Entry level beginner camera and lens suggestions

[DavidT]

Hello everyone!
I received a call from my sister in law who lives in CO and is looking for an entry level camera and lens. She wants to take pictures of her dog and some general photography in the mountains etc. Her starting budget is $500 was struggling a little on suggesting actual camera models for her to look at.

She is a used buyer and I suggested a 24-120mm type lens as probably a good do it all for now. She wants to see if she likes it and if it is something she wants to do more serious as a hobby. It would be nice if the body at least is one she can grow into if she decides to get more serious with photography. She didn't mention anything about video and suspect her iPhone could carry those duties for now.

What cameras would you all suggest? Also what budget do you think is reasonable? She is going to watch FB market place, KEH, Usedcamerapros, MPB for examples and look for sales to maximize her money.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions!

 

[Rassie]

I've never had to give this question serious thought, especially with the limited information you provide here. Since you're asking for suggestions (or I think opinions, perhaps) here's what I think.

Anyone who gets into photography has to decide how deeply you want to get immersed in it. Back when I started I had a Kodak Instamatic with almost no ability to configure for various scenarios. It was all fully automatic. I eventually grew into a more adjustable camera, and old Pentax SLR that I borrowed from my father. Once I understood the basics of shutter speed versus aperture versus ISO and I could adjust the camera properly for different scenarios I was comfortable enough to then purchase my own, much newer and more modern Pentax. At that point I had arrived in my journey and I then started acquiring lenses to supplement the kit 50mm lens that came with the camera. Long zoom lens and a wide-angle lens.

After that came digital photography, so today I'm here with a very capable mirrorless Nikon Z6ii and appropriate lenses. Along the way it is has become an expensive hobby. I'm not complaining about the cost because I'm so committed to my hobby. Along the way I also had to learn to edit photos during post processing, something that was not necessary in the film days.

Now we get to your sister in law. If she is committed enough to learn all the basics of photography such as how aperture setting, shutter speed and ISO work together, and if she would be willing to learn how to edit her pictures for the best effect, then I would say yes, help her purchase an affordable used DSLR or MILC body and lens for starters. She would probably also have to understand that extra lenses might eventually be required as she progresses. And what about having to learn to clean her camera's sensor?

If the above sounds like too much for her to commit to I would advise her to purchase any one of the quite capable point-and-shoot digital cameras available. Many of them have fixed lenses that can zoom from wide to tele. All of them can be used in auto mode like my old Instamatic, and some of them have many variable setting options as well. Those cameras are light, you never have to bother changing lenses, they can be fully adjustable, and she would never have to bother cleaning the sensor. There's nothing wrong with learning the basics of photography with one of those cameras before eventually upgrading to the big guns. Lastly those point-and-shoot cameras are small and light.

 

[DavidT]

I've never had to give this question serious thought, especially with the limited information you provide here. Since you're asking for suggestions (or I think opinions, perhaps) here's what I think.

Anyone who gets into photography has to decide how deeply you want to get immersed in it. Back when I started I had a Kodak Instamatic with almost no ability to configure for various scenarios. It was all fully automatic. I eventually grew into a more adjustable camera, and old Pentax SLR that I borrowed from my father. Once I understood the basics of shutter speed versus aperture versus ISO and I could adjust the camera properly for different scenarios I was comfortable enough to then purchase my own, much newer and more modern Pentax. At that point I had arrived in my journey and I then started acquiring lenses to supplement the kit 50mm lens that came with the camera. Long zoom lens and a wide-angle lens.

After that came digital photography, so today I'm here with a very capable mirrorless Nikon Z6ii and appropriate lenses. Along the way it is has become an expensive hobby. I'm not complaining about the cost because I'm so committed to my hobby. Along the way I also had to learn to edit photos during post processing, something that was not necessary in the film days.

Now we get to your sister in law. If she is committed enough to learn all the basics of photography such as how aperture setting, shutter speed and ISO work together, and if she would be willing to learn how to edit her pictures for the best effect, then I would say yes, help her purchase an affordable used DSLR or MILC body and lens for starters. She would probably also have to understand that extra lenses might eventually be required as she progresses. And what about having to learn to clean her camera's sensor?

If the above sounds like too much for her to commit to I would advise her to purchase any one of the quite capable point-and-shoot digital cameras available. Many of them have fixed lenses that can zoom from wide to tele. All of them can be used in auto mode like my old Instamatic, and some of them have many variable setting options as well. Those cameras are light, you never have to bother changing lenses, they can be fully adjustable, and she would never have to bother cleaning the sensor.

Interesting the point and shoot never crossed my mind but it does have its merits. I think from our conversation she does want to actually learn photography. Budget is the biggest concern of trying to balance finances with a camera capable of her learning but not needing to replace it if she decides to get more serious which would lead to more lenses and increasing her investments.

Any model numbers of cameras to look at would be helpful. I have never had anything other than pro level bodies so I haven't really spent the time to look at the lower level cameras. I did find a very nice D750 in box on FB marketplace today for $575 which seems like a great deal.

 

[Rassie]

I did find a very nice D750 in box on FB marketplace today for $575 which seems like a great deal.

But assuming that cost is only for the body, then you would have to add a lens that would double the cost.
I shot with DX model Nikons for many years from 2005 to 2019. They are quite capable, generally smaller and lighter, less expensive than full frame cameras, and DX lenses are cheaper and lighter than full frame lenses. It was only at the end of 2019 that I switched to full frame when I purchased the Z6.

So if DX, then a used D7200 or D7500 would do the trick, together with any lens that would suit her specific requirements. Plenty to choose from among the Sigma, Tamron or Nikon offerings. The Nikon 16-80mm F/2.8-4 is an awesome choice, although pricey.
If full frame, I would look at a used D610 or D750 with the 24-120mm F/4 lens.

 

[Ralph]

I've never had to give this question serious thought, especially with the limited information you provide here. Since you're asking for suggestions (or I think opinions, perhaps) here's what I think.

Anyone who gets into photography has to decide how deeply you want to get immersed in it. Back when I started I had a Kodak Instamatic with almost no ability to configure for various scenarios. It was all fully automatic. I eventually grew into a more adjustable camera, and old Pentax SLR that I borrowed from my father. Once I understood the basics of shutter speed versus aperture versus ISO and I could adjust the camera properly for different scenarios I was comfortable enough to then purchase my own, much newer and more modern Pentax. At that point I had arrived in my journey and I then started acquiring lenses to supplement the kit 50mm lens that came with the camera. Long zoom lens and a wide-angle lens.

After that came digital photography, so today I'm here with a very capable mirrorless Nikon Z6ii and appropriate lenses. Along the way it is has become an expensive hobby. I'm not complaining about the cost because I'm so committed to my hobby. Along the way I also had to learn to edit photos during post processing, something that was not necessary in the film days.

Now we get to your sister in law. If she is committed enough to learn all the basics of photography such as how aperture setting, shutter speed and ISO work together, and if she would be willing to learn how to edit her pictures for the best effect, then I would say yes, help her purchase an affordable used DSLR or MILC body and lens for starters. She would probably also have to understand that extra lenses might eventually be required as she progresses. And what about having to learn to clean her camera's sensor?

If the above sounds like too much for her to commit to I would advise her to purchase any one of the quite capable point-and-shoot digital cameras available. Many of them have fixed lenses that can zoom from wide to tele. All of them can be used in auto mode like my old Instamatic, and some of them have many variable setting options as well. Those cameras are light, you never have to bother changing lenses, they can be fully adjustable, and she would never have to bother cleaning the sensor. There's nothing wrong with learning the basics of photography with one of those cameras before eventually upgrading to the big guns. Lastly those point-and-shoot cameras are small and light.

I agree with Rassie. An all -in-one camera (super zoom) would be the best course to take. I used one for years and learned the basics of a DSLR before I bought my first DSLR. It helped tremendously. So when I finally got my DSLR, the learning curve was accelerated. They are great cameras and their auto functions work great. And they have many of the features of present day DSLRs Including manual mode for learning the basics. Canon and Nikon make some awesome models. And the price is right.

 

[Geezer]

I agree with Rassie. An all -in-one camera (super zoom) would be the best course to take. I used one for years and learned the basics of a DSLR before I bought my first DSLR. It helped tremendously. So when I finally got my DSLR, the learning curve was accelerated. They are great cameras and their auto functions work great. And they have many of the features of present day DSLRs Including manual mode for learning the basics. Canon and Nikon make some awesome models. And the price is right.

I totally agree as well. I used this type of camera (also referred to as a 'bridge' camera) for several years before getting my first DSLR. The image sensor is smaller but it took very good images and was quite versatile, with a 25-600mm (35mm equivalent) zoom and relatively fast lens. Mine was a Panasonic, which currently run $400-$500 MSRP new. I think this type of camera is worth investigating.

 

[Warren D]

If you go the bridge camera route, be sure to get one with manual mode, helps for learning. Many of them are so automated you can't learn anything.

 

[Ralph]

A really good camera that’s a compact super zoom is the Canon SX70. 20MP camera with a zoom which is incredible. It ranges from 21mm-1365 mm. Price is $550. Nikon , Panasonic, and other manufacturers carry them as well but I don’t think you will beat this camera for features and price. I bought the Canon SX40 in 2012 and I still use it..These cameras from Canon are really good. And you can go fully manual , at least mine does. It has shutter preferred, aperture preferred, full manual, program mode , and full auto.

 

[dabhand16]

Sounds like a used Bridge camera (that's what they are called in the UK) where you get the dSLR looks (on some) and most of the functions but a fixed lens that usually has an enormous zoom would do the job and there are many to choose from as all of the makers do them.

Fuji and Panasonic used to be right up there before the major makers jumped on the band wagon and now they all have good cameras in this category. Tis type of camera has been around for ages so lots of used ones.

I suggest that your Sister gets to handle some if you have a shop near you/her and see how the settings are accessed and changed - and how the menu is laid out. This won't mean anything to a beginner, but one system will probably stand out as being easier to get along with.

 

[Charles Loy]

Hay David, should you choose a Nikon DSLR body, I have am 18-135 G-DX 3.5/5.6 lens I don't use. I'd be happy to give it to someone learning photography. I did test it on my D6, works perfect, but I will never use it again.