Oy Veh! Which Canon Rebel Lens???

It may not sound like too difficult to find a Canon Rebel Lens, yet when you start to look, you will find that the lenses to choose from are overwhelming. The decision just isn’t a piece of cake. Personally, when I was getting ready to buy my very first Canon Rebel (it was the 300D), I spent as much time on the lens decision as I did on whether to go with a Canon Rebel or a Nikon D40. Your first lens is an extremely important decision if you plan to spend a lot of time with your camera and get better at your photography as time goes on.

Be aware of the fact that the initial lens you pick up doesn’t have to be the one that’s bundled with the camera. That “kit lens” is a fairly decent item, to be sure, even so, should you ponder ahead toward your final photography objective, and apply a bit of patience, it is possible to bypass the package and buy the digital camera body independently from the lens. Many professionals will agree with the fact that the glass you apply to the front of the digital slr camera is really as vital as the camera itself.

Considering focal lengths, virtually all buyers begin by using regular zoom lenses for Canon instead of a prime (or single focus) lens. It’s a good idea because it affords you some flexibility in focal length, that is unless you know specifically which prime focal length is perfect for the type of photography you want to specialize in. But choosing a prime focal length instead of a zoom lens is a rare situation, specially when it comes to selecting a Canon Rebel lens, considering that a large percentage of Rebel buyers are buying their first digital SLR.

Requirements for acquiring a Canon Rebel lens:

• Focal Range – Standard zoom lenses are not really regular. Standard does indeed suggest that there’s a minimal focal length along with a maximum focal length. For your Digital rebel, a great minimum focal length is around 18-24mm. For a maximum, regular is 55-85mm. If you keep to within these numbers, you will get a nice zoom range which will take care of all your “normal” picture taking wants.
• Aperture - for an standard price selection, you’ll usually be confronted with a varying aperture. This means that the aperture changes when the focal length increases. This has an undesirable effect on shutter rate, meaning that your shutter has to remain open for a longer time to obtain enough light to the sensor for the adequate exposure. The best options are the models with a constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the focal range. Of course, this will increase the price of your lens.
• Build Quality – Plastic is inexpensive. It appears cheap and it feels inexpensive. That doesn’t necessarily imply that plastic lenses take substandard photographs, in fact, many folks get low-cost and are really satisfied with the end results. If you get lenses constructed with excellent top quality materials, the value necessarily goes up, nonetheless, much better crafted gear lasts significantly longer and handles a lot more punishment.
• EF or EF-S Lens Mount – The difference right here is actually which camera the camera lens will function on. The great news pertaining to Rebel owners is simply this – ANY Canon EF or EF-S lens (and also third party goods produced for Canon) will work on your Canon Rebel. The EF-S models are created particularly for cameras like the Digital Rebel as well as other crop sensor cameras up to and including the Canon 7D. Nevertheless, should you want to improve to a full frame dslr, it is best to think of sticking with the EF designs, considering that they will work on all digital SLRs inside the Canon lineup.

Making the proper Canon Rebel Lens decision has not become any less complicated over the years. The modern technology of cameras has increased, but so has the technology in the lenses. The very best counsel is usually to examine your needs in light of the kind of photographs you intend to take in conjunction with your future goals along with your finances.

Try to buy the most effective Canon Rebel lens your dollars will allow. In contrast to the dslr camera bodies, lenses aren’t replaced as often. Whenever you get really good lenses for your DSLR camera, they are going to stay with you for a rather long period, regardless of how many digital camera upgrades you undergo.

Canon Rebel Lens Recommendations For A Beginner

Canon EF-S 18-200mm – Great all-purpose lens – Could be the only lens you ever need.
Canon EF 24-105mm L – The Cadillac of Lenses
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 – Fast and Sharp

If there is one thing that I can identify as the motivating factor for becoming a photo-nut, it is macro, or close-up, photography.

Do you remember the times in school or just playing around outside as a kid when you used a magnifying glass to examine bugs and small objects? It is very fascinating to zoom in on things that you don’t normally see.

Then, getting older, we kind of get distracted with the cares of life and forget about the magnifying glass and exploring. That is pretty much what happened to me.

But something magical happened one day when I switched my little 3-megapixel Olympus camera to macro mode. It was like I was traveling back in time to my childhood. The flowers I photographed revealed detail and secrets I had not noticed before taking the picture. It brought back memories of the crazy movie “Honey, I shrunk the kids.”

I started photographing everything in macro mode. And I was not disappointed with any of the shots. I took pictures of nuts and bolts, flowers, bugs (when they stayed put long enough), spider webs, belt buckles, finger nails, eyeballs… you name it, and I took a pictures of it. My wife and kids got really annoyed with the camera that was always snapping shots of some body part or piece of clothing.

I have since moved up a couple of notches to a digital SLR, and I have a special Canon lens for macro. However, it is not mandatory that you have a macro lens. In fact, a digital SLR camera is not necessary either.

As I mentioned earlier, every compact digital camera has a close-up function. On you mode dial it looks like a little tulip flower. With your camera set to that setting, you can focus as close as an inch or two and get amazing results. You can fill the frame with a flower or bug, then be astounded at the intricacy of creation as you study the details on your big screen computer.

There is one caution you must be aware of when using a compact digital camera with macro images. It is not as common as in the past because of the advance in camera technology, but here it is. If your compact is equipped with an optical viewfinder and a live view LCD screen, be sure to use the LCD to compose your macro photo. The reason for this is that the optical viewfinder on compact cameras does not see the exact image that will be recorded when you press the shutter button. Compact cameras do not see the image through the lens like a digital SLR camera does, so what you see is not what you get, especially when viewing extremely close images. Using the LCD screen solves this problem. The thing is, most newer compact cameras don’t even offer an optical viewfinder anymore, so this issue will be obsolete soon. And if you have purchased a camera recently, you are probably saying, “What is he talking about?” The bottom line is this, if you have an LCD that shows the picture you are about to take, you are covered.. no problem-o.

Digital SLRs already have this problem covered simply because of the way the image is seen and focused using the “through the lens” technology. However, many newer digital SLRs are also now offering the live view feature in which you see the image on the LCD screen.

Lighting Up Your Macro or Close-Up Photography Pictures

When taking close-ups, you will have different situations with lighting than you do with normal photographs for a couple of reasons. One of those is simply because of how close you are to the subject. The second is due to the small size of the objects that are the subjects of macro photos.

Think about it. When the shadows change by a yard or so in a landscape photograph, you will barely notice it, but if the shadow moves an inch on a flower that you are about to photograph, it changes everything about the composition. Then, too, light changes are more intense as you get closer to the subject. You really need to be aware of what is happening to the light as you get ready to shoot the picture. Waiting a few seconds for a cloud to move one way or the other could make a major difference in the outcome.

Another thing to watch is the quality of the light. Bright sunlight can be your worst enemy because of the harsh shadows it creates up close. On the other hand, while shade or overcast skies make it easier to get a more evenly lit image, the colors are not as intense.
The direction of the light also has a huge effect on the results. Make sure you are aware of the where the light is coming from. Many photographers like to shoot with the sun at their back, but using side lighting or back lighting can give really nice results, too. If you choose your position with light direction in mind, you can get some very dramatic effects. The hint here is that you should take control rather than letting the light control you.

People are so thrilled with their Canon 60D that they put pictures of it on Flickr as if it was a famous celebrity.

As it turns out, getting a Canon 60D will certainly put you in one of the happiest groups of photography enthusiasts ever. Who would have imagined this probable when this camera was initially released? There appeared to be such an abundance of debate about its style and design.

The main focus in the dissent was how the 60D was not an upgrade of the 50D because of a pair of aspects. First of all, it is actually manufactured from high quality plastic material instead of magnesium similar to the 50D. And the second cause is that there is no cutting edge sensor and processor inside.

However, the debate is now forgotten, and people are snatching the newest Canon mid-range Dslr off of the display units and proclaiming their compliments as well as full satisfaction. The evidence about this can be seen located at online stores which include Amazon dot com where consumers have announced their own feelings.

Here are the top 5 benefits which make recent Canon 60D users very happy with their buy:

1. Excellent Image Quality – It’s legitimate, the processor and image sensor just weren’t improved. But these two components are so well designed that they’re also included in the 7d and T3i. All of these cameras are turning out remarkable quality images that help to make photography enthusiasts pleased with their digital SLRs.

2. Ease of use – You will find many adjustments are actually made easier when compared to the ones on the 50D, and most buttons now have one single functionality rather than multiple uses. Additionally there is a Quick Control dial at the backside of the camera to make choosing popular options less of a challenge.

3. LCD With Full Swivel – The brand new fully articulated LCD is probably the single thing that every authority agreed upon as a major plus at the time this camera was launched. We all love it.

4. LCD is Big and Very clear – The LCD clarity and resolution has been enhanced above the 50D. One of the best uses for this LCD is when in Live View. Anyone can see clearly in order to manual focus and adjust your focus with the 5x or 10x zoom function.

5. Fast/Reliable Auto-focus – Buyers appreciate the immediate response of this camera. It is particularly good for action photographs for instance athletics and nature pictures. The quick continuous shooting rate of 5.3 frames per second is excellent for getting difficult to shoot or unpredictable adventure photos.

The average user rating is 4.8 out of 5 (you can see this rating on the B & H Photo website). And that is quite extraordinary and absolutely not typical at all for digital cameras. And maybe even more convincing is the fact that 99% of folks that took the effort to record their opinions definitely recommend this DSLR to a friend or family member.

The Canon 60D is recognized as an entry-level prosumer digital SLR. It is focused towards the advanced hobbyist class of photographers.

Pondering your own Canon 60D? Who could blame you. You can become a member of the throngs of joyful photographers? Examine the complete set of features at http://digital-photographic-resources.com.

Canon Rebel T3i equipped with Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 lens

So this morning I was out looking for napping bees or butterflies. I found a pretty nice looking bee on my butterfly bush, so I set about moving him to a position that would be best for a full body photo. What happened was not what I expected. The little fella was more alert than I thought, and with the jostling, he awoke from his nighttime stupor and flew off.

Above is actually a picture from a couple of days ago. This guy was quite alert, so not as much detail as I wanted from this morning’s shoot. Alas, tomorrow is another day.

Rebel T3i and Sigma 105mm f/2.8 macro lens

No other critters were in sight, so I took the opportunity to take a couple of pictures of some Butterfly Weed and cucumbers. The butterfly weed is just blooming, so I got some nice buds and flowers to cooperate.

The cucumbers, on the other hand, are just about done. I have had some really good-tasting salads using my first-ever crop of cucumbers. What is left does not look very edible, but they are good enough for photos.

I lined these guys up and put toothpicks in them to keep them steady.

Canon Rebel T3i with Sigma 105mm Macro Lens

The beauty of buying a new Rebel has been being able to use all the same lenses, lenses that I already own and don’t have to spend a dime for… yea!

What is the best Canon Rebel T3i lens for macro?

I spent literally days agonizing over which macro lens to get. (By the way, a macro lens was the type of lens I wanted because I absolutely love taking close-up photos of… well, just about anything.) In the end, the decision was between the Sigma 105mm and the Tamron 90mm macro. With one of these two lenses, I could save roughly $100 at the time. Why did I settle on the Sigma? Basically, it was a coin toss. Both lenses had identical reviews and user satisfaction.
If I had it to do over again, I would definitely go with the Canon 100mm macro, because now it has a USM (utlra-sonic motor) for quick focusing. The price is still higher, but that quick focus motor is worth some extra cash.

The bottom line, though, is always image quality, and the Sigma 105mm macro lens gives me that. I simply have to avoid fast moving objects. Well, not really, because I use this lens often when photographing butterflies, and the results are good with those, too.

Now, with the Canon Rebel T3i, I can back off just a bit and take in more of the surrounding area. That is a function of the sensor size. I always know that I have plenty of pixel real estate to work with if I need to crop.

Here are a couple of recent macro images taken with the Canon Rebel T3i and the Sigma 105mm macro lens.

More about the Canon T3i at http://canonrebelt3i600d.com/

]]> http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/sigma-105mm-macro-on-my-canon-rebel-t3i/feed/ 0 http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-more-flowers/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-more-flowers/#comments Mon, 30 May 2011 00:24:02 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=597

Exploring the Live View Capabilities of the T3i

The Canon T3i has a zoom feature when in Live View that is pretty handy.

In these two photos, I was using this new feature – it isn’t even available on the 60D… yet.

The best way to do this is to turn off the AF of the lens. Then you turn on Live View and get “kind of” focused. You then press the zoom button on the back of the camera and it zooms in 5x so you can fine tune the focus. If you press the zoom button again, it zooms to 10x. Pretty amazing detail.

Did I mention that a stabilized camera is best for this technique? I tried some hand-held and got about 50% keepers. But I must admit, I do not have the steadiest of hands. When I used a tripod, it worked great. I would also recommend a remote shutter release (at least for guys like me – I tend to press the shutter button with gusto and ruin lots of pictures with camera shake).

Anyhoo, here are a couple of the shots I took using Live View with Zoom focus:

My title for this one is “Poppy Has-been”. To me it looks like a ballerina with a pink tutu. The tutu part is only about 1/2″ across.

This one is a Zinnia – in fact, it is the first of the season. It is about 3″ across.

]]> http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-more-flowers/feed/ 0 http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/the-canon-rebel-t3i-for-nature-photos/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/the-canon-rebel-t3i-for-nature-photos/#comments Sat, 28 May 2011 20:50:32 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=594

Most of my photography has to do with nature. It is almost summer, and the flowers and butterflies are starting to get much more plentiful. It is my favorite time to get out in the yard early in the morning. I have been really getting to know my Canon Rebel T3i.

It has not been a month now since I got my new Rebel T3i. Believe it or not, it was an “upgrade” from a Canon 30D.

I know, it doesn’t seem like I would be going down to an entry-level digital SLR once I have owned a 30D. And, quite honestly, I was not intending to keep this camera. I just wanted to give it a try. But I am keeping it, simply because it takes great photos.

Compared to my Canon 30D, my experience has been nothing less than surprising. I did not expect the quality to blow the 30D away, but it has.

A couple of things I like about the T3i that I don’t have on the 30D:

1. The first major benefit (for me) has to be the added high ISO quality. I can bump the T3i up to 1600 ISO and not see much noise. On the 30D, 1600 is as high as it goes, and the noise level is unacceptable except if you really need the picture, like when my granddaughter was performing in the elementary school play.
2. Image size. With an 18-megapixel sensor compared to a 10-megapixel on the 30D, there is much more room for cropping. That means I can take in more of the surrounding area to make sure I can crop exactly as I want. I am still getting used to this with macro shots, since I tend to try to get as close as possible. I lose some of the edges because I am trying to fill the frame totally. With the T3i, I can back off a bit and still crop the photo with plenty of file size available.
3. Swivel LCD panel. This is totally awesome, especially when I want to put the camera below a low-hanging bud. Linten Roses are a good example. They open toward the ground and they are only a few inches from the ground. All I have to do is place the camera below the flower, and I can put the camera in Live View and twist the LCD screen to get a perfect view of the photo.
4. The Price. if the T3i didn’t capture my fancy as it did, I would have gone to the Canon 60D or even the Canon 7D. But those are more expensive, especially the 7D, and right now, I am happy with the results of the T3i enough to stick with it.

Is there anything I don’t like? Sure, a couple of things so far:

1. Photoshop can’t open my RAW files. I don’t own the latest version of Photoshop (I have CS4), and if I shoot in the RAW format, I have to use the Canon software to open the photos. Don’t like this, so I tend to shoot in JPEG now.
2. Live View does not focus as fast as looking through the viewfinder. I my experience, Live view does not focus as fast as even my Panasonic ZS7 (which is a pretty awesome camera, by the way). Therefore, I only use Live View for shots at difficult angles.
3. The Kit Lens. It’s ok, but I’m sorry I didn’t just get the camera without a lens. I have two great all-purpose lenses already, so what was I thinking? My favorite all-purpose lens at the moment is the Sigma 18-250… it is truly “all-purpose.” Plus it has pretty good image quality considering the wide range of focal length.

So, that’s my story, and I’m sticking with it. I will be posting more photos in the coming days.

]]> http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/the-canon-rebel-t3i-for-nature-photos/feed/ 0 http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-legitimate-upgrade/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-legitimate-upgrade/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 23:43:48 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=586

Canon Rebel T3i (aka 600D) with Vari-angle LCD

By Wayne Rasku

You may or may not have noticed that Canon releases a new Rebel every year. The new Canon Rebel T3i (aka 600D) was right on schedule.

The question is, did Canon jump the gun with this one?

After all, they used the same “guts” that is in the older model, the T2i, that was released last year. What’s different? And is it really worthy as a true upgrade?

Here is one man’s opinion on the subject, that being yours truly.

Yes! Canon has produced the goods… again.

As the owner of the original Canon Rebel 300D, I have been a fan since 2003 when I purchased that first Digital SLR camera. It was a life-changing event. At an amazing 6-megapixels, I thought I was in photography heaven. The images were so much better than what I had been getting from my old Minolta Dimage 7. Light-years better!

Then after a few years, I upgraded to a Canon 30D. Again, I was in glory land. The upgrade was in terms of image size, yes (now 10-megapixels), but even more was the quality of the camera itself. The 30D has served me well for the past 4 years.

Now, the decision was to upgrade again. But which camera would be the right one? I had to make the decision between the new entry-level Rebel, the new 60D, or the 7D.

I chose the least expensive option, mainly for monetary reasons, but not totally.

Here is a list of reasons for choosing the Canon Rebel T3i over the higher level cameras:

1. Price: (already mentioned) a savings of $200 or $1000 depending on which other model I was considering.
2. Image quality: Exactly the same for all three cameras because they all have the same sensor and image processor.
3. Articulating LCD screen: it is now a swivel screen.
4. Camera build: same material used for construction as the 60D.
5. Creative modes: the added choices for photo styles are as good or better than those of the other two models.
6. Video: same as the others.

Of course there are some differences, especially when considering the Canon 7D. Some of them are significant. However, I shot mostly slow moving stuff like flowers and landscapes, plus an occasional grandkid or two. The Rebel has proved to be an authentic upgrade from my 30D.

Now, to be honest, if I had already purchased a T2i, I would not have made this upgrade. And that is the basic argument of those who claim Canon did not do enough to call this an upgrade. The video additions and creative modes, along with the articulating LCD screen are the major advantages over the older version.

This little camera definitely qualifies as an upgrade for those of us who have not purchased every new model. Scam? Certainly not. Canon has consistently produced quality products. Just read the user reviews.

Speaking of reviews, there is a really good Rebel T3i Review. It is a personal website that I put up because I am so taken with the user experience I have been having with my new T3i.

Wayne Rasku is the owner and creator of http://canonrebelt3i600D.com. He is a legitimate Rebel owner and photography enthusiast. Amateur, but passionate about taking great photographs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku

http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-The-Canon-Rebel-T3i-A-Legitimate-Upgrade&id=6250701

]]> http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/canon-rebel-t3i-legitimate-upgrade/feed/ 0 http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/creativity-made-easy-with-canon-rebel-t3i-eos-600d/ http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/creativity-made-easy-with-canon-rebel-t3i-eos-600d/#comments Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:54:19 +0000 gearnut http://digital-photographic-resources.com/blog/?p=582 Canon Rebel T3i – Entry-Level Just Got Better!

The new Canon Rebel T3i (aka 600D) camera has arrived on your dealer’s shelves, and quite honestly, it is a camera for beginners who really want to be creative.

It seems that Canon must have the interests of new digital SLR buyers at heart in the development of the T3i, since they have added several features that should really be alluring to the brand new DSLR camera buyer.

Why Buy A Canon Rebel T3i?

Of course, the reasons for purchasing a DSLR in the first place are twofold. Digital SLR cameras give superior image quality when compared to point and shoot digital cameras. That has to be the first consideration. Using different lenses for each photo opportunity is also significant as a motivation for getting that first digital SLR camera.

With identical hardware, which includes the 18 megapixel sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, the T3i looks identical to the T2i. As a matter of fact, the only item that “looks” different is the LCD panel. The T3i now has an articulating LCD screen similar to the one on the higher quality Canon 60D.

Creativity And The Canon Rebel T3i

Instead of upgrading the hardware, Canon has opted to add to the software on this model. They have included “creativity a-plenty” in the T3i, beginning with an item they are calling “the Green Square.” Using the Green Square, which is a selection on the mode dial at the top of the camera, you will allow the camera to make some difficult decisions with regard to exposure, shutter speed, and ISO. Canon actually calls this new setting “Scene Intelligent Auto,” and it is the equivalent of “Intelligent Auto” on some point and shoot models.

The real role of Scene Intelligent Auto is to take control of the image output by choosing the correct setting selections in the camera. The new owner can pick up this camera and take great pictures right away, without knowing much about digital SLR settings.

(just an aside… I got my Canon Rebel T3i awhile ago and recorded the “unboxing”)

Canon Rebel T3i – High-end Features for a Low-end Price

Looks good, right? But wait, there’s more! By setting the mode dial on one of the Basic Zone modes, you can access the Basic+ selections in the Quick Control screen in the LCD display. There are two different options to choose from once you access the Basic+ screen. You can choose Ambience settings or the Lighting/Scene Type settings. Again, the camera uses the in-camera software to make major decisions concerning the settings for individual images, making you appear to be a real creative pro.

Since the Canon Rebel T3i includes most of the features of much more high-priced models, it should be exceptionally attractive to buyers with a desire to move up the digital SLR ladder one step at a time without investing too much money at the outset.

And because of the new creative features, you, the new digital SLR photographer, will be able to learn about your new photography tool with comfort since you can learn the “pro settings” when you have extra time. When that essential shot is necessary, you can switch to one of the Auto Modes.

The Canon Rebel T3i gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to digital SLR photography.

The Canon EOS 600D, aka Rebel T3i, could just be THE choice for you when it comes to beginning digital SLR photography. For further product review, go to www.canonrebelt3i600d.com

The T3i is already getting great feedback

Canon has just added a twist to the decision to buy a Canon Rebel digital SLR camera. The question now is Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i.

Many who are commenting on the release of the new T3i are questioning whether Canon made the wrong move because, on the surface, it does not look like a normal Canon Rebel upgrade. Make sure you stick with this discussion all the way through, because you will notice that there are some subtle changes here that may sway your camera buying decision.

Let’s begin with the main features. The image sensor and processor are the exact same in both cameras. That means that there will be no win for either when it comes to image quality.

In addition, other components are one and the same in each of the cameras. Two more features that have not changed are the video and ISO settings. Both models can shoot 3.7 fps… no difference there.

The largest difference in the hardware is the LCD screen. The T3i sports a vari-angle (swivel) LCD screen similar to the one in the Canon 60D. This has been a very popular addition to the 60D, and it could be the decision making feature for many buyers.

So a articulating LCD screen is a large advantage for the Canon Rebel T3i.

Another improvement for the new model is the ability to remotely fire more than one flash when taking a picture. This remote flash feature does not seem like something you would be looking for on an entry-level digital SLR.

Third on the list of added features is in the video category. A new feature allows the photographer to zoom in digitally by a factor of 3-10x without losing any image quality in the video. Auto focus has also been upgraded so that there is more manual control when in video mode.

==>Click Here to see all the Features of the New Canon Rebel T3i/600D vs T2i/550D<==

A Creative Twist in the Canon Rebel T3i VS T2i Discussion

Those are some of the subtle differences, but perhaps the biggest changes when comparing the Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i are in the camera software. The T3i has some very creative features for the new digital SLR photographer.

First, there is a new video component that allows you to take short video clips and have them stitched together inside the camera. This is done by selecting the length of the clips. You can choose between 2 sec, 4 sec, or 8 sec clip lengths, then the camera does its magic.

Then there is Basic+. When you set your camera in this Basic+ mode, there are two choices for your creative output. They are “shooting by lighting or scene type, and shooting for “ambiance.”

With the ambiance setting, you set a kind of mood for your photo as the camera adjusts the sharpness, contrast, color and saturation for effect.

With lighting or scene type, the camera employs some Creative Filters for 5 different effects. The results are Grainy Black and White, Miniature, Soft Focus, Toy Camera effect, and the ever-popular Fish-eye effect.

Finally, perhaps the most useful feature for those new to digital SLR cameras, there is now a Feature Guide that appears in the LCD panel. This guide gives a quick commentary of the selected mode or feature so that you don’t have to go hunting for the manual or do an Internet search to find out what the feature is or does.

As you decide between the Canon Rebel T3i vs T2i, your decision will be based on some rather understated upgrades, unless the articulating LCD panel is easily something you can’t live without.

See the two cameras side-by-side here ==> www.digital-photographic-resources.com/cameras/rebelT3iReview.html.