amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

The Nikon 3000-series and Canon T5, T6, T7 (no "i") models are VERY BASIC, entry-level models. They lack a lot of features of more upscale models. For example, they don't even have self-cleaning sensors, which are pretty much standard on all the other models and are an important feature I wouldn't want to be without (I remember having to do frequent manual sensor cleanings, back when cameras lacked that feature). If at all possible, I would highly recommend spending a little bit more and getting a MUCH better camera. I am sure you will be happy with it for longer.

If you already have a camera and some lenses, depending upon what you've got it might be possible to use the lenses on a new camera. But it you don't already have any lenses or other accessories, then you will need lenses and should definitely look at the "kits" because those are often the best deals. HOWEVER, you need to be careful. There are "manufacturer kits" and kits put together by reputable retailers, both of which can be good.... BUT there are also kits full of cheap junk put together by shysters.

I'll use Canon examples below because that's what I'm most familiar with... but similar can be found in Nikon.

One of the Canon's least expensive, but nicely featured models is their Rebel SL2 (also called EOS 200D outside N. America). The SL2 is one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs made by anyone. If you already have one or more Canon EF or EF-S lenses, any of those made the last 30 years will work fine on this camera (most third party lenses made for Canon EF mount will work fine, too). Right now the SL2 costs $499 for the body only. Or, it's available in kit with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens for $599. So in the kit the lens essentially costs you $100. When bought separately, that lens normally sells for $199.

Note: Canon has just announced a 250D/SL3 (or maybe it's an SL2 "Mark II"... I've seen it both ways). As a result, there may be clearance prices on the SL2 (200D) in the near future. It appears the main difference is that new camera uses a next generation "Digic 8" processor, primarily to be able to shoot 4K video. The SL2 is "limited" to HD video.

The next step up is Canon Rebel T7i (note the "i"... it's important!) Besides being a little larger and slightly heavier, the primary difference is that the T7i has a much more sophisticated auto focus system. In the SL2's viewfinder you'll see a 9-point AF system. The center AF point is a higher performance "dual axis" type. The T7i has a 45-point AF system where all of them are the dual axis type. The T7i's auto focus is able work in lower light conditions and is also "f/8 capable" (which allows use of more lens/teleconverter combos). The SL2's AF is not as low-light capable and is "f/5.6" limited. The T7i also has slightly more direct access to various camera functions... more buttons and dials. The T7i is considerably more expensive, though... $699 for the body alone or $799 with the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens. It's also offered in kit with a couple different lens options: T7i with more versatile EF-S 18-135mm IS STM lens costs $1049. Or, there's a two-lens kit including T7i with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lenses. These are good deals, too.... the lenses are nicely discounted as compared to purchasing them separately.

The next step up is the Canon EOS 77D.... sort of. Actually, the 77D is identical to the T7i in most respects. Virtually all their specs are exactly the same. Even the price of 77D body-only is the same as T7i (for some reason it's $50 more in kit with EF-S 18-55mm). The difference between them is primarily the controls and display. The 77D has an additional LCD panel on the top right shoulder, showing most of the camera settings. It also has a little more direct access to major camera functions (such as two separate dials to control shutter and aperture... where the T7i and SL2 use a single dial and a button to switch between them).

The next step up (and the last model I'll mention in any detail here), is the Canon EOS 80D. The controls and display of it are very similar to the 77D. They also share the same AF system. The difference is that the 80D is a more robust camera with a higher specification shutter, a true pentaprism viewfinder (bigger and brighter than the penta-mirror used on the other three models), uses a larger battery to give more shots per charge, can optionally be fitted with a vertical/battery grip, has some additional features such as Micro Focus Adjustment and more sealing for some weather resistance. Of course, the 80D is more expensive at $999 for body alone, $1149 with the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens or $1399 with the EF-S 18-135mm IS USM lens. (Note: This latter lens is a newer, faster focusing and more expensive version than the 18-135mm STM version offered in kit with the 77D above... but those the 18-135mm STM and USM lenses are optically identical.)

All four Canon cameras have an articulated LCD Touch Screen. This can be tilted and rotated, used with Live View for low angle or high angle shooting, or for video. All four cameras also have "Dual Pixel AF" in Live View/video, which is MUCH faster than the contrast detection focus method used on previous models (and some other brands of cameras). All four of these models also have an "Anti Flicker" feature that I've found to be very helpful when shooting under fluorescent, sodium vapor and similar types of lighting. Those lights cycle on and off rapidly... 60 cycles per second. That's fast enough that we don't notice with our eyes. But it really screws around with exposures in cameras. There used to be little you could do about it. But now there's Anti-Flicker, which detects the cycling of the light and automatically times the shutter release to coincide with the peak output. IT WORKS. Where I used to take lots of extra shots under those types of lights, because I knew that as much as half or more could end up badly under-exposed, I rarely see any problem at all now... thanks to Anti-Flicker!

The Canon Rebel T7 doesn't have an articulated Touch Screen LCD, doesn't have Dual Pixel AF in Live View, and doesn't have Anti-Flicker.

If you opt for a Canon, watch out for kits that offer the EF 75-300mm "III" lens. That's not a very good lens. It's often bundled in kit with the Rebel series cameras. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM mentioned above is a MUCH better lens in all respects. It's faster/quieter focusing, closer focusing, has Image Stabilization.... and has significantly better image quality than the 75-300 III. Yes, the EF-S 55-250 IS STM costs more... The 75-300 III is Canon's cheapest telephoto zoom, while the 55-250mm is about $100 more and the second least expensive. But they are night and day when it comes to performance! Canon offers several EF 70-300mm lenses that are very good, shouldn't to be confused with the cheaper 75-300.

I've noticed that Canon kits tend to cost a little more than the most comparable Nikon kits. But, beyond the initial purchase, Nikon lenses and accessories tend to be a little to a lot more expensive. For example, compare Canon and Nikon 70-200mm lenses. They all are "pro-quality". Canon has four current models ranging from $600 to $2100.... Nikon offers two currently, priced at $1400 and $2700.

This isn't always the case though. Say you want a wide angle lens for scenic shots... Canon offers an EF-S 10-18mm IS STM that sells for $269. A year or two ago Nikon intro'd a similar AF-P DX 10-20mm VR lens that sells for $307. HOWEVER the Nikon lens comes with a matched lens hood. The Canon lens doesn't.... It's matched hood is sold separately for around $24. By the time you get that (highly recommended), there's only a few dollars difference.

I would note some other similarities and differences between the brands.

Nikon D3000-series are similar to Canon T5, T6, T7... the most entry-level models that lack important features like self-cleaning sensors and articulated LCD Touch Screens.

Nikon D5000-series are similar to Canon T7i and 77D.... more upscale models with added features.

HOWEVER, those Nikon do not have Dual Pixel AF in Live View and video.

Nikon D3000 and D5000-series cameras also have some lens limitations. They are only able to autofocus with Nikon AF-S and AF-P lenses. Some earlier Nikon AF lenses (and some lenses still in production, such as the Micro Nikkor 200mm f/4 "AF" and the Tokina AT-X 100mm Macro "D") will be manual focus only on these series of cameras. Some lenses may cause metering problems, too. In contrast, as mentioned above, ALL Canon EF and EF-S lenses produced the past 30 years are fully compatible with and will work fine on the Canon models mentioned (Canon FD/FL manual focus lenses produced in the 1960s, 70s and 80s are not compatible with the modern Canon cameras).

AFAIK, only the top-of-the-line Nikon D500 and D850 models have a feature like Canon's Anti-Flicker, found on all the above.

Both Canon and Nikon DSLR systems are extensive and highly capable. I'm sure some folks will suggest you consider a mirrorless camera instead, tell you "DSLRs are dying" and that mirrorless "are the future". That's partly true, but very much exaggerated. Mirrorless camera sales are growing, for sure. They're the "latest and greatest" (not really, but people think so). At the same time "old school" DSLRs such as the models above are seeing stagnant sales. HOWEVER, there are still far more DSLRs being sold, than mirrorless models. AND, both types of cameras have their pros and cons.

Overall, DSLRs tend to give you more for your money. If you had a fairly unlimited budget, mirrorless might be a good choice.

In addition, especially with the Nikon and Canon DSLR systems, there are FAR more lenses and accessories available for them, than there are for mirrorless systems from any manufacturer. The largest mirrorless systems (Sony, Fujifilm and Olympus/Panasonc) offer roughly half the selection of lenses, compared to Nikon and Canon DSLRs.

I referenced B&H Photo and Adorama for the prices of the Canon cameras and kits above.

If you want to make your $ go a little farther, you might considered "refurbished" cameras and lenses that are offered by both Canon and Nikon direct from their USA websites. For example, Canon SL2 with EF-S 18-55mm lens is offered for $450. T7i w/18-55mm refurb'd is $650... and 77D w/18-55mm refurb'd is $750. Refurbished Canon cameras and lenses are usually little different from new, might be demo or open box models, or just returned over-stock. Canon warrants them the same as new (Nikon treats their refurbs as used, warrants them for 90 days).

Compare carefully though... refurbs aren't always the best deal. Sometimes sale prices on brand new are lower than the cost of refurbs! There may be shipping and taxes on top of the purchase price, too. What's available changes quickly too... You'll often see "out of stock" and may have to wait for some to come available.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras#facet:-810369798332555568,-810369798332821019810110832837650,-8103697983328210198101108328455105&productBeginIndex:0&orderBy:11&pageView:grid&pageSize:&

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I have a few suggestions you may already have heard

1) Do some homework so you know the models in your price range. Make sure you are looking at USA models, not "grey market" international ones.
2) Go to any store that has cameras you can hold. Check to see which of THOSE MODELS feels more comfortable in your hands. Which has a menu that is more intuitive?
3) Once you decide which you prefer, check for reconditioned ones (used) from the manufacturer, Adorama, B&H, or KEH online.

An 18-55 mm zoom lens is commonly sold with cameras as a "kit". A battery, charger, lens cap, body cap is also required and usually included in new cameras. A memory card is required. Anything more is not needed unless it is for no additional cost.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

You might find this helpful:
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-camera-for-beginners-best-entry-level-dslr-mirrorless-and-compact-cameras

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Local stores are not in business to act as testing labs for the large mail order houses. If you are taking up the time and expertise of their personnel, you should be prepared to patronize them. They will also be there to help you when you have a problem. I'm not saying never buy from one of the big mail order houses. Use them when you are advanced enough to know what you want, and won't need to follow up your purchase with a lot of questions. The local stores have to make a living, too, and although they may cost a little more, they are available on a personal basis when you need help or advice. That is what the extra money pays for.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

The advice to “go local to ck it out, then buy on-line” is quite often suggested. I wonder how many of these would suggest this if they were in the business operating a b&m.

davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.

I would add the canon T6s it has a nice LCD panel on the top!

Silverrails

Jerry;
Are you amature, Beginner, experienced, semi-pro? Your Price range will limit your choices. I personally am a Nikon Guy, so my suggestion would be the Nikon 5600, just because of the advanced features from the Nikon 3xxx series line of cameras. Do your diligent personal research on any camera you are considering. Also, Nikon Glass has a good reputation, research that too. Forget the Kits. Buy your Camera, then buy the lens according to what you want to shoot. A good Prime lens for Portraits, A good telephoto lens for landscapes, wildlife. Remember do your research 1st, don't be sorry down the road. Also, if you do buy online, go to a real professional Camera online store. Ex. B&H Photo, Adorama, etc. Be Careful about places like Local retail stores, who do not specialize in "Photography equipment".

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Don't over look refurbished cameras and lens. Only buy from reputable dealers.

Don

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Go for the Canon SL3.
Latest processor, sensor, shoots 4K, and has the latest DPAF that is not available on any other make of camera.
It is just that good.
Price is in your range and nothing else has the same features especially the DPAF.
So get the SL3 or nothing.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I love my Canon 77D. Almost double you price range new.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

This is the best way to go get a refurbished

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I went with my neighbor to Costco who asked me to look at the Canon and Nikon choices for an entry level DSLR kit. The Nikon D3500 2 lens kit was his choice (Canon same price) at $549.00 +tax. As is the store policy, he paid at the register and asked about the Costco extended warranty while waiting for the product to be pulled at the service desk. He was then told it only applied for online purchases and in fact if he had purchased it with his Costco credit card, they would have added another year which included protection against drops, spills, etc. for a total of a 3 year warranty. The box remains unopened as he ponders whether or not to return it for an online purchase because warranties are very important to him. I guess the moral of the story is to make sure and research for the best deal(s) before driving to the store.

dyximan

I haven't read the entire thread but I'm sure you've heard this a 100 times already put one in your hand see if you like the buttons and Urga nomic layout if you have the money rent beach but that may cost you almost as much as buying 1, I benefit and of nikon but enjoyed using Canon as well the kits are great and the 3500 is awesome if you have a few more bucks the 5500 with the articulating screen give you a few extra goodies

Al P.

The best shoe is the one that fits your foot - and matches the terrain
The best camera is the one that fits your hand (and brain) - and matches the subject

So we all have our opinions that are true for our own use, modified by habit, and of course, dictated by prior lens choices.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

go with a Nikon referb 5600 stay away from 3100