rbrube

rbrube

If you have never owned a camera, I would suggest that you start with a used version of a good quality point and shoot like a Canon power shot (Google used cameras)---and go on You tube to learn how to use it and buy a used copy of a how to manual for your model from Amazon---the key, as others have said, is to do some homework----and remember that photographs are created between the ears, and not by the camera---happy shooting--you may also want to join a local camera club and ask some of the members for help or where the best local camera stores and sales people are---

digitalnut Loc: Endwell, NY

Daniel, first off, Welcome to UHH.
I just saw a you tube video from Fro knows Photo, Jared Polin. I will admit that not everyone agrees with him and his instruction, but his latest video is about starting out with a $1000 budget and getting some decent equipment. Check it out and it might give you some good ideas.

augieg27 Loc: Central California

This kit will serve you not just at the beginning but for years to come until your skills grow.
I started with a D3300 that has 24MP as well as the D3500 does. the 18-55 is not the best but it gives you good pictures. I do have the 70-300 AF-P and I love it, It has one of the fastest AF I'd ever tried and with the crop factor it gives you up to 450mm.
You can't go wrong for $500.
Augie

bittermelon

Stop right there. Don't spend your money yet. Is there a school near you that has a good photography program, such as a 2 year community college? Often if you take classes they have cameras to loan students. Start by taking a couple of classes and using the loaner cameras before you make a decision as to which camera to buy.

Kaib795 Loc: Maryland, USA

Go with what Gene51 said, it's solid equipment but ... if you can ... talk to others around where you live and try using their camera. The issue is how you feel using the camera, it's controls and weight. Many will tell you to go digital as they are lighter but after you put a quality lens on it the weight is back up there! Your budget is the controlling factor here so you may want to just get what Gene had mentioned. A solid DSLR camera and off brand lens. A tripod may be your next purchase but if you want to just touch into knowing how to take good pictures, it's easier to just get the camera mentioned and a normal 50mm lens and go out and take pictures. Then get a bigger lens but the longer lens will show camera movement more and may frustrate you unless you have a tripod. Because you are in the learning stages, keep the rig simple and take pictures with the nifty fifty lens. The best part of all this, if you drop it and loose a lens or camera they didn't cost much in the first place. I prefer larger cameras and do mind weight if following family around so my "grab and go camera" is a Nikon D7500 with a 35mm f1.8 lens (35mm is really a 50mm view) but it's full sized and still light weight. Getting a tripod opens up doors to taking pictures in any light (outside). Later getting a off camera flash will open up more styles of pictures where you take control of the light. But first learn to take basic pictures and most important, make sure the focus is spot on, ditch any picture that aren't. There are so many styles of photography to work in, you'll never get bored (Portrait, flowers, close-ups, landscapes, action, emotion shots, family events, challenging shots at night or mid day, contolling color, shooting B&W, really fast moving captures, art shots, outdoor animals, Disney World!, etc). Have fun and stumble, ask and we will help you up again.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Look at entry level cameras from Nikon and Canon. About $500-$600. Check the manufacturers' sites, because they sometimes go on sale. You'll need to buy a long telephoto lens for shooting birds and wildlife, and that will set you back another few hundred. >AL

Kaib795 Loc: Maryland, USA

Sorry, Go digital, I meant mirrorless. I stand corrected.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

I was very satisfied with MPB. Purchased a D90 in “like new” condition with 5800 shutter count. Really was “like new” as advertised.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Buy a used Nikon B700 with a 24-1440mm zoom lens for about $300, or a used Lumix FZ80 with a 20-1200mm zoom lens for less than $250. I buy all my equipment used on ebay from top rated sellers. Then you will find out if you have the patience and desire to pursue photography, especially wildlife photography. Both of these cameras can shoot in auto or manual modes where you set the iso, aperture and shutter speed. Both shoot 4K video. Shooting wildlife generally requires a long focal length, more than you can get with a 300mm kit lens. With a dslr you will need a heavy and expensive lens to get a focal length long enough for birds or wildlife.

aellman Loc: Boston MA