RedPachyderm

Hello! I am new to the forum and have a question. Trying to decide on a entry level DSLR and have always had great luck with Canon cameras. But I am open to any.
I am trying to decide between the Canon SL2 and T7i, or the Nikon D3500 or D5600. Any opinions on these?
Is the T7i worth another $150~ over the SL2? Is the touchscreen function on some of the cameras mentioned useful, deal-breaker, etc?
Also, planning a trip to Yellowstone this year and wondered about lens choices as well.
Thanks for any advice/opinions!!
Greg

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Greg, Welcome to the forum. What kind of images do you want to capture so I can make lens suggestions. Stick with Canon, if you had luck with them.

RedPachyderm

In general images of nature, scenic landscapes, etc. For the Yellowstone trip likely some long distance wildlife shots, possible moving images, etc.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Hey Greg, welcome aboard! If you have a big box location nearby, go down to their camera department and handle any of the options you're considering. The 'insides' of all these models are relatively the same with slightly more or less advanced features. The SL2 is unique in its small size. You can't go wrong with any of the choices, where the D5600 is a slightly more advanced configuration above the other three.

Regarding wildlife lenses, what do you consider your budget? What you can spend is typically the determining characteristic. If you go with a new body and a kit with two lenses, the 2nd lens with either Canon and Nikon will typically be the lens you'll want to replace for wildlife and / or sports. The 70-300 will be the most basic model from either company included in their entry-level kits.

You might want to consider used models where you can buy much more camera for the same or lower prices as compared to new. Also, you can purchase the lens(es) that fit your exact needs other than what comes in the kit. Have a look at the prices when handling your options at the bigbox. Look at a used reseller like KEH.com and compare the cameras you can buy at EX ratings for the same price. Use any money saved for a lens, also used, for a longer lens in the 400mm range for your Yellowstone trip.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH Greg, glad you joined us. I know very little about Canon, have used Nikon gear for 40 years. There is some Nikon kits out there for $500 - $700 that includes the camera (D3xxx or D5xxx series), with a 18-55mm lens and a 70-300mm lens. If you chose not to go with new equipment check refurbished equipment from Adorama, B&H, Cameta or Nikon USA, will save you a few $$$.
Have fun, learn and enjoy the forum.

Don

ELNikkor

The D5600 has a fully articulating screen, which really helps with composition when you need it. That screen was why I went with the D5xxx line instead of the D3xxx line.

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

First off - Welcome to UHH. I have always been a Canon guy and I'm not likely to change. It apears the only difference between the SL2 and T7i is the T7i has a touch screen which may prove useful to navigate the menu settings. Happy snapping what ever you decide on.

broncomaniac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

I would eliminate the T7 from my selection process. The 77D is the exact same price, has a top deck LCD AND image stabilized video.

Welcome to the forums.

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

If you are going to stay with topography get a mid level camera and buy the lens separate. You might want to think used to save money. If you just want some good quality photos get a good point and shoot. Camera gear can get very expensive. So why spend thousand of $$$ and not use the gear. Happy Shooting.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Welcome to the Hedge.
For your list above;
Basically there is no wrong choice in what you have listed. Some points to ponder though;
1. Nikon D3XXX series & Canon SL2 is very good for the absolute beginner as it has a built in camera functions guide in the menu.
2. Nikon D5XXX series & both Canon models has a tilt screen which makes photography easier in some situations
3. Canon touchscreen are easier to navigate and are better in shooting video that the 2 Nikons you listed.
4. Nikon D5600 & T7i are a tier above the D3500 &SL2 hence would have some better features.

User ID

You seem a likely candidate for image stabilization.
Not all lenses offer it so you might consider getting
a camera with in-body IS.

.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I don't think "luck" has anything to do with a camera or the pictures you take with it. If you had luck with Canon why change. A Nikon camera maybe unlucky.

JerryLS Loc: Davenport.Iowa

My thoughts are why buy an entry level camera, Idid and all it did was cost me more money than I had purchased a higher grade camera. Generaly speaking you will problems will upgrade and if you sell or trade in your entry level camera you will lose money.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Greg, your choice is most likely financially controlled. However, keep in mind that choosing an entry level camera means you'll be out growing it as your skills develop. Then, it's time to purchase another camera. Why not look at one that is more advanced that you grow into as opposed of growing out of?
--Bob

User ID

If I were a digital era noob, and were asked that
question, I'd answer that there's 2 reasons there.

1. Maybe I'll not stay involved in "photography".
Maybe it's a passing thing.

2. If I buy a more advanced model right away,
by the time I'm a more advanced user [guessing
about 3 yrs] my "more advanced" camera won't
seem all that advanced anymore compared to
the future's newer models :-(

.