Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I started with a bridge camera as someone else mentioned. Example: Nikon p520. Manual/automatic; wide angle to telephoto. Can be found in $200-250 range refurbished.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

I had also recommended a bridge camera because as a newbie a beginner will not know what type of photography will interest them (eg., portraits, sports,
landscapes, flowers, bugs, birds, the moon, architecture, etc.). A dslr with a couple of lenses (eg. an 18 to 55mm zoom and a 55 to 300mm zoom) will just be a starting point. A used bridge camera with a single lens from telephoto to wide angle will produce a variety of images good enough to learn on, and will indicate what equipment is needed in the future once the student gets to the point that their present equipment is holding them back.

Besides the used Fujifinepix HS10 I mentioned at $100 and the used Nikon P520 at $200 or so you mentioned, another bridge camera with excellent reviews is the Canon SX50 also around $200 used and will also shoot in manual mode. If the OP is on a budget it seems a bridge camera is a good starting point.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

If your friends have a Canon - I would look for a second hand Canon DSLR- something like an Eos ,rebel or Kiss (They are the same camera but have different names in different countries(??) I still use the EOS D450 its worth about £50 now. It works so I am keeping it!!!
That way you can get advice help and maybe share equipment on joint outings with your friends.
Add a tripod to your want list - it should be a sturdy one. you will need it in class.
The EOS will do everything you need in class and then some.

Have fun

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I would suggest an entry level DSLR with a kit lens. If you stay with a name brand like Nikon or Canon, you can resell or trade up more readily later on. Used from Any of the reputable dealers: Adorama, B&H, Cameta or KEH is a place to start.

RolandDieter

Get advice from a store that specializes in cameras. The big box stores employees tend to know very little more than the brand names (and I've seen some at Fry's Electronics who can't even get that right). Their job is not to spend time with you. Also, buy from the camera store. Nowadays the prices are the same and if the sales people at the camera store spend the time to help you you owe it to them to buy there.

iosa Loc: Fairbanks, AK

Talk to your close friends about what they have. If your friends are the kind of close that may loan you camera lenses, I'd recommend getting something compatible with their lenses. Unless you eventually get into some really high end stuff, the differences between Canon, Nikon, etc are really about the same as Ford-Chevy: where do you like your switches?

You can get a low end DSLR camera kit (body, 1 battery, 1 lens) for really cheap from any of the manufacturers.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

More difficult to choose a bad one than a good one these days. In the SLR arena I would look at the Nikon D3300, Canon T6 or T6i or go directly to the future and look at a mirrorless like the Sony a6000. All come with "kit" lenses if you buy them bundled. Some with 2 lenses. All are reasonably priced.I personally think factory refurbished is the way to go.

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

You'll discover that there are Canon fans and Nikon fans, and both have their reasons. I would go to a reputable camera store and talk to the folks. My recommendation would be a Nikon D3300 or the Canon equivalent, with a lens kit that includes a 300mm telephoto. I also recommend getting an extra battery and some 8GB or 16GB cards. I took a similar class and it was a MAJOR!! help. One issue is the back screen. If your Canon has one that folds out so that when you fold it in, the screen itself is protected, that's a good feature. I have a Nikon D3300 as my "walk around" DSLR and am happy with it, but the Canon equivalents are likely to be very good (I'm basing that comment on my Canon point-and-shoots which are great). Good luck and welcome!

dat2ra Loc: Sacramento

I teach intro photo classes, and it's all digital now, unless it's a dedicated film class. I completely afree that the used market is the way to go on a budget. There are plenty of two- or three-generation old models that work just as well now as they did new. And I also agree that a lot of the new advances are for video, which you don't need if you are shooting stills..I shoot Nikon, and still like my D300 for street or location when I don't want to take my 810. But regardless of the dslr body you buy, your largest investment should be your lenses. Even if you get a crop body, buy full-frame lenses so that you can use them on any full-frame body you buy later. And again, buy used from a reputable source such as a friend, B&H, Audorams, Sammies, K&H and the like. Have fun!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Either a new Olympus E-M5 mrII or a used E-M5 / E-M5 mrII. That with one of the splashproof lenses (maybe a new 14-40mm f2.8 or a used 14-40mm f2.8 / 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 / 14-54mm f2.8/3.5 + MMF-3 adapter) would provide you a dustproof and splashproof (go shooting in the rain with no need for camera protection) camera system that would allow you to go as far as you would ever want to go in photography. And at a much cheaper cost, size, and weight than full frame or APS-C.

Also, don't forget to look at Panasonic. They have great 4/3rds cameras. Plus all 4/3rds lenses fit all 4/3rds cameras - over 90 choices for lenses.

LucyCO7

Good morning,

Thank you so very much for your recommendations. You are the third person to mention the Nikon D3300, it must be a good camera! I feel as though I’ve received some good, solid information from the good folks of UHH, and feel comfortable enough to go into my local camera shop.

Thank you so much for your time, and assistance!!

Have a blessed day

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I would suggest renting a camera and lens of any brand and try before you buy.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Along the same lines:
The first choice to be made is which type of camera. They are point & shoot, bridge, mirrorless, DSLR. P&S is the smallest and lightest and, usually, least capable. Within the bridge group you will find the mega-zooms. While not affording image quality on a par with the ILCs (interchangeable lens cameras), they are a reasonable compromise. They can offer extraordinary zoom range in a package cheaper, smaller and lighter than an ILC. They CAN offer viewfinders, hot shoes, RAW files. I happen to have an older Canon SX50 HS and find the quality great for prints of 8 X 10 or less, and for email and social media.

The most capable are the DSLR and mirrorless types. If you go Nikon, be aware that the lesser DSLR models do NOT have a motor for auto-focusing certain older lenses.

The best was to decide is to handle each type. Doing so in a store is, of course, the best way. I would suggest renting to make sure you will be happy with the choice.

Once you have decided on which type, then you will select which make and model and which lens (if necessary). I won't add to the host of models already mentioned.

Jackh

As you process the information you'll get here, add in this factor: Is there capable (preferably factory-authorized) service available where you live for the camera you're considering buying? Depending on which member of the local Chamber of Commerce one asks, I live in the fifth or sixth largest city in the USA. There is no factory authorized service here for any Sony camera. I believe there is only one Sony-authorized repair facility in North America. There may be two. I have had an extremely bad experience with the facility I know about. It's in Connecticut. As a result, I sold my Sony gear; all of it. That story may cause you to decide that Sony is off your list. I can assure you it is off mine. Sony will not sell parts to a non-Sony-authorized service facility. Best of luck in making your decision and your eventual purchase. This is a great hobby, and I think you'll enjoy it for a long time to come. Welcome aboard.