A Rebel election
Now more than ever
Do you know how unpopular it is to make a post like this in 2024?
But I care about the people who photograph and those who want to get closer to photography, and making a post like this, although in open contrast to the market laws, is in favor of people because the media manipulation, the hype of the cameras, it's all aimed at making people believe that photography can now only be done with the latest generation cameras, in particular mirrorless and better if full frame or APS-C. When I go out on the street I meet people asking me for a photograph but also those asking me to give any recommendation of a camera to start. And they ask me a cheaper solution.
In a historical phase where mirrorless cameras are considered the only cameras that "must" be bought, I think that the reflex system is being thrown away too easily, especially considering the fact that an optical viewer system offers a different approach to photography which often turns out to be successful especially where imperfection is part of the aesthetic choice. The optical viewer returns a contact in reality that the electronic viewer does not allow.
Blinded by the hype of marketing many forget that OVFs deliver a clear and sharp image because you're literally looking through the lens, unaffected by screen resolution or refresh rates. This can be a major benefit in situations with strong sunlight. Since OVFs are purely mechanical, they don't drain your camera's battery like EVFs do. This is crucial for longer shoots or for example in expeditions where you might not have easy access to power (ex. entire day without back to our base). OVFs offer a real-time view of the scene with no delay, which is ideal for shooting at the very last moment where capturing the decisive moment is critical. With OVFs, I can see the world exactly how the lens captures it, minus any digital processing. This can be advantageous if you prefer a more natural shooting experience.
Why the Canon Rebel Series is a Street Photographer's Secret Weapon
The bustling energy, fleeting moments, and candid interactions – street photography thrives on capturing the essence of life on the go. As a photographer seeking the perfect companion not just in downtown because I shoot in popular and rough barrios, the Canon Rebel series is the unsung solution. It is not a case that I chose the Rebel series: the cameras are light and small and that makes it a deal when it comes to street photography and documentary. My choice turned out to be perfect three years ago. The Canon Rebel T3 is the first choice for all those who need to do a photographic project for study purposes, at least here in Mexico. I did have one for a trade. Happy of my choice I decided then to purchase another Rebel the T7 that is one of the most popular and best-selling cameras in history. And I have no difficulty in knowing the reason: with a 24mpx sensor you really don't need anything else: the Canon system is the easiest to understand, even without a manual even if you are inexperienced. Intuitive and straight to the point. That is why I love the Rebel series.
Most affordable entry into the Photography world
Let's face it, the world of photography can be daunting, especially for beginners, and I know perfectly how is difficult to choose a camera today for many not having money for the last mirrorless cameras on the market. The Canon Rebel series cuts through that barrier with its attractive price point:you can obtain a Canon Rebel T7 for a reasonable price and with a cheap prime lens you have anything you need for street photography. This makes it an ideal choice for budding street photographers to hone their craft without a hefty initial investment.
Lightweight and Agile
Street photography is all about being nimble and responsive. The Rebel series shines here with its compact and lightweight design. Unlike bulkier professional models, a Rebel won't weigh me down as I navigate crowded streets or explore the barrios.
Image Quality that Packs a Punch
Don't be fooled by the approachable price tag. Canon equips the Rebel series with APS-C sensors capable of producing crisp, detailed images. This ensures your street captures – from fleeting expressions to details on the street – are sharp and ready for printing. The photos you see on this post are straigh out of the camera and Canon Rebel T7 allows me to upload them via wi-fi to my smartphone for immediate sharing.
Fast Enough to Catch the Action
Street photography is a dance with fleeting moments. The Rebel series offers autofocus systems that lock onto subjects with impressive speed. The AF system can appear basic, but exactly for this even a beginner will produce good results. Stop to think fancy. While a camera with a cool design can be a gift for yourself and sometimes the pleasure to shoot with a camera can let you work even better (I am a witness of that) to rely with a camera making its own thing, doing the job easily means the best when you will come at home and you review the photos on the computer.
Embrace Creativity with an Interchangeable Lens System
Today everyone is going crazy for...point & shoot. It doesn’t matter how they are advanced: a poiunt & shoot camera remains a point & shoot and while I don’t have anything against that, I would invite to reflect on that. Especially the price. If something happens to the lens in a point & shoot camera be ready to purchase a new camera and not only the lens. It seems obvious but people are not aware of certain things:
Ricoh GR is a nice camera, but has issues with eating dust because of the retractable lens
Fujifilm X100 and successors are now a sort of cult, but if the lens stope to work (like happened to me suddenly with the X70) the Fuji service will ask you more than the camera itself costs to repair
Leica Q and successors all thatmomeny for a point & shoot
The price issue seems to me to be an insurmountable obstacle. For me it's crazy to pay so much for a camera that isn't an interchangeable lens system and I wouldn't do it on principle even if I had the money. For the same reason I preferred to buy the Canon EOS M200 to the Ricoh GR.
The beauty of the Rebel series lies in its compatibility with Canon's extensive EF and EF-S lens lineup. This opens a world of creative possibilities. I don’t even pretend to say that you have to purchase a lot of lenses, but if you want you can…and that is not possible with those so celebrated…point & shoot cameras. And before to read here some comment saying the Leica Q or the Fujifilm X100VI are rangefinder cameras: NO, THEY ARE NOT. They are rangefinder style cameras and that is different. Let’s see the definition of rangefinder camera: A rangefinder camera is a camera fitted with a rangefinder, typically a split-image rangefinder: a range-finding focusing mechanism allowing the photographer to measure the subject distance and take photographs that are in sharp focus. It is UNBELIEVABLE how many think to have a rangefinder camera and they are not.
Master the Manual Mode and learn how to make photos
The Rebel series offers intuitive controls and a clear viewfinder, allowing you to develop your understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Mastering these manual settings empowers you to manipulate light, control depth of field, and achieve the specific visual style you desire for your street photography. Let me clarify: I am not saying that manual mode is the only way to photograph, but I am talking about learning how to and you should have full dominance of technique to become a better photographer. And the Rebel series is super recommended as a school for those willing to make it serious with photography.
The Reporter camera
The Canon Rebel series is not the flashiest camera on the block (and this can be considered a cons or even a pros), but is a powerful and versatile tool. Right now is easy not seeing that way with all the hype made for vintage designs, but I find the Rebel even supercoool with the minimalistic look and the reduced dimension but still ergonomic, more ergonomic than the Fujifilm. With its affordability, portability, and crispy image quality (believe to a photographer who still prints), the Rebel series equips you to capture the the streets and embark on your photographic journey with confidence. When I started here in Mexicoas a photojournalist I met a lot of colleagues using the Rebel cameras. In my mind is still that reporter camera. And if it was good at producing images 10 years ago, why wouldn't it be good now? Just because the design doesn't correspond to what's in fashion today? A DSLR camera is still more close to film experience than the new mirrorless cameras, because part of the technology (the mirror system) is mechanical.
Conclusions
I made this post not to convince anyone, but as a rejection of the hype and to do a service for those who today find themselves having to choose a camera without wanting to spend a fortune. 3 years ago I did have my camera Canon EOS Rebel T7 for 400 US$, new, not used. I can count with a camera with a battery life that is kinda “you forget completely of the battery for days”. And battery life is much more important than megapixels.
