Is the canon rebel t3i a good starter camera?

I've recently been interested in photography. My dad said he would buy me a camera but it would have to be a good starter camera since I'm a beginner. I do photography with my iPhone 5s (i don't know if it's photography or not) and I'm starting to want a high quality camera so I can take really good photos. But is the canon rebel t3i a good starter camera? Because I really want it because it takes great high quality photos but my dad thinks it's too professional and I told him I'm responsible and I'm, and that I can handle the responsibilities of that camera. Please tell me if its a good starter camera! I really need to know.

I've used that camera and it's great as a starter. I'm not crazy about the build quality or loud shutter, but in the right hands, it is capable of taking great photos.

It is a great camera and a great starter camera. The T3i will meet you at an entry level and can take you to a very advanced camera.

Even with the kit lens and in auto mode, you can start to learn the fundamentals of composition, exposure and quality of light.

It's part of the Canon ecosystem and one of their best selling models. It will be 5+ years before Canon stops testing new products with it so you can use it for a long time even with new gear.

Personally, I got a ~year ago at a good price even thought I have the 5DIII. There are still times when I reach for the T3i instead, like when I want something light, want the flippy screen or want to use my EF-S 18-200mm.

The T3i is a great camera. Because it has been superseded by later models it is available for a very good price.
The T3i has at least 2 features that help it to win over the T5:
1. It has an articulated screen - great for video and when you want to include yourself in the shot
2. It has the ability to use an Infra Red remote.

T3i's are selling out. Get one quick!

Sure, the T3i is a good starter camera. There's one Canon camera below it called the T3, which has been replaced by the T5, just like the T3i has been replaced by the T4i and T5i. But, the T3i is such a good balance of cost and performance, it continues to sell.

The T3i sells for $550.
http://www.amazon.com/...004J3V90Y/

The T5 sells for $500
http://www.amazon.com/...00IB1BTWI/

So the price difference is only about 10%.

If dad just isn't ready to invest that much at this time, you can get a camera that will allow you to develop your photography skills by learning aperture, shutter speed and ISO; it is called the Canon SX170. It sells for less than $200.

Continue using your iPhone. You can learn a lot from it. Mostly composition, which is the heart of Photography.

Yes, but the more up to date version would be better for you.
Any DSLR can be used on Auto and then you can branch out into using scene modes, and then to Aperture Priority and Manual Priority as appropriate.

A good reason to look at Canon would be if you know someone who uses one of their DSLRs. Otherwise you should look at the Nikon 5*** series too before making a choice. Pentax and Sony don't have a fully articulating LCD at that level but they score on having better compatibility with old lenses and in so far as that any lens you add automatically gains image stabilisation.