The Canon SL1 and T5i
The Nikon D5200

Let me tell you how it all began.
Several months ago, I realized that I needed a new camera.
And, if you're still using an old fashioned video camera,
so do you.


In May, I am traveling to Russia for their second most popular national holiday, 'Victory Day'.
This is to celebrate the end of Nazi Germany.

I have been to Russia a number of times before, as I have studied the Battle of Stalingrad,
the largest battle in history.

I have taken several video cameras with me to Russia, but never a DSLR.
The DSLR's produce great videos and still photos.
I need a camera that does both.


Several months ago, I began my search for the perfect camera.

It was a nightmare...

The perfect camera doesn't exist.

I wanted to keep things simple.
I didn't need, or want, all the 'bells and whistles'.
I've had cameras like that.
Most of the stuff I never used, nor would I want to.

I wanted a camera in the $500 to $700 price range.
I wanted one lens. I had no interest in telephoto this and wide angle that.

And of course, I wanted that great quality
in photos and videos that DSLR's give us.


There are just too many cameras out there.
Give it a try. Start searching for your next camera.
When you find yourself pushing your chair away from the computer, with a sick feeling...
then come back to this page.
Let me do some of your looking and thinking.


Recently, after putting it off because of what had happened before,
I began my new search for my next camera.

I wanted to keep things a little more simple than my first search several months ago.
I decided to consider just three cameras, the SL1 and the T5i from Canon and the D5200 from Nikon.
Two of them are very much in my price range and one is higher at $749.

There was originally another camera,
but when I found that it didn't have video auto-focusing, I dropped it.
(None of the 3 cameras have great video auto-focusing, but they're all acceptable).



All 3 cameras are well built and will last for years.

I honestly believe this will be the last camera that I buy in my life.



I've looked at the various videos and photos from these different cameras.

They all look great!
You cannot go wrong with any of these three cameras!



photo of Canon SL1 camera

Here's my first camera!
The Canon SL1.

Here's a six minute video demonstrating the Canon SL1. It's priced at $549 at Amazon.

The quality looks great. I almost bought the camera because of this video.

I am showing you this video for one reason.
It has the lowest price of the three cameras I am looking at and...
the quality is great!



Here are some complaints by reviewers
of all three of the cameras I am writing about,
and indeed, about most cameras.

They don't have WiFi. This enables you to send your photos to
your smartphone or laptop and then you can email them to your friends and family.
I have no interest in immediately emailing photos to friends.
I will wait until I get home, download everything into the computer, and then think about sending emails.

They don't have a panorama 'in camera' feature. This is when you have
a series of still photos of the same area and you merge them into one long panoramic image.
This is something you might do one time.
However, there are various computer software programs that can do this for you.

Many of the cameras have a viewfinder that only covers 95% of the actual image,
making it 'difficult' to determine everything you're shooting.
I don't consider this to be significant.

Here's another complaint by reviewers. They aren't weather proofed.
Hey, when it's raining, you have to protect your camera. Use an umbrella or stand in a doorway.
Regardless, if there's bad weather, you're bound to get raindrops on your lens.


photo of DSLR Canon T5i

Here's my second camera!
The Canon T5i.

This is the most expensive of the three cameras, at $749.
I almost bought this camera. Yes, I gave this camera some serious thought.
Here's a 5 minute video introducing the T5i.

Here's a very short video that tells us about those things that I have never really understood.
Understanding light and apertures on the Canon T5i.
That's why I always use the AUTO function!
You can also. All these cameras have great AUTO functions!




Continuous Shooting

If you want to take a series of still photos to catch that perfect shot,
such as a sports highlight, these cameras all have continuous shooting.
The Canon SL1 has a still photo shooting rate of 4 frames per second (fps).
The other two cameras I am looking at have 5 fps.
To me, the difference is not important.


Concerning audio...

None of these cameras, even ones that are considerably more expensive,
have good audio in the camera. If you are speaking with someone on camera,
or just standing by yourself and talking to the camera,
you need an external microphone.

But for the time being, I suggest that you don't think about audio quality
until you have become familiar with your camera and then you can
toss around some ideas of whether to use a 'Digital Voice Recorder',
or a wireless microphone system.
You may find that you just don't have any need for external audio.



Touch screen...

Some of the cameras out there have touch LCD screens that set up your focusing (and anything else).
Some of the cameras have the more traditional buttons to push.
Regardless, you're still seeing what you're doing on the LCD screen.
Personally, I can go either way.

The SL1 and the T5i have touch screens. The D5200 does not.

Speaking of the LCD screen, it doesn't matter what camera you have, regardless of the pixel count and the lighting,
if you're in bright sunlight, you will have trouble seeing the screen.


Also, concerning the LCD screen.
Some of the cameras on the market do not have articulated screens.
What does that mean? You cannot move the screen, which is fine except that sometimes it's convenient
to move it around. You can even stand in front of the camera and see what its shooting.
I suppose this is a good feature but I'm not
grading the cameras on that feature- I can live without it.

The SL1 does not have a LCD screen that moves.


photo of DSLR Nikon D5200

This is the camera that I bought!
The Nikon D5200.

This camera sells for $647.

Here's an introductory video of the D5200.
(Sorry, sometimes there's a commercial).
X-out what you need to read the subtitles to understand what she is saying.
Notice at the end she complains that the camera doesn't have WiFi and a touch sensitive LCD screen.
(As I have already said- I don't need WiFi and I can live without the touch screen).

Here's a short video by someone who believes the
D5200's low light video quality
is just as good as a much higher priced camera.


I like all three of these cameras.

The point is, you cannot go wrong with either of these cameras.

Take a look at them.
Maybe I can save you some mind-hassle when looking for your next camera.

And believe me... it is a mind-hassle.


Here are the Amazon links to the 3 cameras.

Here's the one I bought.
Nikon D5200 with 18-55mm VR NIKKOR Zoom Lens

However, much more popular is this package with two lenses at only $629!

Nikon D5200 with 18-55mm & 55-200mm Non-VR Lenses

A tripod is recommended for these lenses.
They do not have the built in stabilization that the first lens has,
(notice the VR in the package that I bought).

I want a camera and lens that I can 'run and gun' with.
I walk around- I see something- I start filming.
I want just one good lens; that's why I went for the $646 package.

I know that this is confusing. Just keep in mind,
if you plan to use a tripod, get the package with two lenses!

The package with two lenses is a real good seller at Amazon.

Here's the Amazon link to the
Canon SL1 with 18-55mm STM Lens
This is the lowest priced camera with
great quality and a great lens!

Here's the Amazon link to the
Canon T5i with 18-55mm STM Lens
This is the highest priced camera
with that same great lens.



Notice!

Regardless of the camera you choose,
you need to buy memory chips and an extra battery.

All cameras come with a couple of extras.
Check out my Camera Extras page for some comments about the extras that you need.
Also, there are different lenses that you will see offered.

Also, some of the camera packages are crammed with freebies.
You're buying a good camera and lens- check out what I have to say about cheap extras.

Camera Extras Page


In conclusion, you cannot go wrong with either of these three cameras.

Best of luck to all of you!





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