Canon 60D - 5 Top Reason To Buy

Buying a Canon 60D will place you in one of the most satisfied photography groups in history. Who would have thought this possible when this camera was first announced? There was so much controversy over its design.

The main focus of the dissent was that the 60D was not an upgrade of the 50D due to a couple of factors. First, it is made of high grade plastic rather than magnesium alloy metal. And the second reason is that there was no new image processor or sensor.

That controversy is now history, and buyers are snatching the newest Canon mid-range DSLR off the shelves and proclaiming their praise and satisfaction. The evidence of this can be seen at online stores such as B & H Photo and Amazon where buyers have recorded their feelings.

Here are the top 5 reasons that make current Canon 60D owners happy with their purchase:

1. Good Image Quality - It's true, the image sensor and processor are not new. However these two elements are so well designed that they are also featured in the 7d and T3i. All of these cameras are turning out superior quality images that make photographers happy with their digital SLRs.

2. Ease of Use - Many of the controls have been simplified compared to those on the 50D, and most buttons now have a single purpose rather than dual purposes. There is also a Quick Control dial on the rear of the camera to make selecting common functions much easier.

3. Tilt/Swivel LCD - The new fully articulated LCD is perhaps the one thing that every expert agreed upon as a major plus at the time this camera was introduced. Everyone loves it.

4. Large Clear LCD - The LCD resolution and clarity has been improved over the 50D. One of the best uses of this screen is when in Live View. You can see clearly to use manual focus and fine-tune your focus using the 5x or 10x zoom feature.

5. Fast/Accurate Auto-focus - Users love the quick response of this camera. It is especially good at action shots such as sports and nature photography. Continuous shooting at 5.3 frames per second is excellent for getting hard-to-photograph or unpredictable action shots.

The average user rating is 4.8 out of 5. That is quite impressive and not common at all. And maybe even more compelling is that 99% of those who took the time to record their feelings would recommend this camera to a friend.

The Canon 60D is considered an entry-level prosumer digital SLR. It is aimed at the advanced amateur group of photographers.

Thinking about your own Canon 60D? Who could blame you. Why not join the crowds of joyful photographers? Check out the stats at http://digital-photographic-resources.com/.

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Canon T3i - Pros and Cons of Using It

In March 2011, Canon introduced a new entry-level DSLR called the Canon T3i. It replaced the Canon T2i model that was introduced many years ago. Regarding its features, T3i Canon is more comfortable to handle as compared to the T2i and D60 model. If you want to have your own Canon T3i you should read on and know the technical specifications as well as the pros and cons of this unit.

Before buying the Canon T3i you should first know if the unit is perfect for you. When you buy this camera make sure that it could answer your photography and video needs. Thus, this unit is ideal for the following:

Average camera user - If you want to obtain quality pictures in just a point and click then the T3i is the best camera for you. It provides more options in such a way that the user can use his or her creativity.
Smart buyer - For buyers who are not satisfied with the performance of T2i you can consider the T3i Canon because it has all the features that you are looking for. Likewise, you can ensure to get the value of your money when you buy the Canon Rebel T3i.
Photographer - If you are looking for camera that can be upgraded, the Canon T3i is the best choice available for you. The good thing about this innovation of Canon is that it allows customization of filters, lenses and other features.

The Features of Canon T3i

The first time you take a look at Canon T3i you will be amazed by its style and form. While it has similarity with the mid-range DSLRs and other entry level DSLRs on the market, the T3i has the coolest features especially on its back. It has 3-inch vari-angle LCD and impressive 1 million pixels. It is more flexible as compared to Nikon camera and the user can press the shutter even holding the camera overhead or low. When you use the T31 Canon you can venture new angles when taking pictures.

Likewise, when you use the optical viewfinder you can protect the screen by turning it around. In addition, the lens is the most notable feature of Canon T3i. It has a built-in remote sensor, 4-pinhole mic and preview buttons. On the top of the camera is the hot shoe, the mode dial, ISO and display buttons. This makes the adjustment very convenient.

The Performance and Use

The Canon T3i is enjoyable to shoot as it quickly focuses and respond. The menu system is very easy to follow that is why even new buyers can use it conveniently. The color of the picture is not affected even when shooting in direct sunlight. In like manner, the T3i is not only for photography but also for video.

Thank you for reading my review. The T3i is highly recommended in terms of performance and use. It is perfect for adventurous people who want to capture anything under the sun. Indeed, it is worth the money. However, if you still need to know more about this camera, you could visit my Canon T3i website.

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Canon 60D VS Nikon D7000 - Coincidence Or Conspiracy

Do you think camera manufacturers have spies that lurk around the other manufacturers' labs? Do they pay for insider information? It really seems to be the case in the Canon 60D VS Nikon D7000 comparison. Or is it a cleverly devised conspiracy to confuse the camera buying public?

Both these models were released within a two-week period. And there are so many ways these two cameras are alike, it is almost as if the same design team came up with the specifications for the engineers to produce. Do you think Canon and Nikon outsource their design to the same company? That would explain the uncanny way the two cameras are nearly the same.

Are there any differences, and are these differences enough to make or break a deal for you? That is the question at hand.

Of course there are differences. And those differences are listed in a nutshell right here.

Sensor size - a mere 2-megapixel difference. This is hardly enough to break a sweat over considering 18.0 mp or 16.2 mp.LCD - The Canon 60D has a fully-articulating (fancy word for "swivel") LCD panel while the Nikon D7000 has a fixed LCD panel.Flash modes - there are two additional flash modes on the Nikon model that are not available on the Canon. These are slow sync flash and rear curtain. They can be somewhat handy for more advanced flash photography.Focus points - 9 on the Canon VS 39 on the Nikon. However, not all 39 points are cross-reference focus points. In fact, both cameras have the same number of cross-type focus points, that being 9.Continuous shooting rate - although there is a difference here, it is really miniscule, 5.3fps vs 6.0fps. It is hardly worth mentioning.Construction - this one is definitely a difference. In fact, this may be a deal breaker for some. It is quite interesting, too, because both manufacturers went in opposite directions. On the Canon side, the new 60D is made of polycarbonate plastic, whereas its predecessor, the 50D was made of magnesium alloy metal. On the other side, the new Nikon D7000 is made of magnesium alloy, but its predecessor, the D90 was made of plastic. Very peculiar, don't you think? Maybe the design team got their memos crossed? On behalf of both cameras, however, they are environmentally sealed to prevent weather intrusion into the camera body.

A few other differences are present, but they are somewhat subtle, and they are also individual to the particular model. For instance, menus and button placement may feel more natural to you on one model or the other.

As camera technology evolves, the quality of the image continues to improve. This is apparent in both models. You will hear different scenarios from one forum or another about whether Nikon or Canon is the best. Some contend that Nikon is superior when it comes to nature, and Canon is best for still or portrait photography. You may even hear it the other way around.

Truth of the matter is that you have to weigh the features for yourself and make up your own mind about which digital SLR is right for you.

Did we mention that there is a rather considerable price difference? It depends on what day and what store you are visiting, including online stores.
Find out more about the 60D VS D7000, including features and benefits by visiting http://digital-photographic-resources.com/. Happy Shooting!

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Canon EOS 7D Review

With the recent introduction of Canon EOS 7D, the company's most popular camera, Canon has regained the leading position in the high-end DSLR category. This model is meant to replace the EOS 50D. As we all know a new model usually means an improvement from the old one and the 7D is certainly no different to the rule.

My Canon 7D review will show you some of the features that make this a stirring addition to the needs of an advanced photographer. Like all those who are upgrading and use DSLRs know, it can be very difficult to find information on features and personal experiences related to a specific model.

With this particular camera you can often obtain better pictures with usual settings. Though most SLR cameras have features of automatic shooting, DSLR in fact shines with the manual control and Canon 7D is no exception. Canon designed this camera with just about every specific need of an expert photographer. As a result there are a lot of top of the range features included in the camera. This makes Canon 7D price even better, providing a lot of bang for your buck.

A lot of the expert reviews I have read thus far have always mentioned the capability of being able to set the focus with greater precision. Photographers are able to enjoy the versatility of a system offering 19 crossing points AF, which means being able to shoot with high accuracy. A large sensor allows the camera to shoot more detailed photos, making each photo more spectacular than ever before. It is very easy to choose the presets which come with the camera and you can also create at least three of your own custom settings.

A Canon 7D Review is never complete without the mention to the size of the screen and resolution. The Canon 7D camera consist of 3 "LCD screen and surprisingly, compared to the older models it looks slightly smaller. The camera comes with a huge 18.0 mega-pixel sensor. The image quality of this device is incredible and more crisp due to the size of the sensor. This model also has a self-cleaning feature. Every time you turn the camera on or off, it rapidly vibrates to take away the dust from the lens. You can disable this feature if you want to.

The Canon 7D requires a CF card or Compact Flash memory card and is also compatible with Micro drive, which leaves you with many options. As you can see, this camera is a dream for professionals! It is designed to compete directly with Nikon and Sony DSLR cameras. As such, this camera is not present in the lower end of the price range of DSLRs. It is a top performer for professional use and is priced accordingly. The build quality is excellent which means it is not light. You definitely do not want to hang it around in your neck for long periods. The frame is constructed of lightweight, rigid magnesium, and the camera is built to withstand water and dust. However, if you need professional results, this may be the best choice for you as Canon 7D price offers the best value in this category.

For more info visit - Canon 7D Price

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Canon 60D Vs T3i - How Do These Two Digital SLR Cameras Stack Up?

When you think about the Canon 60D vs T3i, you may ask if there are enough feature differences to substantiate the production of two digital SLRs in the mid-level DSLR market, especially when they are produced by the same company. It is definitely a gutsy move by Canon to release both these cameras. From outward appearances, they seem to be targeting the same group of buyers, entry-level and photo enthusiasts.

Upon further consideration, you will note that there are now three digital SLRs in the Canon stable with the same 18-megapixel image sensor, the third being the Canon 7D. What's up with this?

Suffice it to say that the 7D is in a whole other category in spite of the image sensor similarity. The 7D is more of a semi-pro to pro level camera, which is proven by the market and buyers that are attracted to it. We will shelve that discussion for another article and concentrate on the two cameras in question here.

The Canon Rebel T3i is a legitimate upgrade of the T2i in that it inherits or improves upon all the hardware and software in that model. However, there is quite a bit of controversy among pixel peepers about the legitimacy of the Canon 60D being called an "upgrade" because of the fact that it does not improve on all the hardware and software of the 50D.

Well, "it is what it is," as they say when something can't be explained. The "upgrade" question has nothing to do with how these two models compare to each other. In fact, it is a moot point when you consider the way buyers are scooping up these two cameras.

The question now at hand is, "Which one is right for you?"

While both use the exact same 18-megapixel sensor and Digic 4 processor, as well as having the same polycarbonate plastic material over a magnesium alloy frame for the body construction, there are a few differences that may be deal makers or breakers.

Let's take these changes in a kind of random order since there is no way of knowing which one will make the big difference for you.

Body construction - yes, the material is the same, but the Canon 60D is environmentally sealed while the Rebel is not.

Shutter speed - the T3i's fastest shutter is 1/4000 which is only half the speed of the other camera, plus it has a sync shutter speed for flash of 1/200 sec compared to 1/250 sec. These two shutter speed differences can be significant depending upon the lighting of a particular shot.

Continuous Shooting Rate - again the Rebel does not match up here at only 3.7 fps with a buffer of up to 34 JPEG images vs 5.3 fps with a buffer of 58 JPEGs. This is quite significant if you are shooting action shots.

Focus - Both models have a 9-point auto focus system, however the system is not the same. In the 60D all 9 points are cross-type auto focus points. Not so with the T2i in which only the center point is a cross-type focus point. This can make a big difference in the way each camera handles auto-focus.

Video - there is one thing that the Canon Rebel T3i has which the other camera does not. It is a digital zoom feature that allows 5x or 10x zooming while making movies. This means a 50mm lens can act like a 500mm lens without degrading the quality.

There are some other differences between these two digital SLR cameras, including differences in size and weight, viewfinder magnification, and battery life. Oh, and price. Price could also be a determining factor. It usually is.

So which camera is right for you in the Canon 60D vs T3i comparison? Would you be interested in a side-by-side-by-side comparison. You can find such a comparison at http://digital-photographic-resources.com/.

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Focus On Canon Fast Glass - Wide Aperture Lenses Make A Difference

There have been a number of technological improvements over the past few years that have photographers wondering if Canon fast glass is still necessary. Fast glass can be characterized by definition as a lens with an extremely wide aperture.

In case you are wondering which technology improvements we are referring to above, there are two. The first is the emergence of really high ISO settings with much less noise and the second is the addition of OS (optical stabilization) to many of the newer lenses, making it possible to hand-hold your camera in low light settings that were never possible before.

However, when you consider some of the economical lenses available and the special photography situations that make Canon fast glass the best choice, it is well worth the time to examine the options.

The first photographic use for wide aperture lenses that will come to anyone's mind is portraits. The perfect portrait is one where the subject commands the attention of the viewer, and in most cases that happens due to a blurry background. While it is possible to accomplish the desired effect with apertures of f/4.0, lenses with apertures of f/2.8 and larger are quite desirable to get the bokeh (blurry background) in a great portrait.

Another place that large aperture lenses are a great asset is in low-light situations such as indoors when flash photography is not appropriate. Museums come to mind, but make sure you have permission to take pictures of the exhibits before you begin snapping away. Twilight shoots are another place where wide apertures boost the shutter speed for good hand-held shots.

Canon fast glass is mostly available in prime focal lengths. Prime simply means that there is a single focal length such as 50mm.

Speaking of 50mm, the most economical prime lens with Canon fast glass happens to be an EF 50mm f/1.8 lens. For a mere pittance, you can have yourself a prime lens with an extremely wide aperture. Yes, it is cheaply made in comparison to the same lens at f/1.2, but it accomplishes the job, and it does it on a tight budget.

Normally, the prime lenses with wider apertures come at a premium price. So, if you are on a budget, you may want to consider using a lens made by another manufacturer. Some of these lenses rival Canon in quality, yet they are usually much easier on the budget.

Also, if you are one who is a bit of a free spirit, think about getting a wide aperture lens without auto focus. You may be asking, "Do they even make such lenses?" Of course they do, but once again, they are off-brand, and you may need to get an adapter ring to fit it on your Canon. But these kinds of lenses can be had for a song compared to the high-end gear of the pros. The results can be exceptional, too.

Whether you are looking for a budget lens or a better built lens that costs just a bit more, the photos you can make with Canon fast glass will wow both you and your photo fan club. The quality and nifty backgrounds you can achieve with these special lenses are truly amazing. See a line-up of possible lens choices at http://canoneoslenses.org/.

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Canon VS Nikon - Canon T3 Or Nikon D3100

Life is normal when there is a Canon VS Nikon debate. This time the opponents are the Canon T3 or Nikon D3100.

The line in the dirt is drawn. Which one will come out victorious this time?

First Into the Ring - Nikon D3100

The first one out of the gate in this case was the Nikon D3100, an upgrade to the D3000. To be honest, the D3000 did not get the raving reviews and adoring fans of its predecessor, the D40. The D40 had what could almost be considered a "cult" following. There are those who are still proclaiming that it is the best offering from Nikon, despite its measly 6-megapixel image sensor and very basic set of controls.

In contrast, the newer model is getting the same kind of user satisfaction, so Nikon has done something right with the D3100 that it did not get from the D3000.

The Contender - Canon Rebel T3

As the Nikon model was gaining popularity, the Canon T3 was to be released nearly a year later. The goal: gain a huge share of the "cheap DLSR" market.

Both Canon and Nikon are aimed at beginners and amateur photo enthusiasts who are looking for a digital SLR that will not break the bank or require the sale of a first-born child.

Watching this fight unfold is quite amusing. Just drop in at some of the online photography forums. Maybe even ask for opinions about which camera is best for a first-time buyer. The results can almost be predicted, depending on where and how you pose the question.

The scenario is not new. After all Canon VS Nikon has been an ongoing debate since the days of film photography. However, now that more people are doing the digital photography thing, there is a lot more interest from newcomers in the picture-making hobby. Canon people will give you the excellent reasons for buying their favorite brand and vise versa from the Nikon crowd. The discussion gets downright ugly at times, but if you go in with an unbiased attitude, it can be pretty amusing.

The fan base is a lot like the Cubs fans. They are loyal to their team, so don't say anything about the guys across town or you are in for a fight. Are you a Mac user or a PC user? You get the picture (pun intended)?

In this case, both camera models have been improved from their older siblings. On the Canon side, the model being replaced is the Canon Rebel XS (1000D), and of course, on the Nikon side it is the D3000. The improvements for both include larger sensors, better image quality, and upgraded features almost across the board, not the least of which is the inclusion of Video in both cameras.

If you were "making book" on this fight, you would have pretty much even money on each contender. They are both showing strong in user satisfaction at the online stores right now.

If you are thinking about buying a camera in the (cheap) entry level DSLR category, you will want to compare the Rebel T3 vs D3100 with real numbers. The Canon VS Nikon debate will not end with this issue or anytime soon. Rest assured, if you are on the Canon side or the Nikon side, you can't go wrong.

There are actual numbers to compare the two cameras at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com/.

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Portrait Mode for Canon Digital Cameras - The Rebel T3

Portrait Mode is a simple to operate exposure selection on our Canon EOS Rebel T3. Like the Green Zone, a Rebel T3 set to Portrait Mode will make almost all of the decisions for the photographer. In fact, other than the shutter button, none of the override buttons or dials will function with the camera set to this mode.

Portrait Mode is the choice anytime we are photographing stationary people. In this mode Canon digital cameras like the T3 will try to use the largest lens aperture that the light will allow. By using larger apertures the background behind the subject blurs which focuses attention on the person.

When using Portrait Mode remember to turn on red eye reduction for the camera's flash. With red eye reduction on the camera flash will fire several quick bursts before capturing the final image. These pre-flashes will cause the subject's pupils to constrict which is all that is required to reduce red eye.

When using Portrait Mode there are a few guidelines that can help achieve the best effect. First, place the subject no closer than 6 feet in front of the background. In fact, greater distance is even better. Position the Rebel T3 between six and ten feet from the subject which provides a comfortable working distance without using a lot of zoom. Finally, if the picture is of three or fewer people, be sure to shoot with the camera in vertical (portrait) orientation.

Portrait Mode can be used for more than just people! It works well for pet portraits too. Also, consider using this mode when shooting any subject that could benefit from an out of focus background. I have found it useful when I shoot products for online auctions too. Portrait Mode is as easy to use as pointing the camera at the subject and pressing the shutter button. This is one of the original Icon Modes developed by Canon digital cameras.

When you are ready to take more control over the camera you should begin to explore Aperture Priority (Av) Mode. Simply choose the Av mode setting and then select an aperture that is as wide as the light will allow.

In summary, select Portrait Mode for easy pictures of people. Position the subject at least six feet in front of the background and the camera six to ten feet from the subject. These distances will help blur out the background which will both add depth to the picture and focus attention on the subject. Last shoot groups of one to three people with the camera in vertical orientation.

Stu Eddins is blogger, instructor, merchandiser, and is generally in charge of a lot of things for Porter's Digital Cameras and Imaging. Visit their site at http://www.porters.com/. Years of experience over the counter and in classrooms have turned Stu into an evangelist for image preservation, capturing and sharing memories, and helping people understand digital cameras, digital camera lenses.

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