Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

The list of things she wants to photography is long and varied, and you say she wants to keep it simple. I have to agree that a bridge camera is probably the best way to go for her, and the Nikon B500 is a great candidate. It won't break the bank, to begin with, and is simple to use, not a lot of features or controls, but enough to keep things interesting. This ought to satisfy her needs until she gets to the point that she's interested in progressing further into photography or not. At that point she may discover she wants to narrow the field of subjects down a bit and progress to a more sophisticated camera.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

Fujifilm will also make it through the tough times. Their mirrorless systems and glass are incredible, and growing. They’re also the only company that provides firmware updates, obviating the need to run out and buy the next shiny new camera.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

Consider looking for used/refurb Sony RX100 line of cameras.

rcarol

Why do you say that a mirrorless is easier to use than a DSLR? I'm not challenging your statement I'm just seeking further insight into your reasoning.

rcarol

Why do you say that Fuji is the only company to provide firmware updates? All of the major camera manufacturers do that including Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax and the list goes on and on.

Fredrick Loc: Former NYC, now San Francisco Bay Area

I had been told that camera manufacturers including Nikon and Canon provide firmware updates to fix problems, but not necessarily to add new features, to obviate the need to buy the next new camera, like Fujifilm does.

Perhaps I’m incorrect, and if so then my apologies.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Are you sure she needs a DSLR? If not, I would suggest a Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 ($297.99 new). It is a mega-zoom (60X, 20-1200mm - 35mm equiv) non-interchangeable lens camera. It has a VIEWFINDER, more zoom range, more ISO range, and a few more mega pixels than the Nikon COOLPIX B500. Don't underestimate the value of a viewfinder when outside in bright sunlight.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

A bit more budget would get her a MUCH better camera. Compare Canon's most entry-level DSLRs: Rebel T7 (EOS 2000D outside N. Amer.) and the SL2 (200D outside N. Amer.)

Canon and Nikon offer the greatest selection of DSLRs, lenses and accessories. I'll focus on Canon because that's the system I use and know best. But you can find similar with Nikon. In fact, I've noticed that sometimes the initial purchase of camera and lens(es) kit, Nikon might be a little cheaper than Canon. However, beyond the initial purchase, Nikon lenses and accessories are typically a little to a lot more expensive than comparable Canon items. Worldwide, Canon has been the #1 seller of DSLRs for many years.

Canon T7 in a two-lens kit with an EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and an EF 75-300mm III lenses is currently available for $549. Very close to the the budget limitations. HOWEVER, that camera leaves A LOT to be desired and the 75-300mm lens is one of Canon's worst lenses.

Canon SL2 is a MUCH better camera in many ways... It has a self-cleaning sensor, Dual Pixel AF in Live View, an articulated LCD Touchscreen, all of which the T7 lacks. The SL2 also uses a much newer & faster processor, can shoot continuously at a faster frame rate, offers a higher ISO range, and uses a slightly larger battery that's good for roughly 20% more shots per charge. It's also the most compact DSLR anyone makes right now.

The SL2 is offered in kit with the same 18-55mm IS STM (which is fine, even if it's a bit plasticky). But - more importantly - it's offered with choice of the MUCH better EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens. This lens is superior to the 75-300 III in every possible way... faster/quieter focus, closer focusing, images stabilized and MUCH better image quality.

The Canon SL2 with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lenses would be a much better choice and a good camera to "grow with" for years in the future.

HOWEVER, the SL2 with that two-lens kit costs $750.

For some savings it's possible to buy the SL2 refurbished direct from Canon USA. This is little different from and has same warranty as new. Refurbished SL2 selling with 18-55mm lens is currently $450. https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/refurbished-eos-rebel-sl2-black-ef-s-18-55mm-f-4-5-6-kit

Then buy a used copy of the 55-250mm IS STM lens. Note: not the "II", it's the same optically, but has slower/noisier AF. Also not the earliest non-STM version (just labelled "IS). It has weaker image quality and slower/noiser AF. Those earlier versions are cheaper, but you give up quite a bit (i.e., you get what you pay for).

Here's a 55-250mm IS STM in top condition for $170 (total cost w/refurb'd camera: $620): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801901109-USE/canon_8546b002_ef_s_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_is.html

If a single lens is preferred... Consider buying the above refurbished SL2 without any lens (only $10 less expensive) and get the Canon EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens instead. This lens isn't offered in kit with the SL2 or T7... It's usually only offered with the more advanced models. New it costs about $400-$450. But I pretty easily found a used one for $250: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801905296-USE/canon_6097b002_ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is.html (Note: There's also a more expensive, even faster focusing "USM" version... as well as a slower focusing and older optical design non-STM version)

Shop around... you might find the camera and lens selling used for a little less elsewhere.

I would NOT recommend the earlier Canon SL1 or T6, which you might still find selling new at discounted prices. The T6 and T7 are nearly identical cameras... the only difference of any significance is that the T7 got an upgrade to a newer, higher resolution sensor. And the SL2 was very much upgraded from the SL1. In fact, the SL1 is very similar in specifications and features to the T6. The SL2 uses a similar, rather simple AF system... BUT, the rest of it's specifications are closer to that of the more upscale and more expensive Canon T7i (not to be confused with the T7... no "i").

Some more detailed T7 vs SL2 comparisons:

https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2-vs-Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7
https://www.apotelyt.com/compare-camera/canon-2000d-vs-canon-200d
https://cameracreativ.com/compare/canon-eos-2000d-vs-canon-eos-200d
http://thenewcamera.com/canon-2000d-vs-canon-200d/

You can use the above sites to compare other models and brands, too, if you wish.

You'll find similar options among Nikon cameras and lenses, if preferred. Their D3000-series are the most entry-level and most affordable, but lack many of the features and capabilities of a little bit more expensive D5000-series camera. Again, the initial purchase of a Nikon camera with one or two kit lenses might even be a little lower priced than comparable Canon. However, beyond that initial purchase, Nikon items tend to be more expensive. Similar to the situation with the above Canon, Nikon bundles an 18-55mm with these cameras. And, their two lens kits have a lower quality AF-P 70-300mm DX lens, which lacks image stabilization ("VR"). They have a number of better telephoto zooms, at higher cost, of course. Also similar to the above, a single lens option might be the Nikon AF-S 18-140mm DX VR lens.

There are also Pentax DSLRs, as well as mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILC) from Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus and Panasonic. Generally speaking, I think you'll find MILC more expensive than similar specification DSLRs. That's because they're the "hot new thing" relative to DSLRs (and the film SLRs that came before them).

BEWARE of anyone offering new versions of these cameras for significantly less money. Those are very likely bait-n-switch rip-offs and/or "gray market" imports (no warranty)and, unfortunately, there are quite a few shady operators online. Stick with known, well-established stores such as Adorama, B&H, KEH (used), Beach Camera, Henry's (Canada), Amazon Direct, and a few others. Some of these retailers sell on eBay, but there are a lot of fly-by-night "stores" there too. Costco or Walmart might be possibilities... though they often only stock the absolute cheapest kits. Still, careful shopping there might offer some limited savings. Just don't expect to work with knowledgeable staff at the "big box stores". I've had mostly bad experiences with electronic chains like Fry's and Best Buy, too.

Finally, with any of the above cameras your friend will also need some other things. SD memory cards many of these cameras use aren't expensive. Just get two to four small to moderate sized cards. One big card is risky to use.... if it fails or is lost or goes through the laundry in a pocket, a lot of images can be lost. Get fairly "fast", quality cards of a known-brand such as Sandisk or Lexar. Shop around. Lenses may not come with lens hoods. It's highly recommended to get and use the matching version of those for each lens, both to protect the lens and shade it from oblique light, which makes for better images. OEM hoods may seem a little pricey, but there are often considerably cheaper "third party" clones available, that can serve just as well. Your friend may also want some important accessories such as a camera bag, circular polarizing filter, tripod. Some image organizing & editing software usually comes with the camera, but they might want something better and more all-in-one (such as Adobe Elements). Of course, all these accessories add some cost.

Hope this helps!

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

For $500, it will buy an Olympus E-M10mkII and a 14-42 lense to go with it (body comes with charger and battery). The camera and lens are listed as Excellent or Excellent+ at Keh Camera. The E and E+ means they are as close to new in performance while not paying the high price for brand new. This will allow one to move to up easily to any of the more than 100 lenses and dozens of bodies produced by both Olympus and Panasonic should one want to. Because of the interchangeable between Olympus and Panasonic, it makes it the largest system available for a single lens mount. I have used Keh Camera three times for lenses (listed as E in quality) and all are still in excellent condition today and shooting just fine.

Also, by getting into the 4/3rds system, one will find that bodies and lenses are smaller, lighter, and less costly than the equivalent item in the larger formats (APS-C, FF, and MF). The smaller and lighter means it is much easier to travel with. And the less costly means one is able to buy more lenses with the same amount of money than what they could buy with the larger formats.

I think you will find the 4/3rds systems are worth your time and money

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

BTW - Most every camera has an Automatic (A) mode which is great for users who have no familiarity with the exposure triangle. I call it the A for Amateur mode.

However, you should ensure the model you select has Tv (Time) or S (Shutter), Av (Aperture) and M (manual) so as the user learns, (s)he can practice the more advanced modes.

ScooterA13

Endeavor,

The best Digital Mirrorless Camera is the Sony A6000, 24.4 mp and it can be purchased around Christmas for approx. $550-ish with the kit Zoom Lens it comes with for the Christmas Sales depending on the Seller, all together. My Sony A6000 came with the Kit Zoom 16-50 Lens. Takes excellent close up, medium and medium-far shots, with the 16-50 Zoom lens.

While it uses a Crop Lens set up, the photos look like full frame products when printed. The only drawback is that you can't Crop the Photos as much as one can with a full frame 42.4 mp Sony A7Riii digital mirrorless camera.

ScooterA13

Endeavor,

That is the best Digital Mirrorless Camera in the $500 to $600 range, is the Sony A6000 with the kit Zoom 16-50 Lens . . .

Had to Clarify that.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I can’t speak to his reasoning but as one that shoots both DSLR and mirrorless I think as a beginner, shooting in auto mode, it doesn’t make much difference. Now as she wants to grow and learn more, I think live view on the mirrorless gives instant feedback, you can see the result of changes to settings. What I would really recommend for her though is a bridge camera. There are even a few with 1” sensors in her price range, or she could go 1/2.3” and get a pretty long zoom for under $500. And I wouldn’t worry about a “system” that will stick around. I think Olympus & Panasonic aren’t going anywhere either. The bridge camera gives her pretty wide options for use with the option to take more control as she wants to. If it comes time that she wants an ILC she’ll have a better idea of what her needs are for a system.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Does anyone read the original post? This person probably has no interest in taking photographs. She wants to take pictures, snap shots if you prefer. If you gave her a D5 she would, within 30 minutes, put it in a drawer and never look at again. If she starts her shooting career with a DSLR, unless you are getting it for her so you can use it, she will rapidly become frustrated and quit. I started with a D7200 and almost gave up and I have long experience with film. What she needs is something she will be comfortable and can use effectively from day one. Get her a simple, easy to use, point and shoot camera. If she wants additional capability as she grows in the hobby she can upgrade.