lxix01 Loc: Hanover, Pa

I'm a beginner and am looking for my first DSLR. I had a 35mm Minolta outfit back in the early 90's and ever since wanted a DSLR but couldn't afford it.
Now, I have some money (not a lot) but, I'm having a hard time with all the options.
I do mostly portraits and scenic's and wildlife pics. What brand/options/lens ect. DSLR would you suggest?
I had my eye on a Canon EOS Rebel T7i that just came out but I'm unsure if that's a good choice since I've been out of the game for so long.
Is the Canon a good choice for quality/ options/ ease of use/ availability of accessories/ money ect. or should I go with a different model? or Brand?
I would love everyone's input.

Just Fred Loc: Darwin's Waiting Room

Try before you buy. If you have a local camera shop, go and handle a number of different models. Find out what feels best in your hands. Ask the folks there for info on pluses and minuses (and buy from them if you choose one). You might also be able to rent cameras (from the same place, maybe), which is probably the best way to find out what works best.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Canon is a very good choice for all the reasons above. They have a great reputation for being very user friendly and intuitive to use.
Also if you find any EOS system lenses used, no matter how old, if they are not broken, they will work 100% on the T7i. I believe that Canon is the only current system that this applies to. Other systems say that you can mount the lens but you watch out for compatibility as to the AF working or the metering not working or aperture not working across the board with all the lenses on the camera.
you are looking in the right direction for a technologically advanced system that is fully compatible. Even old accessories like bellows or such will meter with this camera where others like Nikon will not meter in the economical 3xxx and 5xxx series cameras as well as they do not AF with older Nikon AF lenses.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Don't think of it as "starting." That will have you aiming low and wanting to upgrade too soon. On the other hand, you really can't buy a bad modern DSLR. The T7i is "coming soon," so you should wait for reviews, although I can't imagine it being bad.

Try some comparison sites -

Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

JPL

I think the most important info from you would be your budget for a new camera plus lenses and other stuff you want and what you will be photographing mainly. You can get a lot of good gear in different price ranges and for different use. Tell us more and you will get more useful advice in return.

GAlanFInk

Budget,... that evil word.
Considering that and the fact that my Wife and I both wanted a camera that wasn't going to require a constant need to feed the lens mount, we did some research and both settled (I say 'settled' reluctantly as the only down side was that our choice couldn't shoot RAW format) on a 24-2000mm image stabilizing sealed bridge camera, the Nikon P900
https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2015-roundup-long-zoom-compacts/3

It's more than you will ever need and will save you a fortune on accessories.

Just my 2 cents.

Also, it comes in #3 of the 'greats' in dpreview. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/2016-roundup-consumer-long-zoom-compacts

lxix01 Loc: Hanover, Pa

I have a credit card with a $1500 limit. I was looking at a kit that came with 2 lens, a tripod, a couple filters, an SD card, ect. Whatever I buy, I plan on adding accessories as needed.

BebuLamar

You have experience so I think you should just doing research to find out what available. Check out the entire line up although you may not be able to afford the more expensive ones you need to know what kind of compromises you have to make to fit the budget. Ask us on functions or features you don't understand. I wouldn't want to recommend a camera because what I think is best not necessarily good for you. We are not you.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

first - revealed - I am a Canon user.
The Canon T7i would be a good choice. Part of their "Rebel" starter line, has all the automatic and semi-automatic features but also some of the advanced controls and features in the menus for when you are ready to advance. But you have to look at them on the rear screen. The xxD line starts to put those controls in buttons and dials like the higher end cameras.
So put the T7i on 'A' and it is full auto, put it on 'P' (some call it professional) and the processor judges the scene and chooses the settings from a list of presets based on what the scene is: "night", "sports", etc.; put it on 'SCN' and then have a menu of those things to pick yourself. Beyond that you can learn the aperture, shutter and full manual modes.
For $150 more you can get the 77D which has most of the controls of the 80D and above models with more dials and buttons plus a top deck screen to see settings but is less expensive because it is not "built like a tank" or weather sealed. Yet it also has those beginner friendly settings on the dial for automated shooting.
You will hear from Nikon, Sony etc people also. They all make good cameras. Just once you commit to a brand you will be locked into their lines of lenses, accessories etc. And there Canon and Nikon have the largest selection of options in case you get into photography in a major way. Of the two Canon has the bigger universe of options but for most people Nikon will be a good choice also.

IBM

You can't go wrong buying any brand ,in same price bracket new : or refurbished , a new $600 canon , nikon , Sony, OLM .pentax , in the
Same year made . They are virtually all pretty well equal , and can produce the same images, it doesn't really mater just get what ever rocks your boat . Or toss a coin , stay with the lowest price rebel , then when you up grade down road , you will know what you want , but learn all you can first , that means every dial and button ,what there for and what they do, there is a little more to it than match needle then shoot ,

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

IF you still have minolta lenses check out Sony they bought the brand. If you have free rein on choice... You are re-entering photography at an interesting time. Full frame is becoming more compact, compact cameras are more versatile and bridge cameras have fantastic lens specs. Even the poor old Point and shoots have taken on internet movies.....

Check out the review sites and look at older models reviews too..consider one or two steps 'back' from today's 'must have shiny one' and grab a bargain.

have fun

repleo Loc: Boston

A lot has changed since the 90's. When you say 'DSLR' do you really mean 'DSLR' or do you mean an 'interchangeable lens camera' which would include 'mirrorless' cameras. Many current DSLR owners are shifting to mirrorless or at least augmenting their current gear with mirrorless set-ups. Mirrorless are prized for their small size and light weight. Also, nearly any old (or new) SLR lens - including Minolta lenses - can be adapted to fit mirrorless with a cheap $15 adapter. If you are not familiar with mirrorless you should at least check them out before you make a decision.

The Sony A6000 is the undoubted 'sweet spot' at the moment in terms of value / price / performance / picture quality.

lxix01 Loc: Hanover, Pa

Thanks for the info. I'll look at the Sony A6000. To answer your question, at this point I'm open to most anything but, I'd have to say I want an interchangeable lens camera. That being said the Nikon P900 another user suggested looks very interesting (for a fixed lens camera).

IBM

He means a Digital Single Len Reflex , DSLR, they look like the one he had , the SLR , where are you coming from , of course he wants to be able to buy lens for it , and Sony is part of the crowd , mirrorless or not

machia Loc: NJ

In my opinion the Canon T7i would be an excellent choice and if you can afford it buy one with an 18-135mm lens , not the 18-55mm . I say this because the 18-135mm gives you obviously a larger focal range which will help with composition . But if your budget doesn't allow it , the 18-55mm is a fine lens too .
I learned years ago with a fixed prime lens of 58mm , so the zooms are a luxury , but they are great lenses if you can afford them . Good luck .