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Dec 14, 2017
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The lowest-cost point of entry is a point-and-shoot with firmware you can replace to do RAW, bracketing, and all the fun stuff you find in a DSLR. You don't get interchangeable lenses, you've got a tiny sensor, but you can still take fantastic photos with great control. If this sounds like something you'd like to pursue, check out the CHDK project and get a known supported camera: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
Next step up from that is micro four thirds. It has a 4/3 sensor that is in some DSLRs, but as it eliminates the mirror and prism, allows the camera body and lenses to be smaller. You get interchangeable lenses and most of the benefits of a DSLR. The drawback are committing to the lenses that don't work on a DSLR if you know you will upgrade to one, the smaller sensor, and an electronic viewfinder (as opposed to optical). However, many DSLR users also have a micro four thirds for travel or other situations where the size is paramount. For a beginner, the Panasonic Lumix G85 or GX85 would be a good place to start.
Note that once you go interchangeable, most of the money you spend will go toward lenses.
You can go with an entry-level DSLR. That way, the lenses you have can be used on a full-frame if you decide to upgrade (assuming they're not the EF-S series). But you'll be committing to the brand you start with. Nikon has the better bodies right now but Canon has always had the better lenses. So I suggest taking a look at the Canon Rebel line. Canon EOS Rebel T7i is about $800 street right now, but it's the newest one. The previous iteration, Canon EOS Rebel T6i, is about $600.
Dec 14, 2017
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