Getting Image Files from the T3i via USB

[jeffamm]

I'm currently using an old EOS Digital Rebel with an 18-55mm lens, which I use for product photography (for website).  The business is growing so I'm taking a lot of photos, and it's getting cumbersome to keep removing the CF card and load in PC.  I want to upgrade to a setup that doesn't need a card to move between camera and PC - either something with a USB port or wireless.  Can anyone verify that the T3i works the way I think - I'll run a USB cable from the camera to the PC and I can pull the pictures off the camera easily, like accessing a hard drive?  Or am I wrong about that?  I'll need a USB cable that is 10' long or so, which I also don't think is a problem, but it would be good to hear that someone else is using it this way and that it works.

I'm also looking for a lens recommendation, as I'll probably buy the body only rather than get another 18-55mm.  I'd like something with a little bit more zoom capability (to get a little tighter), and it would be good to have some macro ability.  Any suggestions on a Canon lens?

Final question - I'd like to have a larger screen hooked up to the camera, to get a bigger view of what I'm shooting or just shot while still at the camera.  Can I do that with a T3i?

thanks

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

A T3i will do all you ask.  BTW, it doesn't use a CF card; it uses SD cards.

It will come with a short USB cable but you can get "powered" USB cabels 75 feet long or more.

You can tether the T3i to a laptop with Lightroom. 

Best buy in a Canon lens is the EF 24-105mm f4 L.  No lens is going to excel at every possibile situation. Thus the beauty of a DSLR as you can taylor the lens to the job. But this one will come very close.