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InvisibleGhost
0
Mar 31, 2018
I‘m pretty new to photography, and am looking for a beginner camera and got a bit confused with all the options. I’ve been using an old Olympus E-520 and I definitely need an upgrade. Maybe a cheaper Canon or Nikon, ~$500 or less. Any ideas?
kungpaogao
79
Mar 31, 2018
InvisibleGhostYeah, there are definitely a lot of options...
Without too much info about your shooting preferences, I can't really make any specific recommendations, but here are some general ones: - consider used cameras - it will help you pick up better cameras, esp. at the $500 price point - consider lenses - if you're buying an ILC (like the E-520), the lenses are equally as important as the camera itself, so think about that with your budget - Canon Rebel SL, T, Ti series - T (like T6) and SL (like SL1) are nice budget options that you may be able to get new under your budget; maybe a Ti camera if you buy used - Canon lenses - I recommend looking at getting a kit lens + a prime, or just a prime (50 f/1.8, 24 f/2.8) - Nikon D3x00 series - this series (even the D3400) sits below your budget, even new with a kit lens! If you don't want to buy used, this is definitely a great option - Nikon lenses - same as Canon lenses, except check out the 35 f/1.8 - Sony a6000 - a mirrorless option!
Some good places to get more recommendations include DPReview (articles and also their forums) and subreddits like r/askphotography.
therealmuthu
34
Apr 1, 2018
kungpaogaoA6000 is probably your best bet, great for low-light, it's got a huge community base and supports a variety of great lenses at varying price points.
ac12
11
Apr 19, 2018
InvisibleGhostThe problem is match the camera to your needs. A decent beginner camera at a good price is the Nikon D3400 + 18-55 zoom. You can find a refub kit for $399. Or the next step up a Nikon D5600 + 18-55 or 18-140.
Even if you outgrow the D3400, and upgrade to a D7500 or FX body, keep the D3400 for when you don't want to haul the heavier camera out. For casual stuff, a lighter camera will get used more, giving you pix that you otherwise would not shoot. I speak from experience, and missing a LOT of family pix, cuz I did not want to haul out the big 35mm camera.
InvisibleGhostMy sister recently had the same question. I tried to present her equal reasons to go with a Sony like the 6500 or a Canon like the T7. In the end we went with an SL2, as it was enough cheaper to enable her to get a prime in addition to the kit lens while still being quite small and decent quality. The cheaper Canon lenses are pretty great deals. The cheap plasticy 50mm 1.8 is way better than it should be for a hair over $100. The 40mm 2.8 and 24mm 2.8 are also really good for cheap pancake lenses. (I wish the 24mm wasn't EF-s)
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