EOS Rebel T3i SD Card Availability

[toninulkmail]

My daughter's college is making her use the Cannon Rebel T3i Camera.  The SD Cards which it uses, primarily the 16GB or even eight are nowhere to be found?  They cannot be micro cards but need to be full size for this camera.  Does anyone know where we can get them?  WE have searched google and Amazon with no luck.

Thanks

Don't know why they are making her use such an old camera for video.

[rs-eos]

Best to avoid Amazon for memory cards as you sometimes can end up with counterfeit ones.  I always get my memory cards from B&H Photo.

In terms of capacities, the T3i can work with SDXC cards, so it should be able to handle a 32 GB card.  B&H Photo carries the "SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDHC Memory Card".   I didn't take a detailed look into other brands such as Lexar, but it appears that they also no longer make the lower capacity units.

[Tronhard]

Hi Toni and welcome to the forum:

The T3i is not a bad camera, I have one in my collection, and is a good platform to learn the basics of photography, so rest assured it is up to the job - one does not need the latest gear to learn to become a competent photographer. 😊

This camera can take SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, so any of those full size cards, up to 128G should be fine.  I would recommend something in the 32-64 GB size, and get two in case one should ever have an issue.  I would also recommend getting them from a reputable specialist camera store - there are lots of counterfeits out there.

I would also recommend that you download the user manuals for this camera, which are available from Canon Support for EOS Rebel T3i | Canon U.S.A., Inc. - it will be very helpful to have them to hand should your daughter need to refer to them.

If she wants to get a good orientation to the T3i, I would suggest checking out your local library's on-line catalogue and search for an item called LinkedIn Learning.  If it is available, you can have free access to a site via your library credentials with a vast array of training materials on a host of subjects, including photography. 

The trainers are professional photographers and educators and I know there is a full tutorial on the T3i on the site.  It will be a great way for her to learn the camera's controls - which is important so that it becomes automatic, allowing one to concentrate on getting the right settings and composition.  The site also has tutorials on a full gamut of photographic subjects, including composition, the exposure triangle from basics to advanced levels. 

If it is not available via your library, you can get a free month's access via the LinkedIn learning website: LinkedIn Learning with Lynda: Online Training Courses for Creative, Technology, Business Skills .

I hope this will be of some help.