Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

I have been without a camera for about two years. The one I had was an "elementary digital" but it awakened me to a desire to learn and do much more photography. I have reluctantly settled for taking photos with my cell phone. Looking at endless reviews, researching DSLR versus Mirrorless, Nikon vs. Canon, all the bells & whistles, etc., I am OVERWHELMED with information. I want to photograph people in their normal life activities, hoping to capture candid shots, not greatly interested in video, and my other desire is on detailed close-ups. I want to be able to have at least one lense to do close ups of still objects or people's expressions while laughing, reading, crying, etc. I've seen far too many "packages" & am slowly coming to the conclusion-- I need to keep this as simple as possible. Perhaps one camera, one lense? I have yet to take even the most basic photography course. The photos of mine that are posted here (please look to get an understanding of my desired type of photo) were my earliest attempts. I am probably most interested in thoughts, as if you were starting fresh, between DSLR vs. Mirrorless, if you were to buy one additional lense for close ups. I need this to be simple as I am an "illiterate" in photography terms! Most of my friends photograph with DSLRs and have secured many lenses. They are unwilling to switch, understandably, and have no experience with mirrorless. I am also not wealthy, by any means, so under $1000 is a must! You'll note from my signature stamp...I'm still driving a 30 yr. old car, by choice. Thus, not expecting a flamboyant camera kit! I am at the very beginning now, and can start over. Help a "photography child" please.
--Toni

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I would suggest you consider going to a camera store to put the cameras in your hands so you know if it feels right for you.
This is the list I would ask to see and try. Lens is extra.
https://www.photoworkout.com/best-mirrorless-cameras-under-1000/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwh_bLBRDeARIsAH4ZYENMPVrSmiAYIcTL3Sf5fWI9_pZMP7-2G53psGtUJ4b4wLd9ToYBoc4aAv5-EALw_wcB#sonya6300

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I faced the same crossroads decision and chose the Olympus PEN E-PL5 for my first introduction to mirrorless digital cameras. The E-PL5 proved to be a great choice when paired with a variety of lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic. The E-PL5 was a very popular camera and is often available used from UHH's preferred sources: B&H, Adorama, Cameta (nice long warranty on used gear) and KEH.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

I would suggest a Nikon d7200 with an 18-140mm lens to start with. It may, unfortunately be a bit over your budget, but finding it used at places like camerata, B&H photo, or adorama may work to your budget. The d7200 has an internal focusing motor, so in the future, any Nikon lens will work with it. The d3xxx and 5xxx series cameras are also great, but they do not have internal focusing motors, so you would need lenses that have autofocus motors or learn to manually focus your lenses.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Nikon, Canon and Pentax have excellent quality DSLR cameras. Some swear by Sony but I like the SLR style of operation better than the cell phone looking camera. Fuji and Olympus have excellent SLR type mirrorless but I do not know the price range.
Canon has a wide range of excellent DSLR cameras in your range and one of the best and absolutely largest systems to grow into. That is my recommendation.

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi Toni,

I'm a Nikon shooter so naturally my suggestion points in that direction. You might check out an older, reconditioned camera like a D7000 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-D7000-16-2MP-Digital-SLR-Camera-Body-Only-Tested-100-some-extras-See/162606156725?_trksid=p2045573.c100505.m3226&_trkparms=aid%3D555019%26algo%3DPL.BANDIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D44940%26meid%3Dd28698a446e1460990edb1e899b87a4d%26pid%3D100505%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26) then purchase a good used Nikon 18-140 lens (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-18-140mm-f-3-5-5-6G-ED-VR-AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-Zoom-Lens-/162607331049?hash=item25dc26f6e9:g:XYsAAOSwK21Zehwl). These are not the top-of-the-line or the newest technology but are darned good pieces of equipment. I'm using the D7000 as a backup to my newer D750 (full frame) and it has served me well for several years. This is just one suggestion. I'm sure many others here will have good suggestions as well. Let us know what you decide to get and good luck. Take care & ...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

You'd be well served by either Nikon's or Canon's entry-level cameras, the D3xxx line from Nikon and the Rebel line from Canon. They both come with a single image stabilized lens covering the 18-55mm range. You can visit a store such as Best Buy and handle both models and see which "feels" right. The lens they'll come with will be appropriate for your general usage of candids and most anything that you can get close / relatively close to. For your detailed close-ups, then shop for a used lens in the 100mm range. You'll have to pick a camera brand first to be more specific in recommendations. You can keep all this in the $600 to $800 range and be producing excellent images without paying for features in higher-end cameras that you don't really need. You can pay even less by buying the camera used too (like half the price of a new body). Still handle the bodies in person and then look here in the UHH For-Sale section or to a used online reseller like KEH and look for 1-model back from the newest model numbers in the stores.

Staying with either of the two leading brands also makes it most likely you'll have friends or family that have the same brand if not the same model. They can help with coaching tips and / or share equipment. The resale market is also largest for these brands again potentially lowering your entry costs when working within a budget.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Current DSLR user.... From where you are now--and what you wish to photograph, I would suggest an Olympus (the pen model suggested earlier, a Fuji (if you like retro and dislike menus), or a Sony. All are mirrorless and less obtrusive for candid people shots. Happy shopping. Oh it's an excellent idea to get a feel for each of these in a brick and mortar camera shop.

BebuLamar

I think you need to decide whether to go mirrorless or DSLR. If possible check out the viewfinder on the mirrorless. Check it out for normal shooting, for manual focus, for following fast moving object, for the ability to check exposure before you take shot. Those are the deciding factors whether the mirrorless is better or worse.

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

PixelStan77,
Thank you so much for the great link and advice!
-Toni

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

Great point about the viewfinder. Thank you so much BebuLamar.
-Toni

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

LoneRangeFinder,
Love your user name! Thank you kindly!
-Toni

Toni Girl Loc: Maryland's Eastern Shore

CHG_CANON,
Thanks for the summary that speaks to me in terms I can understand! Great suggestions and very helpful advice.
--Toni

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jcboy3

There are more convenient options than getting an interchangeable lens camera (ILC, either DSLR or mirrorless), and that is to get a fixed lens camera. There are two categories; point & shoot, and bridge. P&S are much more compact, while bridge cameras look and feel more like the bigger ILC brothers.

You have to ask yourself if you want a big camera, if you want to carry multiple lenses, if you want the expense and hassle involved in such a system.

There are a number of very capable cameras that are small enough to toss into your purse. And remember, you can't take pictures if you don't have the camera with you.

To figure out what you want, of course, you should start with a list of what feature you want. These are the things to consider:

1. Flash. Some cameras have built in flash; some have a hot shoe for an external flash. Built in flash if very limited and not very good. External flash is better; and gettting the flash off camera will be important for portraits or if you do close-up work. In my opinion, a hot shoe is an important consideration.

2. RAW. The abiity to capture images in RAW format will improve your ability to edit pictures after taking them. It does provide a steep learning curve, but you can do a lot more with RAW images than with JPG. I always suggest shooting both RAW + JPG, and save the RAW for use when you learn how to process them.

3. Viewfinder. A good viewfinder is of value if you shoot in bright light, or dim light.

4. WiFi. Most modern cameras have WiFi; this allows you to transfer your photos as you take them, as well as control your camera remotely. This latter is a key feature for me, as I often use my iphone to control my cameras and get pictures from viewpoints that would be hard otherwise. One example; I clamped my camera to the front of a coaster ride and filmed under control of my iPhone.

5. Filters. There aren't a lot of filters needed for digital photography, but polarizers, close-up lenses, and neutral density filters are useful. The ability to easily attach filters in a standard thread size is a feature to consider.

Finally, a recommendation. Consider the Panasonic LX100. It covers all these features; in particular I think the Panasonic wi-fi app is the best. And for your use, you can add a Ray-Nox macro filter to improve the already good close-up focussing ability of the camera.

Of course, if you don't mind the size, ILC cameras provide a lot of flexibility. But to take advantage of it, you are going to be spending a lot more money.