IDguy Loc: Idaho

With one fatal flaw: Nikon took out the ultrasonic sensor cleaner.

If you otherwise like the suggestion get the D3300. It is almost the same but has the sensor cleaner. It will be cheaper. You should try a refurbished one if you can find it.

I’d recommend the D5600 instead.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Hello Angela, welcome.

Those who know better than me can speak to the plus and minuses of one camera vs another.

I suffered an accident 9 years ago that has required I seek creative solutions to the norms that camera makers assume. Specifically I have a frozen elbow and partly frozen wrist with no twist in my right hand.
I can not hold a camera as I should.
To compensate I use an electronic shutter release switch in my right hand laying the lense over my upper forearm. Like a caped villain holding a cape over his/her lower face.
It requires I prethink camera settings but gives be a pretty stable hold of my camera.
My point is.
Regardless of what equipment you choose it possible to overcome most physical challenges. (But you probably already knew that)

Welcome back. It's worth fighting for.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

As a current Pentax user, I have two reactions:

(1) Most likely she would have to purchase camera via "Mail order", then return it if she didn't like it, because not many brick & mortar establishments carry Pentax any more.

(2) If I were in a similar position myself, because of weight and weight alone, I would probably purchase a Canon M50; Canon spent a lot of time issuing the wrong MILC, but they finally seem to have it right.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

$600 to $700 is well within the range of new entry level DSLR cameras from companies like Nikon and Canon. An entry level DSLR will give her everything she needs. >Alan

Bill P

Angela,

Beware. The guys on this list are always anxious to spend other people's money, and will tell you why you MUST do exactly as they say. Try this instead.

The advice to buy a bridge camera isn't bad, but if you know you will be in it for the long haul and not get bored with it, You could buy a bottom end digital DSLR for perhaps even less that the bridge camera. If you have a Costco near you, they always have a huge pile of basic two lens Nikon and Canon kits price in you budget. Get the camera and some memory cards, charge up the battery and shoot. Continue shooting for six months or a year before you buy anything else. By waiting you will buy more intellingently that if you get it all at once, because you will have a good idea of what your outfit won't do that you want.

Also, I would like to caution you on one piece of advice that you may regret taking. There's no reason to not get a micro 4/3 camera, but if you are a total neophyte, you will find the menus on an olympus completely opaque. I've been a professional since 1974 and I have trouble with the Olympus menus. Panasonic's are much more understandable. If you hands and wrists are weak, these smaller cameras and lenses are much lighter.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Even though I have shot Pentax since 1977 I would really not recommend a Pentax DSLR for lightness. All my four Pentax DSLR bodies weigh for more than any of the Film Pentax bodies I currently own or have ever owned. Not counting the Pentax Film Medium Format 6x7 I once owned. It is getting hard with my arthritic hands to hold any of my SLR or DSLR cameras. I have one fixed lens Fujifilm that is light but not optically versatile enough for me so I'm looking to up-grade on that to a full Fuji MILC such as a X-T3. Then get a few Fuji lenses and an adapter for my vast collection of Pentax lenses.

MoT Loc: Barrington, IL

Hi Angela. Welcome. The first thing is STM stands for stepping motor in auto focusing type lenses and something you should be concerned about at this time. I have three recommendations for you. First ,if your current camera still works you might hunt for a used macro lens to work on your Pentax. That lens could use part of your budget which you could use for other lenses later on. However considering your current medical situation the changing of lenses, taking light metering readings may be problematic.

My second recommendation is that you might be able to buy a used small SLR (Panasonic or Olympus) and a macro lens that might meet your budget. Again, even though there would be more automation it is difficult to know what condition the camera/lens would be.

My third recommendation may receive some comments from other UHH members. I have a Panasonic/Lumix single body-lens camera sometimes referred to as a super zoom. The model I have is a DMC FZ 1000 that has an all in one 25 - 400 mm f2.8 lens that also has macro focusing though not as close as a separate macro lens. That said it is a simple camera to use as it will do all the metering and set all parameters for you. The zoom lens is used by a lever on the top front of the camera and is easy to use. It is made from high quality plastic so it is light weight. I have used this camera for traveling though I had a Nikon system that was too heavy to carry around due to some severe back problems. I recently sold my Nikon equipment and went with an Olympus system. Olympus sells a 60 mm f2.8 macro for $349 on sale right now. But buying a single focal length lens would restrict you field of view, and you would have to buy an Olympus body and learn how to use it. Considering your medical situation the Panasonic might be your best bet. But that is only my opinion for what ever it is worth. Though the Panasonic has been around for maybe 5 years it is still available new in the range of your Budget. I think Amazon, B&H and maybe Adorama still have some in stock.

Good luck and feel free to reach out again with any questions or issues you may have.

Leo_B Loc: Houston suburb

This is a good resource for compiling a "suspect list". On the left you have one area to set the price range and another to set the weight range. Using $500 max price (as they jump from $500 to $750) and 462g max weight (roughly one pound), entry-level DSLR and entry-level mirrorless and semi-pro mirrorless you get a list of 49 suspects. The highest scoring are Olympus E-M10-II at 76 points and Panasonic G7, Fujifilm XT-100 and Fujifilm XT-10 all with 74 points. All 4 are right at $499 retail. Bonus points for the M10-II for all the Rob Trek youtube videos on the camera and system. They are a wealth of information.

https://cameradecision.com/find

Tom Shelburne Loc: Roaring Gap NC

Newbie also - got the Nikon d3500 with the lens bundle which I like -did well on recent trip to S Africa - like the weight and feel in my hand - did trade up for 70-300 with VR - all these cameras are amazingly smart!

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

WELCOME, I have been "into" photography since 1949,with everything from a Brownie reflex, crown graphic to my present canon with L lenses.{$5,000)...My sons' cell phone takes pretty good photos and I often wonder if the Canon was worth it.....sigh...maybe any old point and shoot will do just fine for you.... Ed

Sentinel4

There are several used Fuji XT 1 bodies with 18-55mm lenses available by googling "used Fuji XT 1" . They are in your price range.
I hope you will read reviews before you buy.
The jpegs are excellent and will save you time behind the computer for your first few months.
Sentinel4

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Angela,
When examining weight, remember to get weights of lenses you might favor. It's the whole package weight that's important. Crop sensor cameras and their respective lenses are usually lighter and many of the crop lenses give very good quality photos.

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

My camera suggestion is this: get a camera.

Gallopingphotog

Angela: A few notes as you set out on your quest. Looking at everything is half the fun!
I’m a Pentaxan til they pry the camera from my cold dead fingers🥰 so make allowances as you will for product prejudice!
My only serious gripe with Ricoh/Pentax is the brand doesn’t have a strong presence in stores, making it harder to “test-shoot” them. That’s balanced by B&H having a wonderful customer service. I have often talked to a sales rep about A product, what works best in a particular situation, my budget, pluses/minus’s of various ones. It’s not unusual that the rep recommended something mid-price, not the high-dollar stuff! Also have a very good return/exchange policy.
As for lenses, the kit lenses can do OK. Tho yes, some can be crap. If you can swing a decent price break for just the body, look into getting a good lens, maybe 50mm.
For ytight-in closeups, consider some closeup filters that screw on to your lens. I have a set of four of varying strengths that do for my limited needs.
Best of luck!

WAstinkbug Loc: Silverdale, WA, U.S.A.

That little camera is a great value and a joy to use. I'm sure you were considering the lighter weight factor as well.