Is the Canon T3i still a good buy?

[jasonaphotography]

Hey guys, I've been messing around with photography for a couple years, and have decided it's time for a decent camera. As a student my budget isn't huge ($800 max), so I need affordability. One of my buddies is selling his T3i for $400 with everything but a lense. Is this a worthwhile buy? I know the t3i is a few years old now, but it's a solid pick, and I don't really need the newest thing.
Thoughts or recommendations would be great :)!

[Iguanasan]

Everything in my Flickr stream in the last couple of years was shot with a T3i, the 18-55mm kit lens, the 50mm f1.8 ($100), and a Sigma 70-300 ($289). That'll give you an idea as to whether or not you can get any decent photos out of that combination. https://www.flickr.com/photos/eulothg/

That being said, a brand new T5i with the kit lens can be had for $800 or less. I see some on Amazon for $749. You can do some amazing things with the T3i but I hesitate to recommend "old" technology. The T3i is getting long in the tooth with the T6i out.

Maybe you can talk him down to $300 and get the 50mm f1.8 for $100. At that price it's starting to be worth it. Unless he's abused it there should be a lot of photos left in that camera. I think I'm up over 30,000 shutter actuations at this point and mine's still going strong.

[ewaizel]

At the end of the day, any recent DSLR is good to start. I spent 3 years using a T2i until it started loosing some rubber attachments (but still working).
A part of your pictures quality comes from the camera. A big part comes from the photographer. Some people take great pictures with smartphones or point and shoot cameras.

[Marko]

Iggy will know the differences better than I but the T5 looks like a good, possibly better deal (no video tho) at 449. with a lens at the camera store.

Canon EOS Rebel T5 with 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS II Lens (http://www.thecamerastore.com/6683-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T5-with-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-IS-II-Lens.aspx)

the kit Iggy is talking about is 689 at the camera store http://www.thecamerastore.com/6486-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T5i-with-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-IS-STM.aspx

[jasonaphotography]

Thanks for the replies guys :). I can get it for $325, maybe even $300. Would this be a worth-while purchase, or should I just spring for a T5i? I'd get a T5, but video is a requirement.
Thanks :)!

[Iguanasan]

For $325 or $300 just buy it. When, and if, you exceed its parameters you can upgrade. Put more money into the glass. Lenses are way more important than technology. The T3i is a solid camera. You'll get lots of use out of it, especially if you are just starting.

The T5 is nice but I would stick with the "i" builds of the Canon line. So the T5i or the T6i. The non-"i" builds are built cheaper and are crippled compared to their "i" counterparts.

Get the camera and go shooting! I wanna see what you do with it. :)