SS319

Actually, if he discovers girls, his focus within photography may change, at which time dear aunt will break his camera and refuse to buy him another!

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I and my whole family use Canon. Not knowing the exact model and lens means we are recommending blind more or less.
The T6 is the bottom of the heap it doesn't even have the same sensor as the T6i/T6s, it is the old 18 mp in use since the T2i and controls are minimized, even the menu controls aren't as complete as the others. That said it is on sale on Canon Store's Refurbished site (same warranty as new, I have bought from them and everything was great, no problems) for labor day - $329.99 with the 18-55 and 75-300 kit lenses (also the bottom of the line models).
My personal recommendation is the T6i or better yet the T6s (has controls similar to the Pro-sumer and Pro models-dials etc with top screen instead of all menus on the back screen).
T6i with 18-55 $578.99
T6i with 18-55 and 55-250 $659.99
T6s body only $598.99
T6s with 18-135 (a very good lens) $749.20
Go to Canon Refurbished and look at what is available: http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras#

If you want to stay near $500 I would say get the T6s body for $598.99 or T6i with 18-55 (same price as body only) for $578.99.

If it can be handled go for the T6s, it is 24MP and better controls. It will be a great camera for years. Lenses can be purchased in the future. And whenever possible get the EF lenses for full frame or better yet L series lenses, they are generally better lenses (Ls are the top of the line) and if he goes full frame in the future he will not have to replace all his lenses.

If you have a good store near you check and see if they will meet Canon's prices. My local store does that when ever they can and if not they throw in extras to sweeten the deal. That way you support a local outlet. Otherwise buy from Canon Store Refurbished.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Canon 80D aint too bad, or a used 5D MII isn't all that shabby either! (I know its full frame, but $500 should get you a good one)!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Yes, if the T6s is affordable, it would be a good choice.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

If he is nerdy and ugly the camera may help, and he can sneak into the boudoir section!

lyndacast

Thanks, all.

Will give him some of your ideas and encourage him to go with the refurbished camera idea and more advanced camera options listed here by several thoughtful responses from UHH members.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Just remember the T6x and older series cameras and the old used models being suggested are not even close to the new DPAF sensor cameras and those new better sensor cameras are well within your budget.
Don't fall for old stuff as this will be a camera he can grow with if you get the better technology.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Well, if DPAF is desired, these could be worth considering: http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-70d-18-135mm-is-stm-kit-refurbished , or http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-80d-ef-s-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-is-stm-kit-refurbished

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Used 70D (all arounder with DPAF/video and sports too) or used 5Dmkii (stills only /FF expensive lenses).

Better yet. Nikon and he can borrow your lenses :-)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Refurbished. Get one step above what you think you should, depending on finances. I'm not a Canon user, so I'm not going to recommend specific models. Do some comparisons.

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
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

Al Freeedman

The T6i would be a very good step-up for him. 24.2 MP, live view and touch screen to mention a few.

Captain AL

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Serious photography is seeing composing and photographing multi images, sorting and post processing. For that the camera must be there.... that means having a great pocket super-zoom, a 24/7 camera there for the fleeting of-the-moment-shot.

Composition Course is Free Book:
http://truecenterpublishing.com/photopsy/article_index.htm

Szalajj Loc: Salem, NH

Your comment about the nephew and his instructor having G.A.S. is nothing more than uneducated and selfish.

If the nephew feels that he's ready to move on from a baseline model that's 12 years old, then by all means it's time to upgrade.

But up until your post, no one has asked the most important question. What kinds of photographs does the nephew like to shoot? The answer to that question would then help with model suggestions for a body upgrade. But remember this, all of the Rebel T series cameras are entry level cameras, no matter which one you're looking at.

If the nephew is truly ready to take the next step, then moving up to a prosumer model should be discussed, even if the budget constrains the purchase to a used body purchased from a reputable dealer.

So the discussion needs to cover which style body is needed; Crop Sensor, Full Frame, or Mirrorless? Low light or fast frames per second? Portraits, landscapes, macro photography, panoramas, fast action sports?

Then there is the decision about what kind of glass to invest in, because glass that's well taken care of is truly an investment in a photographers future lens collection.

Personally I would stay away from obtaining any more "Kit" lenses that are in the EF-S series line if possible. You'll end up with better quality glass by moving up to at least the EF series, or better yet to the L series lines, but cost has an effect on choices. Then there are also STM and USM styles in the better lenses. You will have to do your research to see which one better suits his or your "NEEDS" because they each handle different situations and meet different needs.

But, the nephew should be able to grow into a new camera. He should not find himself growing out of a new camera within a very short amount of time, which will happen if another Rebel T series body is chosen.

If the nephew truly has talent and a good eye for composition, then he should be encouraged, nurtured, and the correct equipment for his NEEDS should be purchased. Even if the purchase is delayed a short time to save up for the correct equipment purchase, instead of throwing away money on the wrong equipment.

An educated consumer is always happier with their purchases over those snap decisions that end up with buyers remorse.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The 80D is a step up from the Rebels - and is what I recommend. If you shop hard you can get one for $7-800 body only. Skip the kit lenses and consider the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 C. From there, the Canon latest 70-300 IS II nano is very good.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

If the nephew is a careful person i would suggest buying a middle of the line camera, whatever Canon calls their semi-pro camera. The lenses and other accessories are more important so consider the lenses to be where the money goes. Perhaps 1 or 2 with the camera and hold off more for birthdays, other holidays and special gifts that can be earned.
I'm a Nikon guy so can't be more specific.