So... I want to buy a nice camera...

I'm getting married in October, which means I'm also going on a honeymoon.  I'm getting really sick of the point and shoots that we have, and want to step up into DSLRs so that I can take plenty of nice pictures on my vacation.  So far, I think the canon t3i is what I'm going to go with... unless someone convinces me otherwise.  Anyone have any advice for someone who knows next to nothing about what they're going to buy? 

Edited by procarbinefreak - 12 April 2012 at 7:18pm

I have a Nikon D3100. It wasn't too expensive on eBay and it came with the full kit including tripod, carrying case, and 16GB memory card.
Its a good beginner SLR and it takes really nice pictures. But if you're willing to dump the cash into a T3i - give 'er! Thats an even better camera.
Plus, I suppose you want the best pictures possible for your wedding so - make sure the person who is using it knows how to use it (and I don't mean on auto).

Not going to lie, point and shoots are pretty darn good these days. I've had my canon powershot SD 780 IS for almost three years. 12.1 MP and it shoots amazing enough for me. I have used DSLRs and unless you really know how to use one, as in be able to mess with all the settings, not just focus, you won't turn out photos much better than a point and shoot. But if you get it soon, October is plenty far enough to get it and play with it and research how to use it.
Look up reviews and watch youtube videos of camera experts that get to test all sorts of cameras. These guys have reviewed a ton of cameras.

The difference between Canon DSLRs and NIkon DSLRs is negligible.

Edited by agentwhale007 - 13 April 2012 at 8:49am

procarbinefreak wrote: the video capabilities is actually what caught my eye.  I don't know how much I'd use it, but it's one of those things that I'd like to have in case I want to use it.  That, and I'd like to learn the ins and outs of photography.  I don't see myself trying to become a professional, just enough knowledge to get proper composition of the pictures I'm taking.  Also, this won't be used for the actual wedding photos Rofl.  We have hired a professional who actually just picked up the 5d mark III.  Although with the money we're paying him, I feel like I should get a free camera from him.

ib i'm sick of lugging this big camera around on vacation.

__sneaky__ wrote: agentwhale007 wrote: The difference between Canon DSLRs and NIkon DSLRs is negligible. This. I'm a Nikon fanboy, but only because I prefer their interface over Canon's. I really only do still frame photography, so I can't comment on the video capabilities of either. As far as picking which one you want, read a few reviews online and like Whale said, go hold them in your hand at the store; see which feels better to you.

As I said, no they are not. In terms of the camera itself/ lenses and photos, maybe. But their sensors are definitely different, and if you're using video, I have seen first hand that Canon is better, and more consistent than Nikon. The difference in still photography is negligible, but the difference in natural light video is painfully obvious. Go Canon.

im going to say this, DSLR cameras take amazing pictures. but they are big, bulky and take more time to set up (take out of a case)

make sure you dont get caught up in taking pictures and forget to enjoy your time. a good pocket camera might be better. you can still take great pictures but they are much faster and easier to carry.

I would say have both if you can. I had my point and shoot when I travelled last time and it's really handy being able to put it in your pocket on the go. That said, I WISH I had a T3i when I was there, the photos are so damn pretty.

__sneaky__ wrote: agentwhale007 wrote: The difference between Canon DSLRs and NIkon DSLRs is negligible. This. I'm a Nikon fanboy, but only because I prefer their interface over Canon's. I really only do still frame photography, so I can't comment on the video capabilities of either. As far as picking which one you want, read a few reviews online and like Whale said, go hold them in your hand at the store; see which feels better to you.

Edited by agentwhale007 - 14 April 2012 at 3:22pm