tomad Loc: North Carolina

Ok guys, I need your help. The missus, who has never used any camera besides a point and shoot and her Iphone has decided that she wants a "good" camera. I discussed the options with her and she thinks she wants an APS-C DSLR. I would also like her to look at mirrorless options. She has a budget around $1500 and there are a lot of options out there for that or under so I would like help narrowing down those options before I take her to a store to look at and hold a few to see how they feel to her.

Costco has a Nikon D7500 with two kit lenses for around that price but when I explained that to her she indicated that her preference while learning would be a single everything zoom lens, i.e. 18 or 24mm to 250 or 300mm. She's leaning toward Nikon just "because" so I found that she could get a D7100 or D7200 body and still leave $500 to $700 for a decent lens.

So, recommendations for a good body (Nikon, Canon, etc.) and a pretty good single zoom lens that would fit in the general price range?

I have strictly bridge cameras and she wants something with better image quality and low light capability than 1" sensor (or smaller) cameras. So I'm looking for the best of that for the price. Also I want to get the best quality for the money in case she loses interest... (-:

BTW, before you suggest it, she will not go for used or refurbed. She is a new only gal. Doesn't make sense to me as I'm nowhere near new and she's kept me around for over 20 years, but that's the way she is.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

tdekany Loc: Oregon

I’d go for mirrorless, using an OVF after evfs is not fun. Seeing what the picture is going to look like before pressing the shutter is gooooood!

At that price, Sony A6000 plus lenses will fit the budget. If you could take her to a real store where she could play with both types of cameras would be best. Good luck man!

Robeng Loc: California

The good thing about Costco is if she doesn't like the camera she can bring it back within 90 days.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

For $1500 you have a lot of options. I would go for the D7500 kit from Costco. The D7500 has been called the little brother to the D500, and not an upgrade to the D7200. You can choose one of the Sony a6xxx series, starting with the a6000. Those are all crop sensor mirrorless cameras. Good luck.

Smolakid6X

Hello, I would get an A6000 body only and add a Sony 10-18 zoom and a Sony 18-200 zoom. may take a little over 1500. If so then take the kit
lens and the 10-18 lens. Also I recommend a good tripod which will be your best friend while on photo opps.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Is camera size and weight a major factor? If she wants excellent image quality, is not interested in changing lenses and wants a full feature camera that will easily fit in a jacket pocket or purse them consider the Canon G1X III. It's a bridge cameras with a 24 mpx aps-c image sensor, dual pixel auto focus, electronic view finder and fully articulated led view screen, plus all the usually bells and whistles found on many DSLR'S. It is a bit on the pricey side but is well within your budget at around $1300. The camera is quite well made and is weather resistant. I have one and I carry it with me just about all the time.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Sounds like a good idea but I just looked it up and the zoom range the lady is looking for is just not present!
I would go with a much cheaper alternative that may just impress the potential buyer....the Canon SX60.
I realize the sensor is much smaller.......but that zoom more than makes up for it !

SkyKing Loc: Thompson Ridge, NY

Nikon D7500 w/18-140mm $1546 or D7500 w/18-300mm $1876 ... either from B&H or Adorama...and look at the choice of free excessories that you can added to the purchase... exciting times...good luck with your decision...

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

For your budget I would get a Nikon D7200 and a Tamron 16-300mm lens, makes a great combo!

tomad Loc: North Carolina

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I will look into each of them to narrow her search down. When I get it narrowed to 4 or 5 choices I intend to find a store that has all or most of them so she can hold them and see how they feel and how heavy or light they are.

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

berchman Loc: South Central PA

Doesn't have the C size sensor she's looking for.

Chadp Loc: Virginia Beach

The Fuji X-T20 with the XF 18-55 kit lens would be my choice at that price level. The additional longer zoom may put you a touch over budget depending on what you choose.

sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey

Yes look at Fuji,Sony,Olympus very good cameras and lighter.

bruswen Loc: Eugene OR

I would second the recommendation of the D7500 with the 18-140mm kit lens. (around $1500 from B&H) This combination works well together. If your wife wants more reach later, say for wildlife or sport photography, you can add the new AF-P 70-300mm DX lens for $400, it works flawlessly with the D7500 and focuses instantly. As someone new to DSLRs your wife will find the touchscreen on the D7500 easy to work with. I would recommend you take her to Costco or location where she can handle the camera herself and compare it to other competing models. Whether a camera feels "right" or fits your hands is strictly subjective.