Shopping for a Used Entry Level Canon DSLR. How Much?

Canon has gone through a flurry of updates to their entry level digital SLR cameras in the last few years. From the Canon t1i (500d) to the Canon t2i (550d) to the Canon t3i (600d), they consistently made incremental changes and released a new camera shortly after the previous one. This leaves you, the consumer, with some tough questions to answer - which question is right for me? Should I sell my old one and upgrade? If everyone else is selling their old ones and upgrading, can I get a good deal on a used camera...?

Which Camera to Buy

First, you might want to read through this comparison of the Canon t1i, t2i, and t3i. Its a pretty detailed comparison of the real differences between the three cameras, without getting bogged down in minute details.

Here's the quick version. The Canon t2i and t3i both offer a higher resolution (18mp) than the Canon t1i (15.1mp). But, in the scheme of things, that doesn't make a whole bunch of difference. 15 megapixels is more than enough for most people. It looks good on a sticker, but how many megapixels does your digital camera really need to print out a picture? Hint: It's not 18.

The t2i and t3i offer substantive improvements to video. There's a higher, industry standard frame rate available if you shoot in high def 1080p. They also include an audio jack where you can plug in an external microphone. If you're into video, these are good reasons to buy either a t2i or t3i and upgrade from a t1i. The t3i also comes sports an articulated LCD screen that you can pull out and angle. I would never use this for picture taking, but for video I can see the appeal.

What sets the Canon t3i apart from the other two is its potential for flash control. If you want to use Canon's speedlites in an off-camera lighting situation, the Canon t3i can act as a commander flash and trigger other Canon flashes remotely. Neither the t1i nor the t2i has this capability. To make use of Canon's wireless flash technology, you'd need to either spend a lot of money to put a Canon 580 EX II on your camera or buy Canon's wireless transmitter. Both options are expensive, and justify the cost of getting a t3i over a t2i or a t1i if you're interested in off camera flash.

How Much?

When each camera was new, it started around the same price point - $800. Over time, the older models had to come down and used models also became available on the market. A lot of these used models are in great shape, so if you find a reputable seller on eBay don't hesitate to go that route.

How much should you be looking to spend? Canon t1i's are pretty cheap these days on eBay, selling for around $4-450 ($580 new at Amazon). The Canon t2i's are a little more, at $5-550 ($700 new at Amazon). There doesn't seem to be enough supply of used Canon t3i's to support a large used market, so you'll end up buying a new one for $7-725.

Bottom Line

If you're just taking pictures, not doing video, and only using available light or on camera flash... save yourself a few hundred bucks and grab the Canon t1i used on eBay. That's a great deal and neither of the newer cameras will offer you any real benefit to justify the extra money.

If you're into video, look at either the Canon t2i or the Canon t3i. There are some significant upgrades here for video shooters. If you want a used camera, go with the t2i cause it's cheaper. If you're looking to buy new, then you might as well go with the t3i and get the articulated screen.

If you're into off camera flash, and you're going to use Canon's speedlites, then it's a no brainer. Go with the Canon t3i. You want that pop-up flash to work as a commander.