Beginners' Digital SLR - Canon Rebel T3i Is The Answer

The new Canon Rebel T3i (aka 600D) digital camera is here, and quite frankly, it is a camera for beginners who want creativeness to have a role in their photographic experience.It would appear that Canon has the interests of new digital SLR owners at heart in the development of the T3i, as they have added certain features that must really be attractive to the inexperienced DSLR camera owner.There are two very excellent reasons that many people maintain for purchasing their original digital SLR camera. First of all, everyone knows that the image quality of a DSLR camera is superior to a point and shoot camera. But equally important is the control of the final image you get when you can change lenses to suit each change of circumstances.Having the same hardware, which includes the 18-MP sensor and DIGIC 4 processor, the T3i looks identical to the T2i. At first look, the only evident difference is the articulating LCD screen. And inwardly, the hardware looks equal with a similar image sensor and processor.But the real attraction in this new Rebel is the addition of creative possibilities, like "the Green Square." On the top mode dial, there is a new button that is green, hence the name Green Square. When you set the camera on the Green Square, you actually give the camera full control. The new rebel will make some really crucial decisions about light and sharpness to give you the very best picture possible. And you don't have to do anything but frame and shoot. The Green Square name may or may not stick. The politically correct term for the green square is "Scene Intelligent Auto." It is about the same as the Intelligent Auto setting on many high end compact digital cameras.When set to Scene Intelligent Auto, the camera takes the guess work out of camera settings. The new owner can pick up this camera and take great pictures right away, without knowing much about digital SLR settings.As good as that looks, there is even more. By setting the mode dial on one of the Basic Zone modes, you can access the Basic+ choices in the Quick Control screen in the LCD display. There are two different options to choose from once you access the Basic+ screen. You can choose Ambiance settings or the Lighting/Scene Type settings. The camera software takes over and makes you, the photographer, look like a pro.Knowing that this camera has all the same features as the more professional cameras should make the T3i very interesting to those who are considering their first digital SLR, in particular if the hope of advancing to a more professional model is the future goal.The most unbelievable part is that a new photographer can feel much more comfortable knowing that he can "ease" into the digital SLR learning process. Getting the settings right, when in doubt, can be left up to the camera. Then time can be spent leisurely learning when the shots are not critical.The Canon Rebel T3i gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to digital SLR photography.