This was the third DSLR I purchased, the other two being Nikon D60's. (returned both of those and bought the Rebel, which I should have done in the FIRST PLACE). I wanted to get back in to SLR/35 MM equivelant cameras from POS ones I used for many years now. Compared to the Nikon D60, this camera is well worth the extra money. I have used the Xsi for three months now and my daughter has also used for school. I have taken sporting shots, animals, family, scenery etc..and except for the auto settings to be sometimes inconsistent, the picture quality overall is fantastic. I take most of my pictures on full resolution and crop to my liking later and the Xsi allows for some really nice cropping results because of the 12.2 MP it offers. The Nikon is only 10.2 MP but that was not a deciding factor. The extra MP are a bonus, but you will see no difference in prints between 10 and 12 MP in reality. Battery Life has been excellent and since I like to take action shots, I have used this camera at several sporting events this year. Most of the bad pictures, (yes, there are some from time to time) are likely as a result of the user, me. Once I got to understand the settings a little better, my action shots got better. If you want a DSLR and do not want to spend much more than $1,000 for a body, and two lenses, this basic kit plus the EF 55-250 MM lens, this is a great camera. I still have a few POS cameras that take equally good pictures, so won't recommend on picture quality basis alone. If you want a camera that takes great pictures, and do not really want the DSLR for it's SLR capabilities, save your money and get a POS. The Rebel is not really portable, and unlike a POS, you cannot fit in a pocket or conceal if you need to. It is a DSLR for more serious photography. I do recommend this camera, but please do not consider as a replacement to your POS, but rather a companion to it. I still enjoy my Panasonic TZ5 POS camera, but really like the Rebel XSi and would recommend over any other entry level DSLR camera. Spend the extra for this (or Rebel Ti) if you are also looking at the Nikon D40 or D60. Also, it IS made of basically plastic, as are the other cameras on the market of this grouping. It does not feel particularly clumsy, but I did purchase a Delkin rubber skin and it works wonderfully!

Loves this device. Keeps my nikon dslr within reach when I need it and avoids taking it in and out of a case and it much more comfortable than hiking with it around my neck.

I am a serious photographer who shoots nikon but this small, substantial camera is very good. It probably would not be up to par for fast action sports but I love the 18 to 55mm lens, sensor, software and operating modes, color, clarity and speed of processing taken images. This is the real deal. I did Update the firmware to modernize the focus of the lens for faster focus to version 2.02 and it is now every bit as functional as my non dslr nikon j1 which did not have the lens I wanted. I toss this in my motorcycle or suv and take it everywhere and use it to good advantage. Worth every penny. I got a $25 faux leather case to protect it, two extra batteries and a couple of 32 gb 90 mbs sdhc cards. I am well pleased and have a superb big nikon dslr and shoot a lot. This is one of the best kept secrets around.

took forever to buy my first dslr. after looking at 3 models the nikon d60, rebel xsi, and canon 40d. even bought the xsi first then the nikon d60 (which I returned right after a day of trying it). over-all the rebel xsi for me is the best camera that fits my budget. amazon even price adjusted 3x till it came down to $699! what a deal if you're thinking of buying ur first digital dslr i would strongly suggest this camera why pay the same amount for the new rebel xs? when the xsi has a lot more to offer. the feature that i like most about it are the dedicated buttons for ISO, metering, AF and alot more aside from the live-view. I would like the 40d since its ISO goes down to 3200. but it was a bit bulkier and heavier for me being a woman :). one thing i can say about it for me its simply PERFECT :).

I am a new DSLR camera owner. I bought a Nikon D3100. I kept the camera in the box for weeks cause I had nowhere to place it to be safe. I saw this backpack on amazon and instantly loved it. It is great it has a lot of space and you can't modify it dependant on what you want. It was also bigger than I expected so yeah highly recommended 100%

Picked this up to make carrying a Nikon DSLR a little safer. Little larger than i was expecting, but thats not really a bad thing. I can quite comfortably fit the body, a 18-55mm lens, a 55-300mm telephoto len, and all the other odds and ends like batteries and filters. Comfortable pack to wear as well, the shoulder strap distributes the weight quite nicely. Great for something to carry camera gear in during a nature walk or something

Back in the mid 1980s, I purchased a Canon EOS 650 -- one of their first autofocus film cameras -- to use as my high school's yearbook editor and photographer. I absolutely loved the camera; my nephew recently inherited it, and he loves it as well. It took amazing pictures. Offered a plethora of features. And has lasted over 20 years.However, prior to purchasing the T3, I did my research regarding entry-level DSLR cameras, and had narrowed it down to the Nikon D3100 and the T3. Yes, the Nikon offers higher megapixels. Yes, the Nikon has better HD video modes. However, much wanting an e-reader for the specific purpose of reading books, I wanted a DSLR camera that would take amazing pictures -- not record state-of-the-art video. I have a video camera for that. (As an aside, I've shot some video with the T3, and the quality is fine for stuff like YouTube or personal blogs. If you're a user wanting more than that, I'm unsure why would would be using your DSLR for video in the first place.)I chose the T3. And could not be happier.Other things I like about the T3?1. Canon is known for outstanding image quality. Their CMOS sensor and DIGIC processor combine to produce some of the best (if not _the_ best) images in the industry.2. Canon lenses -- even the less expensive ones made for "prosumers" (professional consumers who often don't spend more on a lens than the actual camera body itself cost) -- are extremely high quality.3. Speaking of lenses, great ones are also available from third-party vendors. In fact, I purchased a 50-200 zoom lens from Sigma, and it works perfectly with the T3. It was also quite a bit less expensive than the Canon alternative.4. Very lightweight. (I actually like the body construction and materials used.)5. Features? Tons. And the menu system is rather easy to navigate. Yes, I'm aware another reviewer has been rather negative regarding the Canon interface; however, do your research. Many DSLR users prefer the Canon menu system to those of other manufacturers. It can be confusing, but only if you are a complete novice to photography and know nothing about the actual art. If you want to turn a camera on and push a button or two, a DSLR is not what you need. If you want to have more control (complete control, even) over your results and are willing to take the time to learn the vocabulary and skills necessary, then you are ready for a DSLR.6. Detailed manual. Yes, it's long. Yes, it's detailed. But with so many features and combinations of settings, I'd much rather have detail versus "the basics." (Though there is a "basics" version as well). The T3 is not a toy. It's a tool. As with any tool, you need to take the time to learn to use it effectively.7. 12.2 MP is an ideal amount for an entry-level DSLR and results in great detail. If you are wanting to enlarge your images to wall-mural size, you're better off using a film camera anyway.8. I'm content with the video features offered because I will rarely (if ever) use my DSLR for video recording. I have a dedicated digital-video camera for that. (Why wouldn't you?)

It is just the thing for the Nikon DSLR. So much better than the SB800. This item is a must have for all camera owners.