olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

If you have access to a good camera store, go in and handle them to see if they’re a good fit. Most features are all the same between brands but menus differ in ease of use. Or, if you have the time, order from B&H and take advantage of their 30 return policy. Try a couple of brands and models to see what works for you. Be sure to comply with their return policy requirements.

GKarl Loc: Northern New Hampshire

You stated your budget was about $500-$600 at the moment. B&H sells a new Nikon D7200 for $696.95 and you will receive a gift card for $13.94. I bought one a couple of months ago and the camera is fantastic. At the time I also received accessories worth approximately $50.00. Check it out.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

If you want a better quality, higher performance camera, and one without "lens usage limitations" take a look at Refurbished and Used upscale offerings from (all have good reps here on the hog) B&H, Adorama, Cameta, Hunts, KEH, MPB.com, UsedPhotoPro (Roberts), Samys (and a few others, but check their reputations). These all offer fine, well inspected, accurately described cameras, lenses and all the rest, some will tell you body shutter count, all offer warranties (6 mo and up, and you can purchase additional if you feel the need).

As CHG CONON stated, stay away from the multi-lens and large "kits" full of junky stuff you don't need, or items you would buy higher quality versions of if you were shopping individual items. If Nikon is the choice, I'd jump on the (new) D7200 models available for <700 or any in the series slightly used for much less. On Canon, I'll let the Canon folks cover that. A D7100 or D7200 with a nice short zoom, or a prime would be a great start, then build from there. Whatever you decide, think beyond the initial purchase, what do want to do, want do you want to use, where do you want to take it, avoid anything self limiting (you'll only have to buy again). Good luck with your quest.

Orson Burleigh Loc: Annapolis, Maryland, USA

If you go with Canon, you would probably want to stretch enough for a T7i, a 77D, an SL3, an SL2 or a T6i: These cameras will provide a more up-to-date processor (Digic 6, Digic 7 or Digic 8).

Kits, though they often include many items of marginal utility, can be a good way to get a very useful second lens. Canon's EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS STM is a good lens and an outstanding value when included in a kit at approximately $150.

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

The Canon models you mentioned, T6, T7, etc. are very low end with an older Canon processor used in these relatively recent models. I would recommend looking at the T6i, T7i, and 77D if you decide to go with Canon. They are much better cameras with more current features and newer processors. Any of those three would be a good place to start. If you decide your budget requires you to stick with a very entry level camera, the Nikon D3500 would probably serve you better than the Canon T6, T7 (Canon models without the i). As others have mentioned, factory refurbished can be a good way to save some money and get a better camera. The lens kits offered can be a good value, and a good way of obtaining a basic lens, but be wary of packages with lenses such as the 75-300 which have no stabilization offered, and are typically the very cheapest lens offered by the manufacturer.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

Take a look at soon to be released Canon SL3. In your price range.

Thumper26

FWIW, consider previously owned gear. I just bought a Canon 80D for just over $600.00 and it is fabulous - looks and functions like brand new. I was upgrading from a 40D for the video function. I already had all the lenses I need from the 40D and I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

All of the photo magazines seem to rate the Nikon D3500 as the best entry level DSLR. However, all of the major manufacturers have excellent beginner models. I recommend that you go to a local photo store and try them out. Which one feels best in your hands? Which one seems easiest to operate to you? I also recommend buying locally, so that you can tap into the accumulated wisdom of the local store, and consult with them if you need to.

uhaas2009

The used section from B&H photo or Adorama are really good

dick ranez

Go find one that "feels" right. Don't worry about brands, specs, "expert opinions" or anything else. For $500 you'll get $500 worth of "stuff". Don't overlook used higher end equipment in your price range, but basically the newest cameras are mainly more sensitive sensors, video options and "bells and whistles" you may never use. The kit lenses on "beginner" packages are better than people give them credit for being, the bundled telephotos are usually terrible. If you get a second lens, consider a 50mm f1.8 by the camera manufacturer for better low light performance. Brand is unimportant until you need to expand your kit.

uhaas2009

The used section from B&H photo or Adorama is worth the money, too. A friend of my bought the canon d30 from B&H what is in surprising good shape.....

hammond

Yeah, the Nikon D7200 is a pretty good fit in your price range, and will suit your needs for a long time.

Jerry Serwalt

Thanks to all who helped, olemikey, gvarner, Gkarl, Orson Burleigh, jdub82, DeanS, Thumper26, maxlieberman, Dick Ranez, uhass2009, Hammond. That was exactly the kind of help and suggestions I was looking for. I have always been leery of refurbished equipment, refurbished by who?, or used stuff, but I am convinced I should look into it. I am not looking to be a pro, but I do want to be a better than average amateur. Thanks. (Sorry, I missed a lot of names there by not looking back a page at the time. Thanks to all).

Jerry Serwalt

Thanks for all that info. Maybe I should wait a while to scrounge up some more money.
Jerry S.