The first thing you should do before purchasing an DSLR camera is to think about what you are going to use it for. You should consider you’re level of knowledge in photography and Digital SRL photography. Even for an experienced SLR camera user you will find you have a significant learning curve when you go digital.

I have run into a few beginners that thought the Canon T3I is a better camera than the 7D. In one case, the novice had started with the 7D. He got better pictures out of the T3i.  Does that mean the T3i is a better camera?  Yes and no is the correct answer. It was a better camera for that photographer. This was likely based on his limited knowledge of digital SLR photography. The 7D is far more advanced. It will allow you to make more decisions on your own and thus you can make the wrong decisions.

For me, the 7D is a better choice. I was very tempted to choose a T3i due to the similarities in the two cameras but the price of the T3i is much lower. I’m a bit more experienced than a novice though and I live in the tropics. I choose the Canon 7D, in part because of its stronger body and the much better weather sealing.

The right choice of camera is different for each individual. I’d rather have a Canon 5D Mark III but it really needs the luxury series lens and that pushes it out of my price range. I could use the assistance the 7D provides and it does provide more than the 5D.  There is no perfect camera.  In the end, it is a matter of which camera is right for you. I aim to provide you with more information to help you make that choice.

Choosing Between the Canon T3i, 7D or 60D

Once you have decided to invest in a Canon DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera, you will need to decide which one to buy. The Canon DSLR series offers the best DSLR cameras on the market. However, once you have narrowed your decision to that brand, you will still need to decide which one to buy. Three of the models that you may choose from are the Canon 60D, the Canon T3I, and the Canon 7D.

Pricing Canon DSLR

The Canon 7D is the most expensive of the three cameras, and it carries a manufacturer’s suggested price Canon 7D DSLR Cameratag of $1,699. According to the manufacturer, the Canon 60D costs about $999, and the Canon T3I is the cheapest of the three at only $899. These prices vary depending upon where you are purchasing these Canon DSLR cameras and depending upon which lenses you choose to purchase with them. However, you should not simply make your choice based upon price.

Similarities

There are many similarities between these cameras. According to the manufacturer, this is a list of the features that these Canon DSLR cameras all share:

  • They all have approximately 18.0 megapixels.
  • They all offer great image resolution with high-sensitivity, high-resolution, and a large single-plate CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensor.
  • The Canon 7D and the Canon 60D both feature an eye-level pentaprism while the Canon T3I has an eye-level SLR with a fixed pentamirror.
  • Their coverage ranges from 95% to 100%. The higher the price tag on these Canon DSLR cameras, the better their coverage is.
  • All of these Canon DSLR cameras are compatible with Canon EF (Electro-Focus) lenses including EF-S (Electro Focus-Short Back Focus) lenses.
  • When the focal length is equivalent to a 35mm, it is approximately 1.6 times the focal lens length.

Subtle Differences in Metering Modes

When you compare these three Canon DSLR cameras, you will notice that there are subtle differences between their metering modes. Here is a look at the metering modes of these three cameras.

  • All three of them feature TTL (Through the Lens) maximum aperture metering with a sixty three zone metering sensor.
  • The Canon 7D and the Canon 60D both have SPC TTL.
  • They all feature evaluative metering that can be linked to all AF (Auto-Focus) points.
  • Both the most expensive model the Canon 7D and the cheapest model the Canon T3I have the same partial metering. Their center is approximately nine percent of the viewfinder at the center.
  • The Canon 60D has slightly different partial metering. Its center is approximately 6.5 percent of the viewfinder at the center.
  • The spot metering of each of these Canon DSLR cameras is more accurate the more you pay for the camera. The most expensive Canon 7D is approximately 2.3 percent of the viewfinder at the center. The mid range Canon 60D is approximately 2.8 percent of the viewfinder at the center, and the cheapest Canon T3I is approximately 4 percent of viewfinder at the center.
  • They all feature average metering that is center-weighted.

Differences Between The Three Canon DSLRs

With so many similarities between these Canon DSLR cameras, it can almost be difficult to see how these cameras are different. Most of the differences are in the shooting speeds and the shutter speeds. When compared to their prices, the Canon 60D offers the best value as far as shutter speed is concerned. Here is a summary of the shutter speeds of these cameras:

  • The Canon 7D features a shutter speed of 1/8000 to 1/60 second with an X-sync at 1/250 second. The bulb works at 1/8000 to 30 seconds.
  • Although it costs almost $700 less than the Canon 7D, the Canon 60D features the same shutter speeds.
  • The Canon T3I is slightly slower and features a shutter speed of 1/4000 to 1/60 second with an X-sync at 1/200 second.
  • The Canon 7D offers the highest continuous shooting speed at a maximum high-speed of 8.0 shots per second and a low-speed maximum of 3.0 shots per second.
  • The Canon 60D offers the second highest continuous shooting speed at a maximum of 5.3 shots per second and a low-speed maximum of 3.0 shots per second.
  • The Canon T3I is the slowest of the three cameras. It offers a maximum continuous shooting speed of approximately 3.7 frames per seconds. It has a one-Shot AF (Auto-Focus) or an AI SERVO AF (Artificial Intelligence Auto-Focus).

When you start to compare the differences in continuous shooting speeds of these three Canon DSLR cameras, you will start to see one of the reasons that the Canon 7D costs so much more than the other models. Here is a look at the shooting speeds of these cameras.

Making The Decision

No one can tell you whether you should buy the Canon 60D, the Canon 7D or the Canon T3I. It is a personal decision that will depend upon factors like price, shooting speed, and other features.

The Canon 60D is the latest in a series of Canon DSLR cameras that has always appealed to photography enthusiasts and semi-pros. However, some pros have even opted to buy cameras from this series so that they have a lightweight option.

Canon T3iThe Canon T3I is part of Canon’s Rebel Line. They introduced this line in 2003 as a way for amateurs to get into the digital camera revolution at an affordable price point. The Canon T3I is the second cheapest Canon DSLR. However, it is important to keep in mind that the T3I is around a mere $100 cheaper than the 60D.

The Canon 7D is the most expensive of these three models, but it is well worth its price tag. In a class of its own, this camera is perfect for enthusiasts and semi-professionals. It has a host of features that make its pictures and videos look astounding.

Each of the Canon DSLRs here are advanced camera and will result in many hours of exploring great pictures. Canon DSLRs lead the market because they provide astonishing pictures that in the recent past, only professionals could hope to achieve. Now a Canon DSLR canl take you there as well.

 

 

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