Yeah. I’m looking at you, mommy. You thought buying a refurbished Canon EOS Rebel, or anything for that matter, was shameful and made you look “frugal” or worse, “cheap.” Well, look at this picture. Your pocket is thanking you right now. And so are the rest of my fans. You’re welcome for this photo-op and the rest of the ones you’ll force me to endure. Now, go make yourself feel better by explaining to others who might poke fun of your smart purchase.
So I have my PRECIOUS! No, not a magical ring. My Canon EOS Rebel T2i. It’s a beauty! I used a 35mm film SLR growing up. When digital point-and-shoots cropped up, people bought them like crazy. My family was also one of them. No more film to purchase! Save them on your computer! But at what expense? I missed the control that came with manually focusing my photography. Point and shoots became such a pain to me that I stopped taking pictures altogether.
When I looked at the prices for these new, digital SLRs, my heart dropped. I couldn’t afford that! Especially not the new ones. So my quest began to find the most bang for my buck. Then I learned about shutter “life span” and realized that I didn’t want to buy a used camera on Craigslist (besides also running into total whackos and ending up tied and gagged in the back of a white van). Of course, if the camera was only used for a short time, you could get years and years of use out of a new-to-you camera. But since I wanted to keep mine for as many years as possible, I knew I needed a newish one.
When it came time to doing research, (cost aside) I also thought that I needed the latest Canon EOS T5i or T4i. WRONG! They’re freaking expensive! So, then I thought “Hmm. The T3 is cheaper. I’ll buy one of those refurbished.” And so it began: the comparisons of Canon Rebels on third party sites.
What helped me make my decision were sites like this Snapsort one and CNET reviews. The Snapsort review shed light on how the models ending with an -i were better. On CNET reviews, I learned that the T2i was essentially the exact same camera as the T3i, except for a swiveling LCD screen. That extra component also made the T3i heavier, and decreased the battery-life. That, and coupled with the fact that the T2i cost less, was a no brainer.
When I asked other professional photographers for their opinion, I was shocked. Rachel at Postcards from Rachel uses the T2i when she travels. My good friend Darwin took a few pictures of Chip when we lived in Baltimore using a T1i, an older EOS Rebel model. When he told me he STILL uses it and it produces gorgeous pictures, despite the beatings it has received, I knew what to do. The T2i sealed the deal for me.
All of the pictures of Chip seen in this post are unedited photographs shot with my refurbished Canon T2i. While my iPhone 4S took a good picture of the camera, the difference in quality is clear. I guess I’m just ashamed to admit that I felt shame in buying a refurbished camera. To me, refurbished sounded sub-par. Now, after receiving the product straight from Canon and knowing that the camera was thoroughly inspected, I feel foolish for ever feeling ashamed.
The camera wasn’t cheap by any means, but I got the best of both worlds–a nice camera without my husband screaming at the sticker-price of a new one. Win-win, right?
Madi says
100% win win! There’s no shame is saving money. That makes you a smart woman! :)
Lisette says
Thanks Madi! Looking back, it’s a no-brainer. Some bloggers have the newer T4i, but I honestly don’t feel limited at ALL with this! Well, once I learn how to work it! Haha.
Rachel says
Yay! Glad you’re loving your camera.
Tara says
SO excited for you! I had a T2i for a couple years and LOVED it (only just sold it to upgrade to a 5D Mark II)! Can’t wait to see all your photos!
Noor Unnahar says
It’s a good one fore sure . Nothing’s wrong in saving bucks . My latest crush of digi dslr is Samsung’s one that is pretty much under the pocket .
Nicole @ Treasure Tromp says
no shame in saving money while fulfilling your dream! Glad that you’re loving that camera!
Chelsea says
I bought a used DSLR from another blogger, actually! No shame in saving a little dough! Smart move girl :) I can’t wait to see your photos evolve and all your beautiful pictures!
Lisette says
Chelsea–I ALMOST went that route myself! Now, if a blogger is selling a f/1.8 I’d buy that used in a SECOND!
Lindsey says
Pshhh….no shame at all! You should be proud you saved yourself some money! I bought my first SLR on craigslist, and it was fine, but I eventually resold it on craigslist (for the same price!). I am in the market for a new DSLR, and I would be totally okay with getting a refurbished one!
Lisette says
Look into Canon’s refurbished ones!
Stephanie says
I confess: I buy a lot of my electronics refurbished. Most of them still come certified and with manufacturer warranty, so it’s still covered if something is wrong with it. I have NEVER had an issue with a refurbished electronic. My iPhone is refurbished, my DSLR is, my media player, etc. Saves a TON of money.
Lisette says
Your iPhone is refurbished? O.M.G. I want the iPhone 5! Could I get that refurbished, too?
Louisa @ My Family & Abruzzo says
You got a great product and saved money, win-win and your pics look good.
Lisette says
Thank you so much, Lousia! The camera looks brand new. Not a scratch or anything.
Rachel says
Thank you thank you thank you for talking honestly about this! I’ve been wondering if I should upgrade my nearly 6-yaer-old Canon Rebel for a new one, and I was considering the refurbished route. But maybe I don’t need to upgrade at all? So glad that you were realistic and honest about this. I am all about buying refurbished when it means keeping quality and saving money.
Lisette says
Yay! Which model do you have? Darwin says his T1i is really beat up, but he still takes amazing pictures. You might not need an upgrade at all.
Kay says
This is EXACTLY the post I needed to see today! I’ve been struggling to figure out what kind of camera I should get without spending $900! Where did you get your refurbished canon? From the Canon website?
Lisette says
So glad to help! Yes. The Canon Direct site. There’s a refurbished link at the bottom.
Rachel @ living m{e}y way says
I completely agree! I have been begging for a DSLR for YEARS now–I even sold my wedding dress to buy one, and I still don’t have one (long story)! These pics are gorgeous and I always thought I needed to have the newest ‘i’ model myself… thanks for talking me out of that big purchase! Enjoy your camera!
Lisette says
Yeah! I also thought I needed the latest ‘i’ model, but after doing a little digging, I realized that the older models are practically on-par for hundreds less! Glad I talked you out of the extra expense :)
Kristyn Monaghan says
I bought my Olympus DSLR on ebay. There is no way I could afford a new one. I also did the same thing and bought an earlier model. I had no need for half the features of the new model anyways. Looks like you got a GREAT camera! Now you need to do some posts on making appeture and f-stop and everything else easy so I can take my camera off auto mode lol.
Michelle says
I want the same camera and I will probably go the refurbished route also :)
Lisette says
Good deal, finance guru! Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
Kenya says
I’ve been dying to get a cannon rebel! I’ll be getting a refurb or used for sure!
Nikki says
I bought my Nikon D5100 refurbished. I have to admit, it sounded a little sub-par to me too when I was shopping around, and now that feels so foolish. I got a better camera than I could have afforded if I’d bought one brand new, it came from the Nikon factory and I have had zero issues or regrets :)
Lisette says
You hit the nail on the head, Nikki! The Nikon D5100 is a GREAT camera! If I had gone the Nikon route, I would have gotten the D5100 or the D3100, refurbished of course. Yay!
Mandy says
I think it’s so awesome that you got a refurbished camera! I didn’t even think of that, now I’m sort of hanging my head in shame for spending so much. I got the t3i because of the swiveling screen (being so short, I knew it would help me get some shots) but if I didn’t need that I totally would have gotten the t2i. Can’t wait to see what you do with that beauty :)
Lisette says
Thanks for your sweet words, Mandy! If money were no object, I would have purchased a brand new T4i, only because trading it in for a newer camera years down the road would be easier. I’m short too! It’s something that made me think hard about the swivel screen but I figured I’d manage :)
Kristyn says
I said it before and I will say it again. I love my camera. I bought mine from a friend who was a photographer and didn’t use that many shutter “lifes” on it. So I knew I had to have it. Do you still have the kit lens on it? I wish I knew the model off the top of my head, but I don’t.
Your pictures look great! I love shoot pictures of the animal…makes it easy to learn the freaking thing!
Lisette says
Thanks! I got mine with the kit lens (18mm-55mm) at the recommendation of Rachel. I want a 50mm lens too but that’s gonna wait a while. The f/1.8 costs about $200 less than the f/1.4…maybe a Christmas present? :)
Kristyn says
I have the 50mm and it is AMAZING! Jeremy bought it for me and he got it from Amazon and it was only $100. Well worth it in my opinion. The difference is incredible!
Jenn says
I have two refurbished Canon DSLRs (an old original Rebel and a 60D. I pretty much stopped using my 60D when I got my new one last year, but that baby still works!
Lisette says
Ooooh. I saw the 60D and loved it.
Kerry says
I bought my Nikon from another blogger. DSLR’s are expensive no matter how you buy it, best to get the best deal possible. It’s like the new iPhones every other year a new one comes out and it is only slightly different. Nope, I would rather save the money. Good call on going refurbished.
Adrienne says
I have been using my t1i for four years and LOVE it! Part of me wants a newer camera, but I personally don’t think that the improvements have been so great to fork over the money again, YET. Anyway, it’s fun to invest in new glass for it instead.
Lisette says
You are SO right! My friend (and professional photographer) uses the T1i! There really haven’t been that drastic of an improvement among the T2i and T3i. So you’re right; no need in upgrading yet! I’d totally invest in a new lens ;)
He Calls Me Grace says
Congrats! I own the T1i. I waited until it went super cheap. I think right before the one you have came out. I saved gift cards from my birthday and Christmas and price matched and what ever else I could in order to get it! I was so happy once I was able to.
There is a lot to learn about the camera. The worse part for me is that I find a setting I like – but I will adjust it and can never get back to that sweet spot! lol
Katie
Kaeley says
This sounds like a great deal! All that matters is that you get beautiful pictures out of it…
CeCe @Pink Sunshine says
Sounds like you made a really smart choice! DSLR awesomeness but without the high or should I say higher price tag. We have the Canon Rebel T3i. I still suck at using it by the way! My husband went on base and got ours. It did have the best price around and at least we saved on sales tax.
Stacie says
Great choice! I just bought a refurbished Nikon and love it! A lady I work with actually old me what a great deal I could get by going down that road. I’m so happy I spent about half of what I was planning!
Michael says
Hell yeah it’s win-win! I don’t think it’s bad to buy refurb stuff, but I know what you mean. If I’m buying something like that I want it brand new, never used. I’m vary wary about buying refurb for something like a laptop. I had a film rebel for a while but gave it away because I never used it… since it was film.
sarah @ midwest pillowtalk says
love this!
thanks for sharing your tips :) i am DYING for a DSLR to take pictures of crue with and isaiahs not fond of the price tags either!
your pictures are great!
xxo
Thien @ From, Thien says
Hi! I found your blog through Whitney’s page and had to leave a comment for this post! I use a T1i that I bought used severalllll years ago. I do not regret that decision in the least bit. My rationalization was…people that have SLRs care for their SLRs (at least they should) so I let myself put trust into buying a used camera. Anyways, I just had to share that I love it. I am saving up for a newer model right now but I love the camera and the price that I got it for. :p Sorry for the long ramble!
Lisette says
You’re so right! I’m so glad I got the T2i. Most people (myself included) don’t know how to use all the features so all the extra bells and whistles is a little too much money. Thanks for stopping by!
CaitlynP says
Great Advice… As a grad student I am really wanting a ‘real’ camera for myself and looking into one that is a refurb is a great way to save some money!!!!
-Caitlyn / chemgradboom
Kayla K says
I really needed to find blog posts about cameras. I’m in the market after all. Love how you mention your love for wine. I love wine too! Anything good in the south?
Lisette says
Actually there’s a local winery called Butterducks Winery. Peach wine…yum!
Do your research before you spend all that hard-earned money! I got a better camera than the full-priced DSLRs at Walmart!