When suggesting to a customer that a DSLR might fit their
needs better than the Point-and-Shoot camera they were considering I often
times here things like “I wouldn’t know how to use a DSLR”, or “That’s more
than I wanted to spend”. I can certainly understand both points given the cost
of even an entry level DSLR, and the historically complex nature of film SLRs.
Although the price point of a modern DSLR might still be a valid concern for
many customers, almost every modern DSLR is just as easy to use as a
Point-and-Shoot camera.
Canon has recently announced the T3i Advanced Entry-Level
DSLR that does a number of things to alleviate the concerns that a DSLR would
be too difficult to use. The T3i has two new features that help make it the
very easy to use.
The first feature is a take on their Fully Automatic
mode, featured in previous models, called Scene Intelligent Mode. Canon states
that this mode takes into account the scene’s faces, colors, brightness, movement, contrast,
and then automatically sets the camera to capture the best looking image. I tried
out this mode, and it works very well compared with my Canon 7D in full Auto
mode.
After using SLR film cameras for fifteen years I finally made the switch
to digital, and I wish this second feature had been available on my first DSLR.
The second feature, included to assist newcomers to DSLR cameras, is the
Feature Guide; this feature offers short descriptions of each setting selected (along
with advice on how to use the selected setting).
I don’t want to imply that the T3i is just for beginners,
and in fact in many ways it is just as advanced as the Canon 60D. The screen on
the T3i is one of the best screens I have ever used, and in fact has the highest
resolution to date on a Canon DSLR. Like the Canon 60D the screen is
articulated allowing the user to view the LCD screen at many different angles.
The articulated LCD is very handy when shooting video footage.
This Camera also use the Digic 4 processor ensuring fast
image capture, has the ability to capture RAW and Jpeg files simultaneously, and
has the ability to capture images at the rate of 3.7 frames-per-second (great
for sports and fast moving subjects).
Speaking of the video capabilities of this camera I can
honestly say that Canon continues to lead the market when it comes to DSLRs
that also capture video, and the T3i affirms their dedication to this feature
on their DSLRs. The camera shoots full 1080p footage in 30/25/24 frame per
second rate, and allows the user full manual control of the exposure while
shooting. This camera is more advanced than almost any consumer level
camcorder, and if you combine the price of a Point-and-Shoot camera with the
price of a mid-level consumer camcorder you are coming very close to the price
of this camera.
This camera kit comes with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
that has image stabilization. This lenses image stabilization is optical
stabilization, and should provide sharper images at slower shutter speeds. This
lens is Canon’s entry-level zoom, and I would consider upgrading to higher
quality lenses if you do end up purchasing this camera kit.
There are many of features to the Canon T3i that could be
mentioned, but the ones above I feel are the features that really distinguish
it from its predecessor in Canon’s line-up the Canon T2i. We recently did an un-boxing
of the Canon T3i kit, and I encourage everyone interested in this camera to
watch this. In my opinion this is a great addition to Canon’s DSLR lineup, and
if you do decide to give it a try the new features of this camera will have you
taking great images (or videos) in a flash!
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Karina-BBY
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