograms, which makes setting exposure quick and easy). Video quality is quite good. Shoots 1080P at 30/25/24fps, and 720p at 60fps (no 720p at 30fps though). Again, no auto-focus, but for those serious about shooting film with the T3i, there is an excellent freeware operating system available online called Magic Lantern (I neither endorse nor condone). It offers a host of upgraded video features such as HDR Video, Custom frame-rates (720p at 30fps after-all), video effects, and zoom options, plus extended ISO range, Shutter speeds, intervalometer, and bracketing features for HDR, among a thousand other features. I got my T3i with the 18-55mm Kit lens, and 55-250mm zoom lens. Both do a good job considering their relatively inexpensive price. Serious photgraphers/videographers will want to upgrade the lenses for sure. Canon makes a great little 50mm F/1.8 for right around $100, which is great for video. But these 2 lenses are really good all-around "Bread and Butter" kind of lenses, that will allow everyone the ability to learn and hone their skills. My only real gripe is the 18-55mm doesn't have a dedicated rubber focus ring on the lense body like the 55-250mm does. But rather, is located at the very front of the lense, is thin and plastic, and somewhat recessed in comparison to the main body, which makes it somewhat elusive when reaching for it in a hurry. The T3i features both IR remote, and Wireless flash control as well. Overall I am happy going with the T3i. It really is just "Apples and Oranges" when trying to compare it to the Nikon D5100. In the end what really sold me was: - The grip felt better in my hand (I have big hands) - The menus and infromation onscreen, are far more intuitive - The controls seemed better layed out to me - Histograms available in live-view (Nikon D5100 only has in image review) - A relatively cheap upgrade to a fast 50mm lense (of course there's always the Canon L series ;) I would recommend this camera to everyone!!!

This Canon T3i Rebel EOS camera is considered a great camera for entry level DSLRs'. I couldn't agree more but, I think your getting much more. Although this is my first DSLR camera, in my opinion it has all the bells and whistles anyone especially a beginner could ever want. For example the ability to fire off camera speed lights. I love this function as I am going to start taking Portaits. Use your T3i for a Master and get one or two speed lights for slave units and your in business. The battery life is exceptional too. I did however buy an extra battery as backup. This camera has all the "easy" features if your not comfortable with setting your camera yourself but I as many others suggest you start in "manual" and get to know all about ISO, Apature, and shutter speed. When I bought mine it came with two kit lens' the 18X55 and the 75X300 zoom lens. Both are great lens' but I quickly started purchasing additional ones to get more versatility. Don't be spooked with this because lens' can be very expensive, there are some that are very affordable. Everything you get with your T3i kit will get you up and going like a professional. If your thinking of upgrading to a very nice DSLR then, I recommend this Camera.I am completely satisfied and don't intend on upgrading my T3i for a very long time. Hope this helps you on your decision to go DSLR. Happy Shooting. Oh yes, if you like to Post Process, I recommend Light room 4. Great software for the money. It has a feature on it that can pretty much eliminate "any" noise from high ISO setting. I love it.

This camera works so well, I'm astonished at how amazing the pictures came out. This camera is simplistic and user friendly and also has great picture quality. For the price, this camera couldnt be better! No need to look into the more exspensive rebel models when this one works exceptionally well. Also if you go for this camera, or any camera, ALWAYS ASK ABOUT PRICE MATCHING or anything else you're buying for that matter. Trust me, it saved me hundreds and I was able to get a couple extra lenses an extra battery and a bag for an incredible low price.

I needed a camera that could shoot quality video for pro-sumer use but did not want to spend the full frame prices for a camera such as the 5DMkiii. We use a 7D, a lot but needed a backup that could go solo if it had to. Our previous format was with P2 cards on an HVX200 which takes amazing video, along with 35mm DOF adapter and can run literally all day without stopping as long as you have the memory cards, but, it is very poor in low light situations. This is another reason the t3i came into play. Video requires manual focus and I have a set of AIS Nikon prime lenses that look fantastic through the canon sensor. The low aperture rates also help. This combo is great for low light video. Must have an F mount to EOS adapter. Overall the camera has been good. I have encountered it automatically shutting down while shooting video, and well before the 4 gig max on class 10 SDHC cards. Picture controls are easy to get to and or navigate through.

This is my first DSLR camera, I've been wanting to buy one for a long time and canon was always on my mind. The T3i is a great purchase, I do not regret any cent. It is easy to use, great for beginners but also for more experienced photographers. The image quality is very good and you will be amazed with how creative you can get with this camera. The movie mode is a great plus.