Canon Eos Rebel Cameras

Anyone who understands DSLR cameras, can you take a quick look at the 2 links below and tell me why one costs more than the other. And if the extra money is worth it. I want a DSLR, but don't need tons of bells and whistles.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit | Best Buy Canada

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit | Best Buy Canada

From what I read, the SL2 has a much greater sensitivity range than the T7 does. The T7 goes up to an ISO rating of 6400, while the SL2 goes to over 24,000. Pretty much everything else is the same, so if you want to take low-light shots, the SL2 is the way to go. If not, go with the T7..

Thanks N NY cat man . I'll have to price check and maybe I can find the T7 at a lower price somewhere else. Not that I'll be likely to be taking pics in low light, but would be nice to know I could if I wanted to.

rubysmama said:

Thanks N NY cat man . I'll have to price check and maybe I can find the T7 at a lower price somewhere else. Not that I'll be likely to be taking pics in low light, but would be nice to know I could if I wanted to.

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I don't know. A 6400 rating is pretty darn fast. When I was still shooting film, an ISO rating of 400 was considered 'fast'. That 24,000 rating would be good for something like indoor sporting events, so as to prevent blurring the image while not using a flash. Also, you could use a smaller aperture while still using a fairly high shutter speed. It all comes down to your intended purpose, and whether you need- or want- the added capability.

rubysmama , the Rebel is an entry level camera which most manufacture of different brands will try to squeeze in as much features as possible. Also this is a cropped sensor (APS-C Format) meaning the sensor that captures the photo is not the original size of 35mm like in the original film format.

I'll try to explain to you and maybe for the benefit of others who are also looking out to get themselves a DSLR and I'll make it as simple as I can and not going into the technical details (well, maybe just a little), but as easy to understand as possible and explain in a flowing manner for continuation of some technical specs.

- The Sensor
There are 3 types of sensor size used by different manufacturers.
- Full frame sensor (Full Frame Camera) - Equivalent to the 35mm film > Top End models > Expensive
- APS-C - Cropped sensor 1.6x > entry level to intermediate models.
- 2x cropped sensor used by Olympus.

The sensor is like the film that captures the image and the image is transferred to the memory card (SD Card).

The bigger the sensor, the better the picture quality meaning less grainy (noise) when shooting in low light. The smaller the sensor will be more grainy when shooting in low light.
For sensor comparison - a postage stamp and you pinky nail.

- The Lens
Entry level cameras mostly comes with a kit lens as a package which is the 18-55mm lens. Being a kit lens, the lens aperture most of the time is f3.5-5.6. So for example, if you are shooting at 18mm and the aperture opening is f3.5 on a fairly lit up room, you still can get a decent picture if you are shooting at ISO 200. But once you zoom in, the aperture changes to f5.6 and it becomes darker and likely chance that your subject will have motion blur or photo a little grainy.
To get a proper sharp photo, you have to up the shutter speed in order to get a sharp photo, you have to up the ISO and therefore the photo becomes grainy, even if you switch to Auto, Auto Exposure, Auto Speed or Auto ISO or Programmed.

Last resort is to use the flash. Built-in flash has limited distance of reach which will one way or another produce a less flattering shot or you have to purchase a more powerful flash that is attached to the hotshot which incurs extra cost and also certain places you visit does not allow flash photography and you get shadows or red eyed shots if flash is not used properly.

Entry Level > Kit Lens > not very versatile in the aperture opening but good wide angle to moderate zooming and it is still a very good work horse if used smartly in conjunction with right ISO settings and Shutter Speed.

Big aperture f3.5 > let in more light, nicer photo. Smaller Aperture f5.6 let in less light, grainier photo.

- Fixed lens (Prime Lens), meaning the aperture opening for such lens is constant all the way. For example, a 17-55mm f2.8 lens is always at f2.8, letting in lots of light in dim places regardless of shooting at 17mm or at 55mm. That's why it's called a fixed lens which is of course very expensive to own.

There are third party Prime lenses that cost a fraction of OEMs.

Many cameras comes with features that you will not use. Example for me, I do notes the macro function. I prefer a dedicated macro or micro lens for my work. I do not use the sports function as I don't shoot sports. I do not use the video function as I don't shoot videos. But we have no choice as all these comes with the camera as built in features. If theres's a way, I would customized my camera with the functions I used the most but I can't have it my way.

The questions you have to ask yourself is what kind of genre you are into. Are you the pointing shoot kind? Or prefer a little action or doing some close up work or nature photography or just general photography.

Even if you are just shooting your kids or cats or nature or landscape, an entry level with kit lens may just do the job and you just have to sacrifice somewhere for that shot.
Of course investing in a good lens will pay off as it gives a more satisfying result.

It all depends on how far and deep you are going into photography and it's not cheap in the investment but it is worthwhile.

If you are serious, go for a better system, otherwise, entry level will do.

I think Canon has one or two compact full frame cameras but I'm not sure what's the model as I'm not a Canon user.

I hope I've enlightened you and not confused you but please feel free to ask me questions if you have any or if I've left out anything and I'll try to answer your questions

I don't know much on the subject, but would love to, as I too would love one of those cameras. I do remember an old member , @sheri T ? Who takes beautiful photos & said that she had gotten a Sony (a few yrs ago now), & liked it better than her Cannon.
Maybe you could pm her & ask about it.
She hasn't been around in a while, but you could probably still msg her.
Her kitties are Bro & Lilly.
(I hope Bro is still around. I know he had really bad arthritis, so I sent the last unopened bottle of Angels cosequin to her after I lost him. I know she had also started the krill oil).

Ok, just chkd bk in my pms & she changed her name to @sheridragonfly .

NY cat man said:

It all comes down to your intended purpose, and whether you need- or want- the added capability.

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tabbytom said:

Even if you are just shooting your kids or cats or nature or landscape,

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Cats and people and flowers and (sometimes) food are probably my main subjects. Not likely to be doing fast sporting events. Though on the rare occasion I'd love to be able to take pics of the night sky (i.e. lunar eclipse)

Oh, and what I really want most of all is a shutter that will take the picture when I push it down, and not take so long that the subject (i.e. Ruby) is gone by the time it takes the picture.

tabbytom said:

If you are serious, go for a better system, otherwise, entry level will do.

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I'd love to get a really good system, but since a camera is only one of the many things I need to divide my money into purchasing, I'm thinking entry level is all I can afford to spend.

tabbytom said:

I hope I've enlightened you and not confused you but please feel free to ask me questions if you have any or if I've left out anything and I'll try to answer your questions

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You've enlightened me a lot. And confused me just a little. But I now have a bit more of an idea what to look for and think about. Unfortunately, I'm an over-thinker, so sometimes less is best. At least I'm pretty sure I want to stick with Canon, so at least that narrows things down a lot.

rubysmama said:

Cats and people and flowers and (sometimes) food are probably my main subjects. Not likely to be doing fast sporting events. Though on the rare occasion I'd love to be able to take pics of the night sky (i.e. lunar eclipse)
Photographing cats and people are a little different from each other. First, a cat may not keep still and only time they keep real still is when they are sleeping. Capturing people are easier as they can take instructions but not so with younger children as they are active and maybe not able to take instruction well and so same as a cat.

And for food, best of all as they don't move and same for still life. Only thing is food you have to capture it's freshness as some food cannot stay fresh long enough to be shot to look delicious.

As for night sky, it takes a little practice and a little reading on the subject on how to capture night skies and celestial shots, and then more practice.
Lens choice is pretty limited. It is either a wide angle lens or a telephoto to shoot the moon and for lunar eclipse. For eclipse of the sun, please don't look through the lens while taking he shot. It'll hurt your eyes as during the transformation, the rays are deadly. Usually a Neutral Density filter ND400 I placed in front of the lens for the shot. Read up on it.

Oh, and what I really want most of all is a shutter that will take the picture when I push it down, and not take so long that the subject (i.e. Ruby) is gone by the time it takes the picture.

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Usually, to get a shot quick is a candid shot that the subject is further away and without them noticing you taking a shot. And to do that, you need. longer lens (zoom lens) to get in close without you getting close.

The other thing is in line with what you want, a fast shutter speed, but sometimes due to low light, the shutter speed is compromised and so you have to pre adjust to a higher ISO if you are using the kit lens.

The other thing is if you want fast and you are close to the subject, you need a fast lens as I've mentioned in the earlier post.

So a camera with a fast auto focusing system with more focal points is best.

rubysmama said:

I'd love to get a really good system, but since a camera is only one of the many things I need to divide my money into purchasing, I'm thinking entry level is all I can afford to spend.

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Yes, do your homework first and see which area are your interest and invest in those equipments. Once you make a right choice, the equipments will last a long time with proper care and you'll enjoy them with proper skill and handling.

rubysmama said:

At least I'm pretty sure I want to stick with Canon, so at least that narrows things down a lot

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It's ok no matter which brand you stick to but just make sure that what you want is in the system. Brands are subjective as in photography is. Some people use a certain brand because their friends are using it so they follow suit. Some like the layout of buttons and functionality and looks and some who have no idea about cameras and just buy whatever was recommended to them and they stick with it for years.

Every camera is almost the same. What one brand has, the other brand will try to out do the other brand and so it is very hard to keep up with the equipments as they also have better and faster stuffs every few months.

Like me, I started off with Nikon and I've used the system for almost 40 years from film cameras to DSLR (APS-C). And only 3 or 4 years back, I jump ship to Fujifilm.

I chose the APS-C because it is a smaller and lighter system but I use full frame lens for them as by using this method, I have extra reach for my subject and I buy third party prime lens for their wide aperture opening. But lens made for APS-C sensors cannot be used for full frame camera as you'll get vignetting in your photos.

So like I mentioned before, buy what is needed for your work and within your budget and slowly built up the system. No point buying something that you don't really use and it becomes a wide elephant and if you were to resell it, you loose money.

Again, feel free to ask me questions if I've not covered anything that I missed or not in your range of questions and I'll try my best to answer them.

I'm not sure how much shipping would cost you, but sometimes this site has good sales -

B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

rubysmama said:

Anyone who understands DSLR cameras, can you take a quick look at the 2 links below and tell me why one costs more than the other. And if the extra money is worth it. I want a DSLR, but don't need tons of bells and whistles.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit | Best Buy Canada

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm Lens Kit | Best Buy Canada

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I just checked a place called CameraDecision, and they have a comparison between the T7 and the SL2. Interestingly, on their site, the T7 is $100 (US) more than the SL2- $699 vs.$599.

AbbysMom said:

I'm not sure how much shipping would cost you, but sometimes this site has good sales -

B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

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It looks like they'd have free shipping. However, the Canada/US dollar difference (ours is only .74 to your $1.00 ) and probable duty, would likely ruin any bargain prices they offer.

NY cat man said:

I just checked a place called CameraDecision, and they have a comparison between the T7 and the SL2. Interestingly, on their site, the T7 is $100 (US) more than the SL2- $699 vs.$599.

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That's weird. I'm going to really have to shop around before I buy.

I think good glass - the lens - is critical. For the longest while I had a EOS Rebel xTi with a 24 - 105 f1.4 lens. Late last February I dropped it off the kitchen table hard enough to crack the UV filter. Canon doesn't want to know about a 12 year old camera. Since I'd be going to the Philadelphia Flower Show in less than a week I needed a working camera NOW!

Bought a Canon RP, brand new on the market, mirrorless, full frame camera. Of course my older lens is not compatible so I had to buy a new lens also. Love, love, love this camera.

Now, I understand that this is a very much more expensive camera than what you are considering. What I want to suggest that rather than the package - camera body, 18 -55 mm lens with slower f stop - you shop around for camera body with a better lens. Good glass is expensive but it is really, really worth it.

I bought direct from Canon and the sales rep was extremely helpful. B&H in New York City is also very good. Be aware that they are closed from sundown Friday through Saturday.

I agree about the lens- if you don't have a decent one, everything else is irrelevant. I had a Tokina 75-260mm for my Canon FTb, and it was great, although heavy, but on a tripod it didn't matter. I took a lot of shots with that set-up, and it went everywhere with me.
As an aside, I just got a sale flyer from BJ's wholesale club, with a T7 and 18-55 and 75-300mm lenses, plus a camera bag for $499.99.

I will caution anyone in the USA to make sure where ever you buy from you are not buying what is known as "gray" market equipment.

You want to make sure you buy from reputable sellers that are providing the camera with original warranties in place. You need this if anything ever goes wrong with the camera. Many 3rd party sellers offer great prices- some on Amazon FYI - but the reason is they are selling equipment from other countries without the warranty for the USA with it (I'm assuming this is where you are).

Personally I go right to the manufacturer web site and have found most times the prices are exactly the same there and many times they themselves are running similar sales you find elsewhere. I've even seen higher prices on Amazon in some instances for all kinds of camera equipment.

Buyer beware in all cases.

I bought a Canon ELPH 340 from BJ's several years ago, and it came with the factory warranty, so I imagine this one would also. I know that sometimes those 'grey market' cameras come without things like batteries, carrying strap, SD cards, or even lenses.
I'm one of those old-fashioned people who like to actually see and handle any item I am thinking of buying, so I don't shop online, except to compare features before going to a brick-and-mortar store to make a purchase.

NY cat man said:

I bought a Canon ELPH 340 from BJ's several years ago, and it came with the factory warranty, so I imagine this one would also. I know that sometimes those 'grey market' cameras come without things like batteries, carrying strap, SD cards, or even lenses.
I'm one of those old-fashioned people who like to actually see and handle any item I am thinking of buying, so I don't shop online, except to compare features before going to a brick-and-mortar store to make a purchase.

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Most DSLR or mirrorless cameras aren't sold with SC cards or batteries nor a lens unless it's a kit. If lucky they will throw in a strap. One can purchase just the body most of the time so you can dress it up as you prefer. The straps that come with them tend to be rather flimsy at best regardless so it's always good to replace it with something sturdier.

I agree about needing to handle the item although when I bought my Pen-F I'd done SO much research beforehand that I knew I'd be happy with it without having held it. But that was not the usual way of my doing business by a long shot! (FYI really happy w/that camera but it's also very pricey so I do not recommend in this instance)

I know what you mean about pricey. According to the site I checked, CameraDecision, the top-rated DSLR went for $5500.

I've been doing some more research, and if anything I've confused myself more.

Photography is just a hobby for me. I want to take pics of Ruby. And closeup pics of my flowers in the summer time. And some candid people shots - i.e. birthdays and Christmas. And since I have a ton of other things I also want to eventually buy/do, I don't want to spend more than about $500 on a camera.

So, my latest question is: Is an entry level DSLR with the basic 18-55 mm lens a good choice for my needs?

Or would I be better spending a similar amount on a good point and shoot, like
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS WiFi 20.3MP 50x Optical Zoom Digital Camera - Black

rubysmama said:

I've been doing some more research, and if anything I've confused myself more.

Photography is just a hobby for me. I want to take pics of Ruby. And closeup pics of my flowers in the summer time. And some candid people shots - i.e. birthdays and Christmas. And since I have a ton of other things I also want to eventually buy/do, I don't want to spend more than about $500 on a camera.

So, my latest question is: Is an entry level DSLR with the basic 18-55 mm lens a good choice for my needs?

Or would I be better spending a similar amount on a good point and shoot, like
Canon PowerShot SX540 HS WiFi 20.3MP 50x Optical Zoom Digital Camera - Black

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If that is all you want to do, I would go for the SX540. The nice thing about the PowerShot ELPH340 that I have is that it fits in a pocket, so you can always have it with you- and the best camera is one that you actually have with you, not left at home because it is too big or bulky.

That's what I'm thinking too. But, one more question. Is the shutter release speed better on point and shoot cameras than they used to be. The one I have now feels like it takes forever to take a picture.