repleo Loc: Boston

When you say 'first dslr camera' do you mean a camera you can change lenses on? There are two types - the traditional DSLR and 'Mirrorless'. You need to understand the difference. All of the major camera manufacturers Canon/Nikon/Sony/Fuji are putting their marketing and development money into their mirrorless offerings because they see this as the future. DSLRs will still be around for awhile, but in the long term you will be starting down a dead end (cul de sac). Also, you will find that going with a mirrorless will be an easier transition from a P&S than a DSLR. Having said that, you will probably find better value amongst DSLR's, especially used ones, than mirrorless. Many photographers are ditching their older DSLR gear and switching to mirrorless. DSLR's haven't evolved much in the last 4 or 5 years whereas mirrorless have improved enormously in that time. A 5 year old DSLR is probably still a good camera, but you would probably be disappointed in a 5 year old mirrorless.

You say you will need 'a' lens. There is not much point in buying an interchangeable lens camera if you expect to have only one lens. The whole idea is to have several lenses to cover a greater variety of situations. If you expect to do it all with one lens, you will be better off looking at a better quality point & shoot or maybe a 'bridge' camera.

uhaas2009

I say just pick one, if it’s canont6i, Nikon3500 .......it doesn’t matter, take one who offer maybe two zoom lenses and memory card. This two camera are basic good enough to get a lot done......

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Let's see, at a 1.25 exchange rate factor, that's $312.50 to $375.00... Hmm, not much is available in that price range! You might consider buying used from MPB.com or KEH.com.

Or, you could read through this guide. There are just a few dSLRs in the list, so I'd look at the Nikon D3500 first:

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-the-best-camera-bargains-of-2019

It links to detailed reviews and overviews.

Here's another interesting article:

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/4913612842/nikon-d3500-vs-canon-t7-which-is-better

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

To be truthful, a $350 dollar limit might get you a used or refurbished entry level Nikon or Canon. Finding one with a kit lens might be stretching it.

Skittles7071

Well thanks to all who have taken the time to help out a real newbie. I will take all comments on board and try to find one I feel comfortable with. Thanks to all again

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

But it won't meter, AF or anything on the camera in the OPs budget.
Also even a large portion of AF Nikon lenses won't work on the budget driven camera.
Canon has no issues like this for the last 30+ years. Every EF and EFs lens ever made works 100% on every EOS camera ever made including the latest mirrorless R cameras.
This is unique to Canon.

dwmoar Loc: Oregon, Willamette Valley

NO, the battery is not larger.... It is the same battery (LP-E17) used in the SL2 and the SL3, the difference comes down to the DIGIC7 and the DIGIC8. The DIGIC8 processor is more efficient and therefore in turn can take more photos using the same battery.

I too own the SL2 and if were asked which I would buy I would have to say the SL2 even though the SL3 has better battery life and can take 4K video, Canon has seen fit in their own mind to remove features and cripple the SL3 by removing the flash mount center pin, now you will need to use a "Canon" flash if you are going to use the hot shoe. There are many items that Canon has removed from the SL3 that was found on the SL2. While they might not be important to some, they might be to others. These items have been discussed here on the forum.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

A disagreement here, a Pentax DSLR has the K-mount system and thus any K-mount lens ever made will fit every Pentax DSLR currently or previously made. Yes, Pentax made some lenses with a screw mount attachment but all K-mounts will fit the DSLRs from Pentax. And Pentax has a longer history, over 50 years with the K-mount. Just saying.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

Hear, hear.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

You can find both Canon and Nikon "entry level" DLSRs around that price range.

You will struggle to find a mirrorless camera and lens that cheap... You'd pretty much have to buy an older model "close out" or a used one. This just because there's such fervor about mirrorless, it's keeping the prices from dropping the way they have with DSLRs.

For just a little more than you want to spend, you could get a considerably better camera. For example, the Canon 200D or 250D (Rebel SL2 or SL3) is a significant improvement in many ways over the Canon 2000D (Rebel T7). In some markets, Canon also offers the 4000D, their most entry-level of all. (Note: There's supposedly a "T100" N. American version of this model, but it's virtually impossible to find. Far more common is the 4000D "international version", that's being unofficially imported and sold here as gray market.)

First, some similarities of these four most entry-level Canon models. All four of these cameras use a relatively simple 9-point AF system with one higher performance "dual axis" AF point at the center. They all have optical viewfinders with similar magnification that use a pentamirror to reduce weight and cost. All of them also use similar shutters with 1/4000 top speed and 30 second slowest, as well as 1/200 flash sync. They all also have wimpy built in flashes. The 250D/SL3 and 200D/SL3 are just slightly smaller than the 2000D/T7 and 4000D, but all four are very similar light weight: around 440-460 grams. They use a lot of plastic in their construction, to keep weights low.

Of those cameras, I'd probably go for the SL2/200D. Here's why...

The Canon 4000D/T100 is almost entirely made of plastic. Even it's lens bayonet mount is plastic (as are the mating bayonets on the most entry-level Canon lens). This camera uses the older 18MP sensor and a several generation old Digic 4 processor. The 4000D also uses a very "primitive" fixed 2.7", 230K pixel rear LCD screen. It's almost as if Canon is trying to use up their stock of old spare parts building this camera. The 4000D sells for around $250 US with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS "II" lens (it's not offered without lens).

The Canon 2000D/T7 is a minor upgrade from the above. It has a metal bayonet mount and uses a newer 24MP sensor. It also has a larger LCD screen (3") that's more standard resolution (920K pixels). Otherwise, there's very little difference between the 2000D/T7 and the 4000D/T100. https://cameradecision.com/compare/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7-vs-Canon-EOS-4000D

Compared to the two more entry-level models above, the SL2/200D has the 24MP sensor backed up by a much newer Digic 7 processor. It also an articulated, 3" , 1 million pixel rear LCD Touch Screen. It also has an automatic self-cleaning sensor (an important omission from both the above, IMO).

200D/SL2 and 250D/SL3 are very similar. The newer model has a one generation newer Digic 8 processor primarily so that it can shoot "4K" video (all the other models here are able to shoot HD video) and has other mostly video-related enhancements. This newer processor also makes the 250D/SL3 more battery efficient to be able to take more shots per charge than the other models listed here. One drawback of the 250D/SL3 is that it uses a hot shoe that's only compatible with Canon-dedicated flashes (there is no central contact provided, to use "generic" flash). This is true of the 4000D and 2000D/T7, too. Of these four models, only the 200D/SL2 uses a more "standard" hot shoe that can accommodate "generic" flash, as well as various Canon-dedicated flash.

The 250D/SL3 and 200D/SL2 both also have Canon's "Dual Pixel AF" in Live View and video modes, which is much faster and more responsive than the older style contrast detection method of focusing used in these modes by the other two cameras. I would bet this is made possible by these models' newer and considerably more powerful processors.

No doubt also because of their newer processors, the 200D/SL2 and 250D/SL3 offer faster continuous shooting frame rate than the two cheaper models: 5 frames per second vs 3 fps in the 2000D/T7 and 4000D.

Probably also related to their newer processors, 200D/SL2 and 250D/SL3 have a higher ISO range too: 100 to 25600 (expandable to 51200) vs 100 to 6400 (expandable to 12800).

Considering your budget, you probably will only start out with a single lens. If so, buying "in kit" with the camera usually offers some savings over buying separately.

In kit with a lens all four cameras will commonly come with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm image stabilized (IS) lens. However, the 2000D/T7 and 4000D will usually be fitted with the "II" version of that lens that uses slower, noisier "micro motor" focus drive. The 200D/SL2 and 250D/SL3 usually come with the EF-S 18-55mm IS "STM" version that has more consistent, faster, quieter "stepper motor" focus drive. The "STM" lens also has some other improvements and, when bought separately, normally sells for about $50 more than the "II". It's well worth it, IMO.

In fact, the 2000D/T7 and 4000D normally can't be bought without a lens, while the other two cameras give you option to buy "body only", with no lens. Even so, buy "in kit" with a lens to save some money.... It's usually a better deal.

All four cameras are also often offered in two-lens kits, where in addition to an 18-55mm there is a telephoto zoom included. The cheaper 2000D/T7 and 4000D models will usually include the Canon EF 75-300mm "III" lens.... which is Canon's least expensive telephoto zoom, with the fewest features, worst performance and most questionable image quality. The EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens that's typically included in kit with the 250D/SL3 and 200D/SL2 is a MUCH better lens in all respects. It's closer focusing, faster and quieter focusing, it has image stabilization, and it has better image quality. When bought separately, the 55-250mm lens usually sells for about $100 more than the 75-300mm... but in my opinion it is easily worth the additional cost.

Finally, since the Canon 200D/SL2 is a slightly older model, it's more likely to be favorably discount priced than the 250D/SL3. Here in the U.S. it's currently being offered with the 18-55mm lens for over 20% off, $550 (versus $700 list price). The 250D/SL3 with lens is $100 more ($650 US), while the 2000D/T7 with lens is about $150 less ($400). The 4000D isn't widely available, but can be found here with lens for around $250.

For more detailed info on these cameras and lenses, see:

Rebel SL3/EOS 250D... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL3.aspx
Rebel SL2/EOS 200D... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-SL2.aspx
Rebel T7/EOS 2000D... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T7.aspx
Rebel T100/EOS 4000D... https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/canon-eos-4000d-review
Rebel T100/EOS 4000D... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/News/News-Post.aspx?News=24428
200D/SL2 vs 250D/SL3... https://www.focuscamera.com/wavelength/canon-eos-rebel-sl3-specs-features-more/

EF-S 18-55mm IS "II"... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3.5-5.6-IS-II-Lens-Review.aspx
EF-S 18-55mm IS "STM"... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-4-5.6-IS-STM-Lens.aspx
EF 75-300mm "III"... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-75-300mm-f-4-5.6-III-Lens-Review.aspx
EF-S 55-250mm IS "STM"... https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-f-4-5.6-IS-STM-Lens.aspx

You can find similar among Nikon cameras, I'm sure. Overall, I've noticed that Nikon entry-level camera and lens kits are often a little less expensive than the most equivalent Canon. However, beyond the initial purchase, additional lenses and accessories for Nikon tend to be more expensive.

Also, as someone mentioned in a previous post, check on the compatibility of any Nikon cameras and lenses you might consider buying separately. Especially the more entry level models are not able to autofocus some Nikkor lenses. There can be issues with metering, too. There are lens/camera compatibility charts available at the Nikon websites, as well as at Nikonians.org. There is more info about these considerations at Ken Rockwell's website. Of course, there won't be problems with kits bought together at the same time.

There are no compatibility concerns of this sort with the above Canon cameras. All four of them can fully use any and all EF and EF-S lenses produced the last 30 years. (There are sometimes "issues" with using older 3rd party lenses on newer cameras... but this occurs with all brands.)

I don't know if it's available locally to you, but here Canon USA has some good deals on "refurbished" cameras and lenses, that can be very helpful stretching a tight budget or getting more for you money. There's very little difference between refurbished and new... often just a plain box instead of the usual retail packaging. Canon USA's refurbs have the same warranty as new.

Nikon also offers refurbs from their website. But they treat them as used, only offering a 90 day warranty. (Don't know about your country, but Nikon USA also has rather restrictive repair policies that make it harder to get any necessary work done on gear. In contrast, Canon USA repair services are highly rated and very flexible. Fortunately in both cases, with reasonable care, equipment repairs are rarely needed.)

I agree with some other responses, too.... that other brands such as Pentax, Sony, Olympus and Panasonic all are worth consideration, too. They each have their pluses and minuses. I focused on Canon gear above, in large part because that's the system I use and am most familiar with.

Hope this helps!

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

Reading through the responses I'm struck by the absence of Sony recommendations. Is there a reason?

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

There are many good cameras by manufacturers other than Nikon and Canon.

bwana Loc: Bergen, Alberta, Canada

Go refurbished or used. Lots of great used cameras on eBay.

bwa

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Good. Please recommend some for the OP in the price range.

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

Panasonic, Olympus, Fuji, Pentax Sony and others have all made worthy candidates that are availabe in the OP's price range on the used market.