Canon 60D Vs T3i - Which Entry-level DSLR Is Best?

When you think about the Canon T3i or 60D, you might well ask if there are adequate feature differences to warrant the production of two digital SLRs in the mid-level camera market, particularly when they are produced by the same company. Without doubt, it is something Canon must have considered long and hard. It may be puzzling because they seem to be targeting the identical digital camera market share.Upon further consideration, you will find that there are actually three digital SLRs in the Canon line-up with the same 18-megapixel image sensor. The other camera is the 7D from Canon. What's up with this?Suffice it to say that the 7D is in a different family in spite of the image sensor equivalence. It is more for semi-pros and pros, as evidenced by the individuals who purchase it. But let's not talk of the 7D for this article.In order to qualify as a real upgrade, a camera should be equal or better in all areas, and the Canon Rebel T3i does indeed qualify according to this definition. This cannot be said of the 60D with respect to the 50D since it does not improve in all areas. In fact there are a couple of features that could definitely be considered "downgrades."Well, "it is what it is," as they say when something can't be explained. The "upgrade" question has nothing to do with how these two models compare to each other. Truth be known, it is a moot point when you consider the way customers are snatching up these two cameras.The bottom line here is, "Which camera seems to fit your needs or desires?"While both use the exact same 18-megapixel sensor and Digic 4 processor, as well as having the same polycarbonate plastic material over either a stainless steel or magnesium alloy frame for the body construction, there are a few differences that may be deal makers or breakers.Let's take these changes in a kind of random order since there is no way of knowing which one will make the big difference for you.Body construction - yes, the material is the same, but the Canon 60D is environmentally sealed while the Rebel is not.Shutter speed - the T3i's fastest shutter is 1/4000 which is only half the speed of the other camera, plus it has a sync shutter speed for flash of 1/200 sec compared to 1/250 sec. Shutter and sync speed can make a difference under adverse lighting conditions.With respect to Continuous Shooting Rate, the Canon T3i produces a respectable 3.7fps, however that doesn't hold up to the 5.3fps of the 60D. Another advantage for the larger sibling. If you are into action photography, this is a major difference.Focus - Both models have a 9-point auto focus system, however the system is not the same. Each of the 9 points in the 60D is a "cross-type" auto focus point. In the T3i, just the center point has the cross-type technology attached to it. Believe it or not, this makes a noticeable difference in the way the auto-focus system works.The Canon Rebel T3i has a video component that is not available on the 60D. Digital Zoom is a feature that allows the videographer to use 3x-10x zoom while in video mode. This means a 50mm lens can act like a 500mm lens without degrading the quality.Another difference exists in how many pictures you can take on a single battery charge. Then there is also the size and weight, the 60D being a larger model. Of course, there is the issue of cost. Price could also be a determining factor. It usually is for nearly all camera hobbyists.