Canon Rebel T3 and T3i aim to bring DSLRs to the masses

Point-and-shoot cameras have come a long way in terms of resolution and picture quality, but most photo enthusiasts eventually start yearning for the features and control of a DSLR camera…and Canon is looking to tap into that need with its new EOS Rebel T3 and EOS Rebel T3i DSLR cameras. Both cameras aim to make DSLR photography more accessible to beginning and amateur photographer while still offering all the power and flexibility serious picture-takers crave.

“Everyone today is a photographer, and for those looking to capture stunning images and do more with photography, Canon has introduced the EOS Rebel T3i and T3, offering the right balance of high-end features and easy-to-use guidance at a great price,” said Canon USA executive VP and general manager Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement.

The T3 and T3i represent incremental updates over their predecessors: the T3 weighs in with a 12 megapixel resolution while the T3i steps up to 18 megapixels. Both cameras offer HD video capture capabilities and sport a new EOS Feature Guide that includes an enhanced Quick Settings screen does includes descriptions of camera settings so users can learn how the camera operates while taking their first sets of high-quality photos. The guide also offers directions for how to get the most out of each setting for creative purposes. Of course, the camera also offers fully automatic shooting modes, including modes for portraits, landscapes, close-ups, action, and nighttime shots, and each “Basic Zone” can be tweaked on the fly to adjust for lighting and other conditions.

The Rebel T3i also features a new Vari-Angle three-inch LCD display (the first time Canon has offered one with a DSLR), while the T3 uses a 2.7-inch LCD display. Both cameras support SDXC media, and can be used with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

The Canon Rebel T3i should be available in March for a suggested price of $799.99 for a body-only configuration. (A kit with a EF-S 18–55mm ƒ/3.5–5.6 IS II zoom lens should run $899.99.) The Rebel T3 should land in April with a suggested price of $599.99 with the EF-S 18–55mm ƒ/3.5–5.6 II zoom lens.