Does anyone own a Canon Rebel T3i?

I want to get into family / wedding photos. Would this be an ideal choice for me? I did lots of research and so far i love what i'm reading… Seems there's some similarities with the Nikon d5100 tho.

Yes I own a t3i. This, as far as I'm concerned, is the best consumer level dslr on the market today, a steal at $600 with an 18-55 lens.

I do lots of video with mine with excellent results. I also do stills, as you might expect, again with excellent results.

A lot depends on you however. What's your experience level with dslr cameras? Can you operate both camera and lens to get the results this camera is capable of? If not then perhaps besides the camera you might want to consider a class in photography.

Yes Canon and Nikon have, quality wise, been running neck and neck for several years. Canon had the niche, and still does, until Nikon spent millions trying to catch up… They've done pretty well but I still prefer Canon.

Yes, the Canon Rebel T3i is perfectly capable of doing wedding photography. The next question, is the operator of that camera capable of doing wedding photography. Consider a photography course and/or shooting second camera with a pro.

In addition to considering Nikon, also consider Sony and Pentax. Competitive cameras include: Canon T5/1200D - $500, Nikon D5200 - $700, Sony SLT A57 - $700, Pentax K30 $580.

I'm also looking at this camera… I would like make money from my investment eventually. Awful Duffy what would be the "choice of a pro" down the line after some experience?

I do.

Yes, it's a great camera. However, if you intend going into the business of Weddings and portraits you will need a lot more than that!
You should have at least one other back up body. A good selection of lenses. A couple of flash guns. Sturdy tripod. Various filters and reflectors.
Plus a good knowledge of business.

If it's your first serious camera then pop into an actual camera store and ask for a demonstration of the different cameras in your price range, it gives you a chance to talk over your ideas with someone that has knowledge and experience of the different equipment and you'll get a chance to actually handle the cameras to see if you like the way they fee

Even the entry level models available in the past few years can out-perform (in image quality, features are what separate pro level kit) any of the first or second generation Pro-level digital cameras that were on the market around 10 years ago.

Is your interest just for personal use or are you hoping to earn from your investment?

Cameras for me don't really matter that much… Even the entry level models available in the past few years can out-perform (in image quality, features are what separate pro level kit) any of the first or second generation Pro-level digital cameras that were on the market around 10 years ago.

The T3i is a capable tool, it wouldn't be the choice of a pro though… Same with the D5100.

You could choose any entry level camera from Canon, Nikon, Pentax or Sony and if you have done the proper research it will serve you well for years… If it's your first serious camera then pop into an actual camera store and ask for a demonstration of the different cameras in your price range, it gives you a chance to talk over your ideas with someone that has knowledge and experience of the different equipment and you'll get a chance to actually handle the cameras to see if you like the way they feel… If you like the weight, feel and find the layout comfortable of a camera you are more likely to be confident with it… It all helps.