Hellobee Boards

@MamaBehr: That's a great idea. I'm watching this thread since I asked (um... demanded) this for Christmas.

Really all you need is a bag and a memory card...You may want to get a memory card reader (some computers have a slot where you can insert the memory card but if yours doesn't, its nice to have) but you could live without it. I have a
lowepro bag and I love it (its very durable!).
I would also keep an eye out on woot, because I've seen a number of rebels pop up for pretty cheap.

I think you need a fun camera strap. We are buying a new camera as our Christmas gift to each other. Planning on putting a camera strap from etsy on my list.

@ladyfingers: I have a Canon 60d and I have NEVER had an issue with the battery life...The fun thing is, if you forget to turn it off, it turns off on its own. So I dont think the extra battery is necessary. I also have a tripod but I've never used it...

I have a t2i and I love it. My dad got a new camera when the T3i came out and he went with the T2i because it was cheaper and he didn't need any of the new features.

A GOOD memory card is important especially if you are capturing movie. Since its HD movie, you need a card with a high write speed otherwise the video will stop recording until the memory card can catch up.

I find the battery to be fine. It lasts me a few days if I were shooting all the time.

I have the 50mm f/1.8 lens and I dont love it as much as I thought I would. http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/nifty-fifty-50mm-prime-lens

I have a tripod and rarely use it.

I would recommend a good case/bag for storing things and also something small and easy to carry around. I actually just got a neoprene cover for $15 which is great because I can then throw the camera in the diaper bag without worrying about scratches or leaking sippy cups.

I have a t3i and love it! Definitely get a high write-speed memory card, but I recommend that you do not get one that is high in mb. I have about 4 6-8mb memory cards. I started with a 32mb one to take on our vacation but ended up bringing the smaller ones instead after talking with friends that have dslrs. Although the technology has gotten better, even the best memory cards can fail so if you rely on just the one big card then you could potentially lose everything.
Oh, and don't spend money on a tripod yet. I might have a hookup on a good one for you... for free

i just wanted to add that buying refurbished is a great way to go! much cheaper with the same quality and an awesome warranty. i've bought several camera's refurbished, and never regretted it once. then as far as other things you'll need -- you'll definitely need a memory card, and i think a cheapy 8gb would be just find for what you need, and you can actually just get a small bag insert for your camera and lens that fits right into your purse or diaper bag (something like this: http://www.focalprice.com/DS212O/2001_Padded_Partition_Bag_Case_for_Canon_Nikon_DSLR_Orange.html?utm_source=CS&utm_medium=PA_US&utm_campaign=CS_PA_US_DS212O&gclid=COqSteLfirMCFWThQgodm08AWw#.UIAOgHGIZaU).

i think the absolute most important part of getting good images with your dslr is a quality lens. you might get pictures you're pretty happy with with the kit lens, but until you invest in quality glass, you won't get the most from your camera. the 50mm is so cheap, and so versatile... i really recommend it. it will allow you to take indoor pictures of lo without flash, which will make a huge difference in your pictures.

The only other thing I'd suggest that I didn't see here (and I may have just missed it) is a UV Filter for your lens, solely for the purpose of protecting it from cracking or getting scratched. UV Filters are cheap to replace, but replacing your lens would be expensive.

ETA: Looks like @Thehistoryofus beat me to this suggestion!

just wanted to add that the filter is helpful for protection, and a lot of places will offer you a lens package that includes the filter for cheaper than buying them separately.

@ladyfingers: I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Tiffen-58mm-UV-Protection-Filter/dp/B00004ZCJI/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_y

And yes - you do need a different one for your 18-55mm lens vs your 50mm lens because they are different sizes. Amazon.com's Product Description of each lens will tell you the filter size. The 18-55mm needs a 58mm filter, while the 50mm needs a 52mm filter. That's for Canon - Nikon is probably different.

Amazon.com also usually suggests a filter when you're looking at the lens, so I just get whatever they suggest.

@ladyfingers: I haven't had an issues with it, but I'm just a beginner photographer. I'm sure there are better out there, but this was a good start for me so that I didn't have to worry about my lens.

I also second (or third) the UV Filter lens (I also have the Tiffen 52mm but with nikon, I can use 52mm for both my kit 18-55mm and my 35mm) and a comfy strap! I still have my stock nikon strap and I've actually gotten little rashes around my neck! I need to invest in one pronto.

I also made a padded insert (found on Pinterest) for my handbag so I don't have to carry around my big camera bag.

I have the Nikon D5100, so I'm not familiar with the Canon you're looking at.. but I did get a 35mm 1.2 lens and I love it for portraits and food pics

@ladyfingers: Hey, I just saw this on B&H and thought you may be interested, looks like a good price for this bundle - $599 after rebate
Includes
Rebel T3i Digital Camera with 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit
55-250mm Lens
Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II Inkjet Printer
Canon Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss 13 x 19" (50 Sheets)
16GB SanDisk Extreme Class 10 SDHC Memory Card (UHS-I)
Lowepro Rezo 170 AW Digital Camera Bag (Black)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896664-REG/Canon__REBEL_T3I_w_EF_S_18_55_55_250_PRO_9000.html

I would recommend an extra battery and the 50mm lens. While most batteries do hold a decent charge, you don't want to be left in a situation where you are waiting for your battery to charge. It is always nice to have a spare.

The 50mm lens is a favorite of mine and pretty much stays on the camera at all time. I can notice a big difference in photo quality with other lenses and always go back to using the 50mm.

One more thing -- make sure to get a high capacity and high speed SD card. Since you will be able to shoot video, it will take up a lot of memory space. The higher speed ensures the ability for the camera to write the data to the memory card quickly and also for you to access the photos and review faster.

I also highly recommend using Lightroom. I started editing photos out of necessity because DH is the one who uses the camera but would never edit them even though he shoots in RAW format. It is super easy to edit and user friendly. I love it!