R.G. Loc: Scotland

Perhaps he meant zoom rather than telephoto. And if "city" includes street photography I wouldn't rule out the need for a focal length longer than 35mm (shooting across streets, shooting from a distance to stay in the background etc). A superzoom may be more than what he needs but the Lumix FZ 72 and FZ 82 can both zoom from 20mm equiv. I don't think there's a bridge camera with a bigger sensor that goes as wide as that.

Electric Gnome Loc: Norwich UK

I have to say I think it's important to have a small discreet camera to gain those really candid shots. This would also attract less attention from security personnel in the cities especially London where a lot of pavement frontage that looks public land is in fact privately owned. I agree with most of the above re bridge camera but having seen the new Nikon Z50 with its 16-50 pancake zoom and read several reviews, not only is it smaller than some bridge cameras but very light and portable. Also if your passion grew you could add the longer zoom giving you a fantastic little system. Just think it's worth looking at Z50 in the flesh. It will take the full range of full frame Nikon Z lenses and the F mount lenses with an adaptor. The images it is pushing out are fab especially as the camera and small pancake lens for £989 or £820 if you don't mind buying a grey import. Full review here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42uM-HcJPKY

Eric Bornstein Loc: Toronto Canada

Welcome to our world. I think that there are a number of attributes to cover when purchasing a quality camera. I will list them in some order, not necessarily the most to the least important.
1. shutter lag - once you have selected the scene, what is the delay, if any, in exposing the image.
2. price - my experience is that most any camera that has the minimum features that i would want would be starting at US$ 750. I live in Canada and I think the entry point price is $1,000.
3. If you purchase a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lense capacity, don't get the kit lens. Opt for a good lens that has a wide aperture opening and should be a telephoto zoom. For landscapes, using a crop sensor camera, focal length of 18mm to 135mm or 140mm is good. I'm not certain if you can obtain greater than f/3.5 in this type of lens. If acquiring full frame, definitely go with 24-70. As below, f/4 is good, so long as it is f/4 throughout all of the f/stops. f/2.8 is excellent but typically heavier and significantly more expensive. For low light, I am comfortable with f/4 on my Nikon Z6. I believe that if you were to acquire the body of the entry level DSLRs from Nikon or Canon, your lens should be at lest f/2.8. The lens is the most important purchase that you will make. As you go up the price chain of the camera body, you add features, most of which you will never use. The menu on my camera is filled with options and choices. Im an experienced photographer and for the life of me, I cannot discern the relevance of many of the options.
4. size, weight and ergonomics - a personal choice.
5. Tripod is always an asset when shooting landscapes, but get a lightweight good one. Cost likely around US$ 150.
6. Get a remote shutter release. The ones with a cable are not expensive, likely about US$20.
7. consider a polariser filter - reduce glare and pumps up colour saturation. US$100 or thereabouts.
8. a comfortable and protective camera bag for your gear.
9. Go to a reasonably well stocked camera store. The cameras from Sony, Lumix, Canon and Nikon are all excellent. If money is not an object, go for a Leica!
Good luck

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Knowledge of photographic principles — AND what is available to do what you want — is key to making the right purchase. There is no "best camera" overall... There is just the camera that is best for YOU.

When you don't know what DOES what, you can't know what you NEED to do what you WANT. So your question seems a bit too open-ended. "Ready? FIRE!! (Aim? What the heck is aim?)" Too many folks buy cameras that are so foreign to them, so complex, that they give up and go back to their smartphones.

After 50 years of serious photography and a career working for big photography companies, my single most obvious conclusion is that knowledge and experience are far more important than gear. We DO need to use appropriate tools for the job, but without the knowledge of what they are and how to use them, it is difficult to have a good experience using them.

Therefore, I suggest reading a good book or two about photography before diving into an expensive purchase. *Stunning Digital Photography* by Tony Northrup and *Understanding Exposure* by Bryan Peterson are pretty good places to start.

Good luck with your learning, your purchase, and welcome to UHH!

WJB Loc: Salisbury, MD

I have a Nikon 900 (something) I lent to my daughter. It has a phenomenal reach-up to a 2000mm, and is easy to use. About $800.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Welcome to the Hog, Phil, enjoy.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

I agree 100% with "Burkphoto" Go on line look at articles on the of pictures you want to take. In normal times I would suggest you go top a store and try different cameras but today we can't so you must do it at home. I take the pictures you want and will only give you some very general advise. I find that if I use HDR I get more dark (shadows) and bright (Light). I use a zoom lens ( my favorite is a Tamron 28-300mm) but my favorites are a 17mm TS and the Canon (i think 11-24mm at $2,900) But would tell you never start like that because the cost and learning curve. The reason for my use of the Tamron is I carry 1 camera and one lens. I hold the camera in my hand (all day) and walk around and take the city, the close ups and people with one set up. This is not the best set up for every one but works form. That is why "Burkphoto" said study what you want to do. Listen to him.

bthomas42 Loc: North Ridgeville Ohio

Check Adorama they currently have the Panasonic dmc G7 at $500 dollars off selling as a kit with accessories for $497

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Renting is fine, unless you are on a budget (like most of us.) As soon as you rent, you available funds drop significantly. For instance a Canon 90D plus a lens decent enough to test the camera will run you $125 and up to rent for one week. If you were on a $2,000 budget, you only have $1,875 left. Repeat that for two more camera bodies and you can still get the body, but no lens.

B&H and Adormama have very good return policies that allow you to check out equipment over a month rather than a week and return with no restocking fee.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

THe Canon SX60 zoom range is about 15 to 0ver 700. More than adequate for almost sny photo oppottunity. Under $400. A can't go wrong for a "starter" camera. THe advice of going to a store to test out feel is good advice, You will find out in a while whether or not younwill need a more sophisticated-expensive- camera.

dick ranez

Nobody here can tell you the "best" camera from your requirements. On the other hand, any camera you get will do a reasonable job. If it doesn't meet all your requirements after use, get one that does.

davesit Loc: Media, PA

I would suggest starting out with something like a used Fuji X100S. It has a fixed wide angle lens (35mm equiv), AP-C sensor. It's basically a high-power rangefinder but with full aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings. It's only a few hundred dollars but takes great landscape and street photos. If you find yourself wanting more capability, you can go to a DSLR or mirrorless later, while still having a light and nimble little camera to use when you don't feel like lugging a ton of gear.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

No tripod would be needed if the OP chooses the mid to upper end Olympus or Panasonic. The image stabilization is good enough for night time shots.

sailwiz Loc: Santee, CA

Lumix FZ80 is a great all in one. I'm 75.

philhoey

Phillip - Bob's suggestion is an excellent choice to get started and get your feet wet. You can always 'upgrade ' later.