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Jan 14, 2019 16:46:08   #
svrehoboth
 
Hi Everybody,
My name is Steve and my wife and I are hoping to learn to take good photos. We are in our 60's and would like to take up a hobby together and thought photography might be something we could both enjoy. We know very little about photography but are able to appreciate a "pretty picture" when we see one and would like to learn how to make some.

I would like to know what kind of digital cameras to buy that don't break the bank (under $500 if possible). We are looking at Nikon Coolpix b500 and Canon and the Powershot SX 530. As well as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR. Any thoughts or recommendations would certainly be appreciated. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you all.

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Jan 14, 2019 17:17:30   #
Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States
 
Here's a link to help you get started with the learning part:
http://digital-photography-school.com/

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Jan 14, 2019 17:18:41   #
kenievans Loc: Dallas
 
Hi Steve and welcome to UHH.

I am fairly new to photography as well and UHH has been a great help to me. The folks (most of them) are very friendly and helpful with lots of experience and great advise to share.

I have the Canon Rebel T6. I am very happy with it but if you are looking to only make that initial investment of $500 or less then I would not recommend a DSLR. The kit len(s), the ones that come with the camera, are ok but not great quality. They also do not have the zoom capability of the lens for the Coolpix or Powershot. You can purchase better lens and get some great deals on used ones but they are not inexpensive. Here is a link to some of the lens recommended for the T6 and their prices if purchased new.

https://bestphotographygear.com/best-lenses-for-canon-t6-1300d/

If you are able to make the investment I think its a great starter DSLR camera. If not, you can still get very good results with the Coolpix and Powershot by learning the basics of photography and good techniques. Good luck to you and your wife on your journey.

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Jan 14, 2019 17:39:18   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody,
My name is Steve and my wife and I are hoping to learn to take good photos. We are in our 60's and would like to take up a hobby together and thought photography might be something we could both enjoy. We know very little about photography but are able to appreciate a "pretty picture" when we see one and would like to learn how to make some.

I would like to know what kind of digital cameras to buy that don't break the bank (under $500 if possible). We are looking at Nikon Coolpix b500 and Canon and the Powershot SX 530. As well as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR. Any thoughts or recommendations would certainly be appreciated. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you all.
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)
Steve, Welcome to the forum. Congrats on taking up photography with your wife. I am biased towards Nikon so my choice would be the Nikon Coolpix B500.
Simply brilliant photos and videos
The COOLPIX B500 will feel great in your hands, whether you're zooming in with its super telephoto NIKKOR glass 40x Zoom lens or recording 1080p Full HD video using the flip-up LCD. And it takes all the work out of shooting beautiful photos and videos with its 16 megapixel low-light sensor, Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR), easy menus and controls, fun creative effects and outstanding automatic operation. Plus, the whole time you're shooting, the COOLPIX B500 can be easily and seamlessly connected to a compatible smartphone through Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) technology for instant photo sharing and remote camera control. Simply brilliant.Have fun with whatever camera you decide. My favorite reliable source.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1252976-REG/nikon_coolpix_b500_digital_camera.html

PS I don't work for Nikon or B&H

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Jan 14, 2019 19:19:16   #
AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire
 
Welcome! My wife and I faced the same type of challenge when we moved to digital a few years ago. Here’s how we approached the problem (Note that we’ve since added a D7100 for me and are shopping for one for my wife). Your needs, shooting style, and priorities may be different, but I think a systematic approach can help.

At this point we are very satisfied with our gear and results. Best of luck on your journey!

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-526467-1.html

Andy (and Michelle)

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Jan 15, 2019 05:33:56   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody,
My name is Steve and my wife and I are hoping to learn to take good photos. We are in our 60's and would like to take up a hobby together and thought photography might be something we could both enjoy. We know very little about photography but are able to appreciate a "pretty picture" when we see one and would like to learn how to make some.

I would like to know what kind of digital cameras to buy that don't break the bank (under $500 if possible). We are looking at Nikon Coolpix b500 and Canon and the Powershot SX 530. As well as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR. Any thoughts or recommendations would certainly be appreciated. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you all.
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)


For your money, you might try the 4/3rds market. Your best bet is to read through some of the links that the others have supplied and then go to a camera store to actually look at them, hold them, and play around with the controls. This will give you a better idea of what you really want. Don't buy a camera the first visit to the camera story. The two of you will need to go back home and talk to each other over a cup of coffee about what you liked and didn't like. For size, weight, and cost, the 4/3rds is by far the best bang for the buck. Having said that, 4/3rds may not match your needs which means you will have to choose from either full frame, APS-C, or a bridge style formats instead. I would suggest buying your camera on the third or later visit to the camera store.

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Jan 15, 2019 06:52:41   #
jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana
 
If I were you, I’d think to the future and purchase a mirrorless camera because they seem to be what’s coming in the photo world.

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Jan 15, 2019 07:23:56   #
R.G. Loc: Scotland
 
Without trying too hard I managed to find a new Nikon D5500 with 18-140mm lens for less than £500. Refurbed versions will be cheaper. That is a very good camera and lens which you can grow with and would probably continue to be good enough for you well into the future. If I was starting out just now I'd get a D5500.

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Jan 15, 2019 07:25:58   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
Welcome and all of our best for you two on your photographic journey. JimmyT Sends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH1Lw5hpCyA&list=PLC807CCF3F5186201
150 Youtube Videos by Bryan Peterson
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody,
My name is Steve and my wife and I are hoping to learn to take good photos. We are in our 60's and would like to take up a hobby together and thought photography might be something we could both enjoy. We know very little about photography but are able to appreciate a "pretty picture" when we see one and would like to learn how to make some.

I would like to know what kind of digital cameras to buy that don't break the bank (under $500 if possible). We are looking at Nikon Coolpix b500 and Canon and the Powershot SX 530. As well as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR. Any thoughts or recommendations would certainly be appreciated. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you all.
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)



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Jan 15, 2019 07:35:53   #
sloscheider Loc: Minnesota
 
Any chance you could tell us more about what you want to take pictures of? Does it 8nclude grandkids in sports? Traveling? Nature?

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Jan 15, 2019 07:51:54   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
svrehoboth wrote:
Hi Everybody,
My name is Steve and my wife and I are hoping to learn to take good photos. We are in our 60's and would like to take up a hobby together and thought photography might be something we could both enjoy. We know very little about photography but are able to appreciate a "pretty picture" when we see one and would like to learn how to make some.

I would like to know what kind of digital cameras to buy that don't break the bank (under $500 if possible). We are looking at Nikon Coolpix b500 and Canon and the Powershot SX 530. As well as the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR. Any thoughts or recommendations would certainly be appreciated. Thank you very much and may God continue to bless you all.
Hi Everybody, br My name is Steve and my wife and... (show quote)


Any of those cameras will give you a start. The T6 is a DSLR so you would be able to add lenses and capability later on. But for now any of the three. If you choose the Coolpix or the Powershot you would be in the world of mirrorless cameras. And that is fine. By the time you have narrowed your favorite subjects (portrait, landscape, events, action, street, etc...) down and want more camera, the advancements in mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses will have made them more affordable and better.

So I would say go with the one that feel best in your hands. You can hold any of these at Best Buy or similar stores, if you do not have a good camera store in your area. Some Best Buys now have staff trained in camera tech. I have no experience with them, but I hear the few stores with specialty camera sections (called CAMERA EXPERIENCE SHOPS) are quite a step above what you will find in a wallys, target or regular Best Buy. However, I still prefer a good camera store.

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Jan 15, 2019 07:54:08   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
R.G. wrote:
Without trying too hard I managed to find a new Nikon D5500 with 18-140mm lens for less than £500. Refurbed versions will be cheaper. That is a very good camera and lens which you can grow with and would probably continue to be good enough for you well into the future. If I was starting out just now I'd get a D5500.


£500 = $650 roughly. Since the OP has a $500 budget.

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Jan 15, 2019 07:54:47   #
fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut
 
Have a look at the Panasonic FZ1000. The cameras you listed, have very long zooms, far more than I imagine you would have a use for. Long zooms work best with a tripod and I doubt if you are thinking in terms of lugging one around. Those cameras use a tiny sensor. The FZ1000 has a 1" sensor. What you want, above all, is a camera that is fun to use, and rewards you with good pictures. It could be years, or never, when you would want to acquire a photography program in order to take advantage of processing RAW. You want good results from the jpeg's right out of the camera. Wait until you have a good reason to move on to a camera body with a choice of lenses. There are way too many considerations to even begin to mention.

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Jan 15, 2019 08:09:21   #
Brokenland
 
I've been in photography since the 70's and as of late the wife has been taking an interest as of 2 years ago. I've since handed down my old pocket camera and purchased a new semi professional camera with a single lens. The lenses will increase over time but seeing how this camera is completely new to me a single lenses will allow me to explore it's possibilities or limitations.

IMO, if both of you have just started, I'd suggest one or two cameras with fixed or a single lens/focal range like a pocket camera. Coolpix / Powershot type cameras would allow you to explore photography without braking the bank. If one of you is more advanced in taking photos, then more of a notch M50 / M5 or M6. (depending on if one is able to use a range finder or a view screen)

Ideally and because the M100 is a great starting camera and on sale at a number of sites, you could get 2 of these M100 with kit lenses of a single wide angle lens for one camera and a zoom lens for the other. This way you wouldn't have to remove either of these lenses merely swap cameras between to both of you.

Otherwise start small cause if you put too much green into an expensive gear and end up learning it's either too heavy, or doesn't fit your shooting style and you'll end up selling it. However, think about the options with lenses as these are far more important that the camera itself. Establishing a collection of lenses which will work with several camera bodies.

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Jan 15, 2019 08:11:53   #
Paulco2 Loc: Gettysburg PA
 
Welcome to the forum. As for equipment, being a Nikon person, I suggest looking at Nikon's d3400, perhaps a used one for budget reasons. It is a good entry level DSLR. In reality brand doesn't matter very much at this point but getting a camera that allows you to learn and grow as your skills develop is very important.

My best suggestion to anyone entering photography is to find a local camera club and join up. Folks in these clubs usually range from beginners to professionals and are generally happy to provide ideas that will help you grow your skills. Good shooting!

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