Canon EOS 550D/T2i --OR-- 32GB 3G iPad ?

[TheBritishBloke]

So I'm basically stuck here, I'm going to be purchasing myself a present, but can't decide which to get as I'm only going to go for one, with the prices being very similar (within £100).

Bear in mind what I currently own:
-Core i7 15" MacBook Pro.
-iPhone 4 16GB.

Camera: -FujiFilm S8000FD. It's old..ish, and only 8MP but like Apple have said, MP's aren't everything, as I've managed to take some stunning shots with this camera, with the quality ending up better than my friends 450D.

So neither are needed.. But as everyone knows its nice to get yourself a gift.

I go on holiday a lot with friends and family abroad (8 times a year or so, usually 2 weeks at a time) so I'm flying a lot, so I guess the iPad would be nice for movies with the larger screen, and the battery(we also like to play a lot of board games on my iPhone when we're in casual settings such as beergardens in Germany). I also like the fact that it's unlocked unlike my iPhone, so when I am abroad (I travel to Germany for the majority of my holidays [4 or 5/year including a 4 week trip in august] so the ability to purchase an internet sim over there would be nice.)

However when you consider my holidays (mainland europe, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and of course UK) then I guess the quality of the new 550D/T2i could also be of great benefit, I've always been interested in getting a DSLR, but as I've never taken any course in photography it's just been a hobby, and I wouldn't be looking to take it any further than a hobby, it's just something I really love doing. As I said, my S8000FD may be old, it still takes some great shots, but I still adore the idea of a DSLR. Many of my shots are at high altitude when I go mountain climbing, many at Lago di Garda (one of my favourite spots), so basically you can get the idea they're all of country.

But I just don't know which to get, both have benefits, both aren't NEEDED but would be liked, please discuss and help me decide!

Many thanks in advance!

 

[sananda]

With the iPad, there won't be many further costs. Maybe a case or some apps. Nothing major. But with a 550d, the cost of the camera is just the beginning. You'll end up buying lenses and software which are pretty pricey. So, I guess it depends how much you really want to spend.

 

[TheBritishBloke]

With the iPad, there won't be many further costs. Maybe a case or some apps. Nothing major. But with a 550d, the cost of the camera is just the beginning. You'll end up buying lenses and software which are pretty pricey. So, I guess it depends how much you really want to spend.

I already own the Master Collection of CS5, so I don't plan to be buying much more. I do a lot of my photo editing on iPhoto anyway, as the basic features tend to suffice for me to give the photos the extra kick.

But I guess you're right over time with the 550D, as the 18-55mm kit lens probably won't last all that long considering I'll most likely end up needing a telephoto lens..

 

[Matty-p]

Ticky but if was you I would go for the 550d the iPad you don't need you have a laptop and an iPhone . IMO the iPad is a bit of a novelty item and has no real use . The 550d is a awesome camera I got a Dslr a year ago and I take it every ware it gets great shots and when compared outclasses my old bridge 6mp camera it great to take photos that cam be printed big ECG and take pictures in the dark without flash and zoom in real far (with additional lens) also the 550d is and amazing vid camera used by vidiographers all over the world you'll be stunned by it quality bu be warned not really for handheld use. The 550d is a good investment the ipad is less so

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Ticky but if was you I would go for the 550d the iPad you don't need you have a laptop and an iPhone . IMO the iPad is a bit of a novelty item and has no real use . The 550d is a awesome camera I got a Dslr a year ago and I take it every ware it gets great shots and when compared outclasses my old bridge 6mp camera it great to take photos that cam be printed big ECG and take pictures in the dark without flash and zoom in real far (with additional lens) also the 550d is and amazing vid camera used by vidiographers all over the world you'll be stunned by it quality bu be warned not really for handheld use. The 550d is a good investment the ipad is less so

One amazing film that was done with it is "February" by ninofilm.net. He went around Vienna I believe, just taking small clips, and it was fantastic, with incredible quality.

My S8000FD isn't a normal compact camera, it's a superzoom 18x Optical So it's already about 75% of the size of the 550D lol.

And I completely understand what you mean about it not being a necessity but a novelty item, but at the end of the day, so's my MacBook Pro. I could quite easily use my Core 2 Duo PC, but I prefer not to as I prefer my Mac, hence why I paid almost £2000 for it

 

[J&JPolangin]

...get the camera now and the 2nd gen iPad when they come out with all the new gadgets!

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Hmm.. I was pushing for the 2nd gen iPad, but don't want to wait until next march for it lol.

 

[foranor]

It really depends on how strong of a hobby photography is for you.

Between your MBP and the iPhone, the iPad seems like a nice-to-have gadget, while the camera seems a definite improvement over your current one.

However, I own the 350D Canon DSLR and the cost is NEVER the camera. It is always good lenses. If you really enjoy digital photography, you -can- get brilliant pictures with the kit-lens, however there are soooo many 'nice!' lenses out there that soon you'll be facing a want for something in the 200mm zoom-range, or an UW-lens (12-18mm) maybe, for nice panoramas in the alps.

The issue is the weight of all this, once you own the camera and 2-3 lenses, you'll be lugging some weight around and speaking from my perspective, I enjoy the photography enough to bear with the weight but whenever I take that backpack to family parties or on vacation, I grumble about the weight and wonder if I couldn't have the same amount of fun on a quick-pic-digital-camera or some bridge-camera model and wonder if an iPad wouldn't be nice.

So, two factors (as a summary):

- coming cost (lenses)
- weight

If joy of photography + weight + coming cost > the PLUS of screen real estate iPad vs iPhone, get the camera. Else, the iPad.

 

[Jason Beck]

Camera and then come on by the photo of the day thread!

 

[flynz4]

...get the camera now and the 2nd gen iPad when they come out with all the new gadgets!

The reverse can also be true. I have been holding off on replacing my 7 year old DSLR (Nikon D100) until they integrate a GPS for automatic geo-tagging. Right now I am manually doing that with Aperture 3, and want it automated. I have too much invested in lenses to switch from Nikon, and the camera industry moves at a snails pace. Still, I refuse to upgrade because the D100 works.

/Jim

 

[gazzrenn]

+1 for Camera!

 

[Sumimasen]

I just bought a Canon EOS 550D recently, and it is a stunning camera for the money. However, I would say that the kit lens really doesn't do it any justice at all, so I'd imagine you'd want to get a replacement pretty much straight away.

Maybe get the camera body only, then get a Canon 50mm F1.8 prime lens? It's cheap (at about £100 in the UK), but the glass is excellent and far superior to the kit trash. It's the lens I bought, and I'm really happy so far! Haven't used the kit lens since... Going to get a nice sport zoom next.

iPad? Meh... My iPhone does everything I need from that kind of device.

 

[DylanLikesPorn]

I eschewed an iPad for two T2is, because I love then that much I bought both.

NUTshell: With Canon T2i, you are creator. With iPad, you are consumer. It is better to be creator.

 

[Igantius]

...With iPad, you are consumer. It is better to be creator.

Looks like this guy missed your memo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OLP4nbAVA4

 

[Schtumple]

Looks like this guy missed your memo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OLP4nbAVA4

Personally I'd rather take photographs than do finger paintings...

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Thankyou all for your replies!

@Sumimasen: My problem is that I don't want to be constricted, I'm planning to do some short range work too, so the 18-55mm would be beneficial over being stuck on a 50mm.

The thing with my current camera is, even though it has a superzoom lens, I still NEVER use it, the majority of the time I barely zoom in, if ever.

@foranor: I go on many holidays to different places, many being in the alps, that I do really enjoy my photography. Just this year I travelled to Mantova in Italy, and I've been circulating on pictures for my desktop from that very trip. I don't do anything commercial, literally just for myself and family/friends to see. Like you said, a wide angle lens such as a 12-18mm would be beautiful in the alps, but I couldn't find one for sale in the UK? Do you have an exact model number? I don't mind lugging around the weight, heck.. I lug my 15" MBP Unibody to most places

Decisions decisions...

 

[jeffy.dee-lux]

good camera is way cooler than an iPad. I also have a higher end point and shoot, but I think a 550 is a much nicer step over a superzoom than an iPad is over a good laptop and iPhone. I also think taking photography more seriously is a much better personal development than playing games and watching movies in mobile settings.
I also agree about that 50mm lens, its a great deal. I agree that a zoom lens is handy, so maybe instead save up for one of those 17-85 lenses or whichever it is that just came out, it would give you a nice range to play with.

 

[miles01110]

With the iPad, there won't be many further costs.

Uh, the 3G data plan?

 

[Blorzoga]

So I'm basically stuck here, I'm going to be purchasing myself a present, but can't decide which to get as I'm only going to go for one, with the prices being very similar (within £100).

Bear in mind what I currently own:
-Core i7 15" MacBook Pro.
-iPhone 4 16GB.

Camera: -FujiFilm S8000FD. It's old..ish, and only 8MP but like Apple have said, MP's aren't everything, as I've managed to take some stunning shots with this camera, with the quality ending up better than my friends 450D.

So neither are needed.. But as everyone knows its nice to get yourself a gift.

I go on holiday a lot with friends and family abroad (8 times a year or so, usually 2 weeks at a time) so I'm flying a lot, so I guess the iPad would be nice for movies with the larger screen, and the battery(we also like to play a lot of board games on my iPhone when we're in casual settings such as beergardens in Germany). I also like the fact that it's unlocked unlike my iPhone, so when I am abroad (I travel to Germany for the majority of my holidays [4 or 5/year including a 4 week trip in august] so the ability to purchase an internet sim over there would be nice.)

However when you consider my holidays (mainland europe, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, and of course UK) then I guess the quality of the new 550D/T2i could also be of great benefit, I've always been interested in getting a DSLR, but as I've never taken any course in photography it's just been a hobby, and I wouldn't be looking to take it any further than a hobby, it's just something I really love doing. As I said, my S8000FD may be old, it still takes some great shots, but I still adore the idea of a DSLR. Many of my shots are at high altitude when I go mountain climbing, many at Lago di Garda (one of my favourite spots), so basically you can get the idea they're all of country.

But I just don't know which to get, both have benefits, both aren't NEEDED but would be liked, please discuss and help me decide!

Many thanks in advance!

Obviously you can afford both so why bore the readers of this forum with all of the trappings of your fabulous life. Nobody cares that you have such a dilemma when it's obvious that you can and most likely will buy both.

 

[strausd]

I've had my eye on the t2i myself. If you are into photography, I think you would benefit MUCH more form the t2i.

 

[nosser]

How big are you into photography? Going from a superzoom to an 18-55 lens from the T2i will keep you wanting. If you really want to step into photography then go for the camera. (the initial cost in nothing once you get your feet wet so be prepared lol)

Another option would be to go with a Canon G11, S90 or equivalent and 16g iPad 3G. It may be a little more but you'd have both toys to keep you happy for a while.

I'm want to get an iPad myself but I'm not sure if I should wait (most likely can't) for the second revision.

 

[strausd]

If you're really into photography don't get a point-and-shoot. Go for something awesome. And you could try and just buy the body instead of a kit, then you could maybe get a 28-135 IS USM, a fantastic all around lens. I've been wanting one of those for a while now. Or you could go big and get a 70-300 IS USM, I love mine

But if you are seriously into photography, an iPad won't do you much good. A t2i with a great lens on the other hand, that will. Especially the full HD video capabilities of the DSLR. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that the t2i has the best video functionality of any of their SLRs with video capability. The 5D Mark II is great, but the t2i came after and I'm pretty sure Canon made some improvements on the video side of it.

Edit: Considering that photography is just a hobby for you, the t2i is still an amazing camera. Personally, I would consider it the best camera on the market for the price, and I'm also extremely surprised by how good it is for only being an "entry" level DSLR. I have even read some reviews about it that would consider it a mid level and almost a high level because of its quality, resolution, and HD video capabilities. Best bang for the buck, like you hear around here a lot But seriously, it is a great camera, great functionality, great quality, and in my opinion, a much better choice than an iPad.

 

[nosser]

If you're really into photography don't get a point-and-shoot. Go for something awesome. And you could try and just buy the body instead of a kit, then you could maybe get a 28-135 IS USM, a fantastic all around lens. I've been wanting one of those for a while now. Or you could go big and get a 70-300 IS USM, I love mine

But if you are seriously into photography, an iPad won't do you much good. A t2i with a great lens on the other hand, that will. Especially the full HD video capabilities of the DSLR. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I remember reading somewhere that the t2i has the best video functionality of any of their SLRs with video capability. The 5D Mark II is great, but the t2i came after and I'm pretty sure Canon made some improvements on the video side of it.

Edit: Considering that photography is just a hobby for you, the t2i is still an amazing camera. Personally, I would consider it the best camera on the market for the price, and I'm also extremely surprised by how good it is for only being an "entry" level DSLR. I have even read some reviews about it that would consider it a mid level and almost a high level because of its quality, resolution, and HD video capabilities. Best bang for the buck, like you hear around here a lot But seriously, it is a great camera, great functionality, great quality, and in my opinion, a much better choice than an iPad.

I would take a 5d II over a T2i in a heartbeat! The firmware on the 5D II was updated increasing it's video capabilities after the T2i was released and it's the only camera supporting Magic Lantern. I do think the T2i is great camera especially if you're interested in video. But personally with the T2i I would take the kit lens 18-55IS over a body and 28-135. The kit lens is sharper than the 28-135 and a cheaper alternative...

 

[TheBritishBloke]

Thankyou all for your replies.

@BlorZoga: But I'm not going to be buying both...

@Nosser: My budget is £700. The 550D already pushes that limit at £699.

@StrausD: I'd LOVE to have a 28-135mm as it seems perfect. But they're currently going for about £300 in the UK. And I couldn't settle for a lens stuck at 70mm+ I need the wider angle too. Someone should develop a 12mm to 300mm LOL

 

[cherry su]

Thankyou all for your replies.

@BlorZoga: But I'm not going to be buying both...

@Nosser: My budget is £700. The 550D already pushes that limit at £699.

@StrausD: I'd LOVE to have a 28-135mm as it seems perfect. But they're currently going for about £300 in the UK. And I couldn't settle for a lens stuck at 70mm+ I need the wider angle too. Someone should develop a 12mm to 300mm LOL

Consider getting a second hand body (like the 350D, which I am currently using) at a low price and then the 28-135. Generally speaking, the lens matters more than the body.

Also, there is an EF 28-300mm lens if you're interested. It's just a bit out of your price range.