Camera recommendation

[wolfcry911]

Hoping someone can help me out. My teenage daughter is very interested in photography and would like a decent camera for Christmas. I however, know very little about the subject. I'm considering the Canon EOS Rebel T3i from B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/75...gital.html

pros? cons? recommendations?

[pRICE cUBE]

There inevitable question you need to answer is the level of interest and how many times you want to upgrade if interest continues.

So here are some things to ask yourself:

1. How much do I want to spend?
2. Will the user outgrow the capabilities of the camera?
3. If so, do you need to buy a camera with more function and therefore fancier and costlier?
4. Will other students covet and steal said fancy camera?
5. How durable does the camera need to be?
6. Do you need weather resistance?
7. Do you have legacy lenses from film cameras?

[Ken Sp.]

Does she want removable lenses?

[Uncle Wig]

Assuming you want an SLR:

Better camera than the T3i, two lenses (kit 18-55mm is better optically too), a few bucks less.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/98...amera.html

[jdc]

T3i is and oldy but a goodie.

have you considered a bundle from costco? This pentax is last years model, but still good Even comes in white... $550: There may be more deals in-store...
Pentax K-50 Weatherproof DSLR Camera 2 WR Lens Bundle
Features: 18-55mm WR Lens, 50-200mm WR Lens, Camera Bag, 16GB SD Card, Weatherproof and Rugged

http://www.costco.com/Pentax-K-50-Weathe...71823.html

Of course, many here love their Canon SX 40/50. hal has shot with both. No bulky lenses but tons of zoom and video. And would assume the SX 60 should be as good?

[wolfcry911]

Thanks for the input guys. To answer pRICE's questions:

1. How much do I want to spend?
under $600
2. Will the user outgrow the capabilities of the camera?
possibly, but it would great if she truly developed a passion for photography
3. If so, do you need to buy a camera with more function and therefore fancier and costlier?
I'll take the risk and start off with a lesser model
4. Will other students covet and steal said fancy camera?
Can't answer, but she's taken care of an iPhone and iPad without any trouble.
5. How durable does the camera need to be?
I think she'll care for it well enough.
6. Do you need weather resistance?
Not to start, maybe in the future. She will probably bring it to the beach occasionally, so perhaps it does need some...
7. Do you have legacy lenses from film cameras?
I have nothing but my iPhone

and Ken's question:
Yes, she mentioned different types of lenses.

[sekker]

My wife has a Rebel, and I have an SX50.

We both use them, but I think the SX50 makes its way out of the house more often.

For a lot of people, the SX50 and related cameras have a TON of functionality.

Depends on whether you want to take the full plunge for DSLRs and all that entails - different lenses, etc.

[AllGold]

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalo...efurbished

You could get a T3i except they're out of stock: http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalo...efurbished

The T4i is also currently out of stock but if you can find it, the T4i and T5i are almost identical cameras. It's just that with the Canon specials (which will probably be short-lived--possibly expired by Monday) the T5i costs less than the T4i.

[wolfcry911]

is the T5i better (or newer) than the T4i and the 4 better than the 3?

I'm now considering a refurbished T5i with 18-55mm lens for $509. Does anyone have any experience with Canon refurbs (are they as good as Apple refurbs)?

[Billybob]

wolfcry911 wrote:
is the T5i better (or newer) than the T4i and the 4 better than the 3?

I'm now considering a refurbished T5i with 18-55mm lens for $509. Does anyone have any experience with Canon refurbs (are they as good as Apple refurbs)?

The T5i is newer than the T4i, which is newer than the 3. The T4i has some significant upgrades to the 3, although image quality is not one of them. The T5i has minor upgrades to the T4i.

For the price, I'd jump on the 5. Refurbs can be a good value, but I'd want to know who is selling it. I'd be confident getting it from Canon or a reputable reseller like B&H or Adorama.