Help a DSLR newbie!

[zookeepersuzy]

I like this website to help choose between two models.. snapsort.com/compare/Canon-T3i-vs-Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i

I would get the t2i just b/c I don't like flip out screens.. I'm clumsy & would probably break it.

They are very similar though, so really get which ever one has the better price. I don't think that you will notice a difference or miss any feature from one or the other since you are just getting your first DSLR. (and canon is a good brand, you really can't go wrong.)

Not to throw more options at you than you need/want - but also consider an entry level Nikon. You can go to somewhere like best buy and hold one of each to see if you have a preference for how they feel in your hand. It is important that it is comfortable in your hand or you wont want to hold it very long.

have fun on your trip!

[dutchgirl678]

Either the T2i or the T3i are good. I don't know what the exact differences are but you can compare their features side by side on dpreview.com.

As for lenses, if the camera comes with a kit lens I would sell it and get the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. It's about $400. It's really versatile and I use it 85% of the time. The fixed 2.8 aperture is really great as it helps you in low light.

[redredwine]

I'm also going to plug Craigslist. Just bought a T1i off there for a really good (fair, and not too low where it was shady) price...sure a t3i (or even better model) would have been nice, but it wasn't in my budget and I really needed a better performing camera if only for a bigger LCD. I shopped on there for a while, found what I wanted at a very fair price and walked away with an almost-new camera.
I know CL can be sketchy, so we can always help you search!
I agree that the lenses make the difference. I also plan on buying a better lens off CL (once I sell my XH's golf clubs...yay!)

[dutchgirl678]

Congratulations! Hope you take some great pics on your trip!