mxbe

I'd also recommend taking a look at the Lumix (Panasonic) ZS100 or similar. At the end of the day, the best camera is the one you'll use the most - often small and light enough enough to keep in your pocket or back pack.
I work w/ a pair of Nikon D850s but running around I usually have a small ZS100 or Fujifilm camera on me.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

Here is a great suggestion: go to Canon's refurbished camera website and look at the Canon T5i with an 18-135mm lens for $528.99. Two things; one, do not be afraid of this being refurbished because it has been checked over by Canon's own technicians and is ready for sale as if it is practically new (PLUS it even comes with a 1-year warranty!); two, the 18-135mm lens is a great lens to have on the camera because of its range of distance and gives you the advantage of having just one lens instead of having to carry 2 or 3 lenses. Many bloggers here on UHH recommend and buy refurbished, too. Here is the link for this camera:
https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/eos-t5i-18-135mm-is-stm-lens-kit-refurbished

Why do I recommend this camera? Well, it happens to be a camera used by a world-renowned, National Geographic photographer to capture images of big cats (lions, leopards, etc). Here is the link to read about it (and when you're on the page, look for the icon near the top that lets you scroll through the list of photographers. Steve Winter is the one to read about and he is #7 on the list). If this camera is good enough for him, it should be good enough for you or anyone.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/travel-photographers-favorite-cameras/

LarryFitz Loc: Beacon NY

I received a Canon T6 camera last year for christmas, it is great for me. I have taken many many granddaughter pictures. Adorama has one on sale with two lens and a printer for less then 500.

I shot in the AV mode, some time manual. Only time I use Auto is when I hand the camera to my wife to take a picture. I does take some learning but that is half the fun.

Idaho

1. Buy something that will fit in your pocket. That way it will go with you and not be left behind because you don't want to be bothered with a camera on a strap.
2. Avoid cameras with interchangeable lenses. Too big and unnecessary - for you . And too expensive.
3. Go to a camera store where the sales people are knowledgeable . They sometimes offer classes and are always there in the future when you have questions - which you will. They can usually make prints for you if you need them, and critique your shots if they are less the ideal.
4. Don't get hung up on which brand is "best" or which camera is "best". There isn't a significant difference in a given price range.
5. Consider a year old model which will save you money.

timcc Loc: Virginia

jackpinoh Loc: Kettering, OH 45419

You really need to find out why most of your shots were "a disaster." Your "disaster" comment leads me to suspect your problem is most likely your lack of knowledge about your camera and photography in general. If that is the case, spending $500, $5,000, or $50,000 worth of new equipment won't solve your problem. You should post several of your photos with the EXIF data so we can help you understand what you need to do differently and whether your equipment is the problem (unlikely).

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Sony HX-90V https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1137175-REG/sony_dschx90v_b_cyber_shot_dsc_hx90v_digital_camera.html?sts=pi

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I just looked up the a6000 price from National Camera and it was $699.99 for camera and two lenses (16-55 and 50-210).

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

I had the lenses mis-designated: correct is 16-50 & 55-210. B&H has same kit at $698, and with just the 16-50 lens their a6000 is $498, may be off by a buck.

Paddy's Grama Loc: Westfield, NJ

Wow!!! I knew this was the place to ask for help, but your responses have been incredible. Thank you all for taking the time to advise me.
I am checking out all the various suggestions, and some, including the bridge camera, I had never heard of before. Your comments and suggestions are forcing me to re-define more exactly what am I looking for in a camera.

... As the sole driver of our Class B RV, I want a simple automatic camera that I can hand to my husband to catch a scene while I am driving.
... I don’t need to be changing lenses anymore. There is no room in this van to store them, let alone spread things out on a mini table to change them. I need one good lens.
... I am not into macro at this time. A good single zoom will be adequate.
... I enjoy taking short videos of my grandchildren, but I think any camera would be adequate for my purposes.
... I now realize that physical camera size really does matter. I want a camera that I will tend to pick up and take with me. It won’t be the size of an iPhone, but I hope I can find something good enough that won’t be too, too big.
I am not an expert, far from it. You have given me some wonderful, varied suggestions.
Thank you.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Canon T6 (no "i") is a very entry-level model and the $500 kit at Costco includes two of the cheapest Canon lenses with it EF-S 18-55mm IS and EF 75-300 III.

The T6 camera is okay.... Of the two, it's actually the newer model and still in production, though it uses an older design 18MP image sensor, ISO range is 100-6400 (expandable to 12800), top continuous shooting rate is 3 frames per second and it's smaller buffer will make the camera need to pause after about 15 JPEGs, has pretty simple and basic 9-point AF (one cross type point at the center), has a fixed rear LCD screen and uses rather slow "contrast detection" autofocus in Live View.

Canon T6i is a step up model... lots of additional features... It uses a newer design 24MP image sensor, offers ISO 100-12800 (expandable to 25600), has a continuous shooting rate of almost 5 frames per second, has a much larger buffer that allows virtually unlimited JPEGs, uses a more sophisticated 19-point AF (all cross type), has an articulated, higher resolution rear LCD screen with Touch Screen control and using a faster hybrid type of autofocus in Live View. The T6i is still widely available new, but has been superseded by a newer T7i model. Because of this, the T6i is now discount priced at $600 with a better EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens... or for $750 in two-lens kit with same 18-55mm as well as the much better EF-S 55-250mm IS STM.

Also note that the lenses with the T6i are "STM" models... those have faster, quieter autofocus than the cheaper "micro motor" lenses being offered in kit with the T6. But in all ways the EF-S 55-250mm IS STM (with T6i) is a much better lens than the EF 75-300mm "III" offered in kit with the T6. The 55-250mm is not only faster and quieter focusing, it also has image stabilization, which the 75-300 lacks... and it's closer focusing.... and it has superior image quality. If you can possible do so... I recommend avoiding the EF 75-300mm III (Canon's cheapest telephoto zoom)... and spend a little more to get the much better EF-S 55-250mm IS STM instead.

The T6i also is sometimes offered in kit with EF-S 18-135mm IS STM.... More expensive, but an upgrade from the 18-55mm.

A camera "in kit" with lens is usually the best deal. But either camera also can be bought "body only", allowing you to choose your own lens(es). Buying that way usually ends up costing a lot more, though.

With your limited budget, to make those $ go farther... you might be interested to know that Canon USA offers discount priced "factory refurbished" cameras, lenses and accessories, sold directly from their website. Stock comes and goes pretty rapidly there, but can be a good deal since aside from a lower price and plain boxes, there's usually very little difference between new and refurbished. They even have the same warranty. But you may need to be patient and watch for what you want to come in stock.... and need to move quickly to buy when it finally does, since things sometimes sell out very rapidly there.

Unfortunately right now they're out of stock of both refurbished Canon T6i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens ($450) and the T6i with both 18-55mm IS STM and 55-250mm IS STM ($510). Currently the only refurbished T6i being offered is in kit with the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens, which is a good lens but even refurbished makes for a more expensive kit ($650). All the pricing there on out of stock items reflects what was offered last time they were available, but might change in the future.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-digital-slr-cameras#facet:-8103697983328210198101108328454105&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:&pageView:grid&pageSize:&

Both the T6 and T6i offer highly automated shooting modes. The difference is that the T6i offers a bit more "user creative control" too, if they wish to use it. But both can be used in similar, highly auto "point n shoot" type modes.

If you really only want a single lens, you might also look at some of the non-interchangable lens cameras. Your $500 budget would go pretty far with some of those.

For example, Canon offers a number of different Powershot G-series use larger sensors than many cameras of that type, which makes for nearly as good image quality as DSLRs and higher usable ISOs.

Canon G7 X Mark II is available new for about $680 or refurbished for $550, has a 20MP 1" sensor and lens equivalent to 24 to 100mm full frame (or for better comparison, 15 to 62mm on the T6 or T6i). It's able to shoot as fast as 8 frames per second and has an ISO range of 125 to 6400 (expandable to 12800 and 25600). It's limitations are that it's shutter speed range is 1 second to 1/2000 (T6 and T6i have 30 second to 1/4000 speeds). And it doesn't have a viewfinder (need to use the rear LCD screen to compose images, which can be more difficult in some lighting conditions).

Canon G1 X Mark II is available refurbished for $450 or new for $675, uses a lower resolution 12MP but larger size 1.5" sensor and a slightly wider zoom range 24 to 120mm equiv. (15 to 75mm equiv. on T6/T6i). With ISO range from 100 to 12800, it has shutter speeds of 1 second to 1/4000 (as slow as 15 or 60 seconds possible in select modes). It also lacks a viewfinder, relies upon the rear LCD screen for composition. The newer Mark III version of this models uses the same sensor as T6i and has other upgrades, but sells for around $1500.

Canon G3 X sells new with an optional electronic viewfinder for $900 right now. The camera only can bought refurbished for $600, but ends up costing the by the time the $300 electronic viewfinder is added. This model has 20MP 1" sensor and a much wider range zoom lens (24-600mm FF equiv.... or equiv. to 15 to 375mm on T6/T6i). It's ISO range is 125-12800 (ext. to 25600) and it can shoot up to about 6 frames per second, with shutter speeds 1 second to 1/2000 (as slow as 15 or 30 seconds in select modes).

Canon G5 X has a built-in electronic viewfinder and sells new for $700 ($300 off), or can be found refurbished for $500. Other than the added, built in viewfinder, it's very much like the G7 X Mark II (above).

Since you want simplicity and a single lens, these might be much better options than the DSLR kits you've been considering.

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

I have an RV and travel around the Pacific North West several times a month. I have 3 cameras with me when I travel. A Canon SX50, Sony a6000 and a Sony a99ll. The SX50 sits on right next to me while traveling around. It is my Kodak moment camera. It has a long zoom (to 1200mm). No changing lenses. It is relatively small and light. There have been many a shot that I would have missed if it weren't for this all in one bridge. My next go to camera is the Sony a6000 it is also realatively small and light unless I stick another lens in a pocket. Why the a99ll ? It is for when I take a serious photo. As someone previously mentioned, the Canon web site for factory Referbished cameras. I purchased the SX50 several years ago at a substantial discount vs new. Note: the SX60 has been replaced by the SX60. The Sony a6000 is an amazing camera but for your use; travel and children. I would opt for a long zoom bridge camera like the Canon SX60. When my SX50 dies I will replace it with the Sony HX400 with the Zeiss lens.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

The first choice to be made is which type of camera. They are point & shoot, bridge, and ILCs (interchangeable lens cameras) mirrorless and 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, they are a reasonable compromise. They can offer extraordinary zoom range in a package smaller and are 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 current model, SX60 HS is just less than $400. From you comments, this seems the best choice for you. It has a lens that covers 60 to 1 ratio of zoom.

The best way to decide what model is to handle each. 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.

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I own a sony rx100 m3 which is a great camera only drawback is no interchangeable lenses it comes with a 24 - 70 which is a really good walk around lens and it takes high quality images.. plus side it fits in a shirt pocket too.

Selene03

I would agree with this. It is much better than the t6 and t6i and is very easy to use. I don't have that lens, but everyone says it's great. Another really good and relatively inexpensive lens is the 18-135 stm. It is also a very small format camera so easy to travel with.