• APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • APS-C 323.4mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Canon T3i advantages over Canon T3

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    216 mm vs 88 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    346k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.0 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    3.6 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    3.6 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    5 vs 3 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon T3 advantages over Canon T3i

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.15 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Lighter weight
    702g vs 1031g
    Lighter weight
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Canon T3i

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Buy the Canon T3
Kit with 18-55mm lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; Good grip; Full HD video recording; Swiveling LCD; Very fast autofocus; HDMI output.

  • Slow frame rate for sports shooting; Tendency to overexpose in bright sunlight; Live View AF is slow; No microfocus adjustment.

  • Read our Canon T3i Full Review

  • Well-considered ergonomics and control layout; Solid build; Good image quality; Great battery life; High-def movie capture.

  • Frame rate and burst depth not the best, especially for raw; Weak flash for an SLR; No sensor cleaning function; No spot metering.

  • Read our Canon T3 Full Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3100

Canon T3i
Nikon D3100
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon T3i vs Nikon D3100

Canon T3
Nikon D3100
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon T3 vs Nikon D3100

Compared to Nikon D7000

Canon T3i
Nikon D7000
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon T3i vs Nikon D7000

Canon T3
Nikon D7000
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Canon T3 vs Nikon D7000

Compared to Pentax K-5

Canon T3i
Pentax K-5
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T3i vs Pentax K-5

Canon T3
Pentax K-5
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Lighter weight
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T3 vs Pentax K-5

Compared to Sony A37

Canon T3i
Sony A37
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T3i vs Sony A37

Canon T3
Sony A37
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon T3 vs Sony A37

Compared to Canon T4i

Canon T3i
Canon T4i
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup

Compare Canon T3i vs Canon T4i

Canon T3
Canon T4i
  • $199
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Canon T3 vs Canon T4i

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