schaner_130

Hi guys, I was wondering what is the best brand out there for a beginner camera? I have never had my own camera I usually use my friends or the camera from my phone.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

The key question is what is your budget?

xposure

There are tons of great beginner cameras but the most popular seems to be the Canon Rebel T7 if you want a DSLR for under $400. Canon has a refurbished new camera dept and has a T7 2 lens kit for $400. They also have a new mirrorless smaller lighter EOS M100 2 lens kit for $384.99.

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

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Everyone has a camera from a smartphone. They take good to very good photos. As for a beginning camera. I would say, did you like the borrowed camera you were using? A beginning camera can be many cameras. DSLRs, Bridge cameras, or even a pocket camera. It depends too, what you want in a camera. Features, mainly. And budget.

one_eyed_pete Loc: Colonie NY

You need to start by defining your wants/expectations for a camera. How much time are you willing to invest in learning the variables of photography or do you just want something simple you can pull from your pocket and grab an occasional snapshot. What subjects are you interested in photographing? What do you intend to do with the images, digital postings, prints, enlargements? How much would you want to invest? A beginner camera can be a simple point and shoot that fits in your shirt pocket, a fixed lens bridge camera with controls for shutter speed, aperture and ISO or an entry level interchangeable lens mirrorless or DLSR camera. The more complex the tool the more work it takes to learn to use it and the more it costs.

schaner_130

Thank you guys for all the responds and I would like a camera that is less than $400. I want an actual camera because it makes me look more professional and even though I love my iPhone 6s it just doesn't have all the settings that I want. And thank you guys for helping me understand that a camera can just be on a phone and it doesn't have to be one of those fancy cameras that are 900 bucks.

BebuLamar

Perhaps you shouldn't buy the camera for the reason it makes you look more professional.

fjdarling Loc: Mesa, Arizona, USA

Depending upon your budget and preferences, I would suggest you check out either Nikon's D3500 or Canon's EOS Rebel T7. Both are available in 1- or 2-lens kits. Both are cropped-sensor cameras, so they both represent a relatively inexpensive way to learn the basics of photography and more. Being a "beginner" myself, I have used a Nikon D3300 and a Canon EOS Rebel T6 (older versions of both cameras), and I believe either the D3500 or the T7 will serve a new beginner well until he/she decides if they want to specialize in any specific type of photography. If budget is a concern, consider refurbished cameras from either Nikon or Canon directly, or used cameras from a reputable retailer. Please note the equipment you start out with is not as important as your readiness to learn and practice the skills required to create images you will be proud of. Good luck on your journey!

Bill 45

Look in the second hand market. Back in Fall I found a Sony's DSC-H1 at a second hand store for $25.00. Last night I use it and got good pictures of the moon. What is this look more professional BS? It will be a cold day hell before I pay for $900.00 for a digial camera. Film camera for $900.00 I would do it without thing about it.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

First decision: What kind of camera? Listed with increasing cost: Point & Shoot (P&S), bridge, entry interchangeable lens camera (ILC) which includes DSLR and what we call MILC.?

P&S is self explanatory, often not having any viewfinder. Viewfinders are very helpful in bright daylight with the sun at your back washing out the viewing screen. A P&S with a fair zoom range is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 currently on sale for $397.99 new. It has a 1" sensor, far better than the common 1/2.3" in most P&Ss and has a viewfinder. I have one and love it.

Bridge cameras (in my definition) have the shape of a small DSLR and often a rather large zoom range, some much better than available in the larger ILCs. The Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 with the smaller 1/2.3" sensor but great zoom range for $297.99 is an example. My Canon SX50 HS (discontinued) has a viewfinder and hot shoe which is compatible with current Canon type flashes and a great zoom range. My favorite photo was taken with it. EDIT: The later SX70 HS (Refurbished) is available from Canon for $439.99.

The choices for ILCs are quite extensive, but most new models with lens are above your budget. Those that are in your budget often have limited range lenses or less than great ones. Avoid the 75-300mm lens on a Canon T7.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

I thought the question posed by mas24 was a good one. Which cameras did you borrow, and how was your experience with them.

schaner_130

The camera was a Nikon but I'm not sure what model all I know that it was really nice and comfortable to use.

fergmark Loc: norwalk connecticut

That could be anything from a point and shoot to a dslr. Doesn't pin it down much

schaner_130

I'll ask her and get back to you on that

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your budget is a bit low for most of the entry-level packages new. If you shop used, you can get an excellent combo probably in that range. For Nikon, their entry level models are numbers D3xxx. A useful general purpose lens is a Nikon 18-105 VR. A leader in selling used equipment is KEH.com. Shop their EX or EX+ rated items, many times the items will be so lightly used, they'll seem new, just without the box. A D3300 and the 18-105 together fit your budget. Use the camera's pop-up flash for low-light and you're set for most everything except wildlife / sports where you'd need much longer lenses at much, much higher costs.