robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Both are the respective company's beginner level camera. And both are APS-C (crop sensor) bodies and have simplified controls etc. But both are probably as good or better than top of the line gear from not that long ago as far as image quality goes.
Since they are crop sensor they have an apparent multiplier effect on the length of the lens. (Nikon 1.5x, Canon 1.6x) So a 100 mm lenses on either of these bodies covers the angle of view of a 150 or 160 mm lens on a Full Frame body. (FF = sensor is the size of a 35 mm negative)

I don't know about Nikon but Canon USA has an online store and sell factory refurbished (often just demos or open box used at camera shows etc) with the same warranty as new. I bought an 80D refurbished from them. Right now they have the 80D (much more advanced than the T7) with two lenses for $699.99 or for the same price one lens and a flash.

https://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/cameras/refurbished-eos-interchangeable-lens-cameras

Follow that link, you will also see the Canon M50 for under $500, it uses EF-M mount lenses (smaller/lighter) but the EF and EF-S lenses will mount on it with an adapter. It is a mirror-less design so smaller than a dslr body. I know two people who have one for travel (It is tiny and with an EF-M 200mm lenses it will fit in the large pocket of one of my winter coats). One of those guys is a Canon rep and teacher who travels around teaching classes at stores and shows. It is the largest selling mirror-less body in Japan. Pay attention on the refurbished site, things come in and out of stock daily. Prices change, and sometimes they will offer bundles for the same or even lower price than the body alone.

jpgto Loc: North East Tennessee

Suggestion. If you are in an area close to a camera shop. Stop in, touch and feel each one, change lenses, snap a few images then make the decision.

photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ

Welcome to the Hog

gsmith051 Loc: Fairfield Glade, TN

I’ve been a Canon fan for years but frankly all cameras are good. What matters most is what works for you. Good luck to you.

/George

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

I am a Nikon guy Bill so I tend to lean in that direction. These are both entry level cameras and depending on your skill level and how far you want to advance you may out grow either of these soon. Nikon is having a sale right now on several of their cameras and lens and maybe some of their refurbished models (could save you a few $$$). If you want to go for better quality and features look at a refurbished D7200. I shoot with the D7100 and a D7200, both very nice cameras.
I would also suggest you go handle these cameras to see how they feel in your hands and also check out the control layout.

Welcome to UHH, glad you joined us.

Don

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

There are hundreds upon hundreds of Youtube videos on ANY camera you can think of....They will give you all the information you need, plus opinions on how the cameras perform.

In MY opinion, I feel you should look a bit higher up the foodchain; Nikon D7xxx series(I do not know what the Canon equivalent is.) would be better for birding, for example...

As others have mentioned, glass is important; To the untrained eye, the kit lenses will be ok, but you will want more, as your photography skills progress, so be prepared for that.

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

A good place to look for a good deal on a good starting camera is Nikon's refurbished cameras. You can get good deals on cameras with two lens. I picked up a D5200 there to back up my D750 a couple years ago and I really like both.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/savings.page?icid=img_en_us:multi:pop-up:1:CaptureSavings_main:base:061619:summer

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

Have you considered Fuji? Same size crop sensor.quality of their lenses are excellent. Their sensor is of their own design and give fantastic photos. A good used fuji x-t2 can be had for around 600.00 or so. shoot olympus, but I'm moving into fuji as a second camera setup. Know a few people who moved from canon,nikon to fuji ,and never looked back. Just a thought.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

https://www.borrowlenses.com/blog/canon-vs-nikon/
https://photographylife.com/best-entry-level-dslrs
And because I read what you wrote, and I think you're ready to settle down and settle in and take some photos nice and easy:
https://www.lifewire.com/canon-powershot-sx70-hs-review-4691077
Prequel to, @ as good, and half priced:
https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-Optical/dp/B00RKNND2W/?tag=aboutcom02lifewire-20&ascsubtag=493676%7Cn63b646c86f5549f2bfc15ba56f32006306

jdub82 Loc: Northern California

I am a Canon user, but in the case of a choice between the two cameras mentioned, the Nikon is the better camera. The Canon T7 has an out of date processor, and lacks some of the features found in the Nikon D3500. If you decide to go with Canon, I would encourage you to look at the Canon T7i instead. Though a subtle difference in the name, the T7i is a far better camera than the T7. The Canon SL2 or Sl3 would also be a good choice.

Littlewheel

Canon is bad about not having image stabilization in the long kit lens, which is where you need it the most. Their kit lenses are slow (maximum aperature) and not very sharp, compared to good glass, like the L series lenses. Have you considered a used "bridge " camera with a long zoom?

kybill1252 Loc: Ky

I have no idea as to what a " bridge" is. Im just getting into photography and learning the language. So bear with me. I'll probably just stay with a good starter camera with a couple extra lens and then go from there. I used the old 35 mm film point and shoot cameras and have gotten some beautiful shots while driving. I used to be a truck driver. I love mountains, sunsets and wildlife. Used to live on a farm and deer and wildlife were plentiful. Now back in the city of Central Ky among the large racehorse farms, I've got something else now to photograph.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

"Bridge camera" - intermediate between a point and shoot and a dslr (or mirror-less) - ie, a bridge from one level of gear to another. Often called "superzoom".
Most of them are fairly compact body, bigger than a P&S, with a fixed zoom lens that has much more reach than a pocket size P&S. They also often have a bigger sensor then the average P&S.
Examples are the Canon SX70 HS and Nikon P1000. They are all many people want or need. They do generally need good light or a tripod/monopod for slow shutter speeds in dim light.

kybill1252 Loc: Ky

I was thinking it was a pole that supports the camera as you would see at a football game photographer. Thanks for the info

TammyC

Total novice to picture taking and have had lots of different cameras from $100. to $1600. We have not purchased anything in a long time. Would like one that was WiFi capable to connect with phone and iPad. Also cable of adding zoom lens.