My Camera.

One thing I get asked all the time is what camera am I using and I wish I could tell you everything about it because it honestly was one of the best purchases I have ever made and my only regret is not doing it sooner.  Please know that I am not a professional photographer by any means but I love taking pictures.

I ended up buying just the body and the specific lenses that I wanted. I kept looking at the kits but I couldn’t come up with $1,000+ at once. Things kept coming up and it was always a “someday purchase”. Then I found out I was pregnant with Sawyer and I was determined to buy my 1st DSLR before he was born.

The Camera.

The Canon Rebel T3. I ended up picking this one because it wasn’t the beginners model that I would want to upgrade a year later .Taking pictures is definitely something I want to learn more about and get better with in time. I want to learn my camera and I’ve watched many outgrow lower models too fast and the price wasn’t much lower.

Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging (Body) - With 1-year USA Warranty

Since I was having a baby and I wanted newborn shots and then awesome family photos too. I was told the 50mm lens was the must have portrait lens.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

They were right. To this day my most favorite photos were taken with this lens. I’m still learning so not every shot is perfect but when you nail it with this lens you’ll know it. You won’t find this lens in any kit which is another reason I broke it down and bought everything separately.

sawyer james @momspotted

I made sure to purchase the 75-300 lens because I heard it’s a great sports lens. I could zoom in and get the great kick shots that I wanted when Johnny played soccer.

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

What I’ve realized since is that this lens IS a good sports lens but it rocks at the zoo and for travel shots. I would never get many of my favorite pics without this lens.

Bronx Zoo New York City, NY

My 18-55 lens was the last lens I purchased. It’s my second most used lens but I sometimes feel like I can’t get the most crisp photos with it. If you don’t buy your camera as body only it’s also known as the kit lens. This is the one lens I didn’t get from Amazon and it’s the one lens that I found a price better elsewhere so shop around for this one.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II SLR Lens - Mark II

My favorite feature of this lens is that I don’t have to always ‘step back’. When Sawyer was in the tub I didn’t like the 2 feet away I had to stand. I always needed someone to stand next to him to safely take his photos with my 50mm. I also like that I could finally take a normal photo of my home.

IMG_4904

The Accessories.

I asked around to everyone about a camera strap. There was a huge range in both price and style and I didn’t want to get it wrong. It seemed everyone was in love with their Mod Straps. I ended up picking out this Mod Turquoise Flower Camera Strap and I agree it’s exactly what I want. The minky fabric makes a world of difference and doesn’t sweat you to death in the summer. The quick release makes it easy to remove if need be but I always keep it attached.

Mod Turquoise Flower Camera Strap with Quick Release

So, I admit you can find cheap cap savers but I love love love the mod cap savers are too cute and I splurge. I figure these are going to be on there for a long time so they might as well be pretty! Plus, since you need one for each lens you can easily pull them out of your bag and know them by their caps. I would have lost my caps long ago if not for these. Some have been on for over a year now and they are still as good as the day I stuck them on.

mod cap saver

I’ve tried a few photography bags but the only one I’ve stuck with and been able to fit my needs both at home, a day trip, and all vacations. The JoTotes Rose Sugarplum Photography Bag rocks! I keep everything photography related in my bag at all times. It’s been all over New England, blog trips across the country and even with stands my boys. It’s durable, pretty, and affordable. Can’t beat it!

JoTotes Rose Sugarplum Photography Bag

I’ve also recently found some great deals on Newegg one of my latest affiliates. They have some really cool Lens Packages!

**Some affiliate links have been used

Comments

  1. Thanks for a great post as always!

  2. Becky Richied says

    That camera is very nice. I am looking into taking some classing in photography soon.

  3. Vanessa says

    Nice post- and I adore that bag… it’s actually the same one I’m saving for. 🙂 Same color and everything! I just purchased a Canon Rebel t4i this past autumn, and I love it! And the 50mm 1.8 is fantastic, isn’t it?

  4. Those mod cap savers are the best! Thank you again for posting about those on Facebook, I bought one and even The Mister was glad I did. He thinks they’re a must-have. Tempted to buy him each one for his film Nikon and Canon 🙂

  5. Great post and love the camera strap!

  6. thanks for the great post! Ill be sure to get Canon t3. I saw at Target last night and played around with it but I have no clue on how to use it. LOL

  7. THANKS FOR THE POST-ENJOYED

  8. Cara Daymude says

    I’m a big fan of Cannon not only are they the best in my opinion but mainly I want to support them cause they support animals.

  9. Tammy S says

    My husband would love to have this camera. He has a Cannon camera currently but it is about 15 years old. We have been talking about getting a new one. This one sounds great. He would want to get the extra lens also. Thanks for the review!

  10. THANKS FOR SHARING THIS POST!!!

  11. Audrey DeSimone says

    Great advice! I’m in the market and leaning towards the T3i. Your post is helping to seal the deal!

    • Jennifer says

      The t3i just makes larger images. So if you won’t be making posters and murals that will be life size the t3 is more then you’ll need (and less expensive).

  12. That;s what I need is a bigger & better lens for my camera & then read the dam book so I can learn how to use it. bwahahahahahaha Actually it’s a good Sony hubby got it for me for my birthday & it’s about a $500 camera all together with case & extra battery.

  13. Cara Daymude says

    Nice camera accessories I like the blue fringe 🙂

  14. Jean says

    Jealous! I still live in point-and-shoot land. I would love a DSLR and, since I’m a Canon user (Elphs for years now) a Rebel is definitely on my wish list. I’m with you on the cute accessories. Who wants a boring camera strap?

  15. Do you suggest buying the 4 year warranty for $48.99?

    • Jennifer says

      I have had mine for 2 years with no issues. I don’t buy warranties for anything.

  16. Gina says

    I’ve had your camera & lenses on my wishlist all year, and now it looks like Target is offering the camera with both lenses (plus an SD card and bag) for $449 on Black Friday. Do you think that’s a good price for it all?

  17. Stephanie Bonck says

    I had several children, as I have had 5 and have 3 stepchildren, and I am the opposite of most moms. I am not good at raising children and having hobbies. In fact, I am horrible at it. I intend to start hobbies and photography is one of them. I have a fancy camera that I don’t know how to use comfortably. That is on my next year’s to do list, with about 5 other things. I am waiting for my last child at home to start school. I have tried hobbies over the years, but the kids get into my stuff and it doesn’t end well.

  18. gianna borden says

    your pictures are gorgeous! I would love a good quality camera like this, especially a canon! I have heard that canon’s are wonderful and all my photographer friends have them! I should invest but I know they are expensive and cannot afford but it would be nice to have one!

  19. Amy says

    I dream of having a nice camera!

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