CharlotteLCD

Hi, my name is Charlotte and I used to have a Minolta D400 decades ago. I loved that camera and I used to take tons of amazing pictures with it. But, now there's so much on the market with lots of options, features and higher prices, I don't know what to tell my mom to buy me more my birthday in two weeks.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

You need to say more, or else the members here will spend more money than your Mom has. What do you like to photograph? What kind of budget should we think in terms of?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Budget?
Canon is the most versatile system and most compatible system going back over 30 years that no other company can come close to.
Also #1 choice of pros.
But your budget needs to be known.

Silverrails

Does "Decades ago" mean Film Camera?
Well, time marches on and now we have All electronic Digital Cameras ( No Film) If you have never used a " Digital Camera", I would suggest a " Beginner" model as I did starting out in Digital Photography 3 years ago
I bought a used Nikon D3300, which I presently still own and use almost daily. Before you buy, do your diligent research on the large variety of makes & models of Digital Cameras.
Remember K I S.S.= Keep it Simple Silly.!!
Also, G.A.S.= Gear Acquisition Syndrome.!!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Do you still have lenses for that camera?
They would be usable on at least some Sony cameras {Sony purchased Minolta}

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

Hate to seem cynical, but, this has all the makings of a troll post. If I'm wrong, my apologies to the OP.

cedymock Loc: Irmo, South Carolina

If there is a camera store near you go there, tell them your price range, and see how different brands feel in your hand. Tell them thank you and you are going to do some more research. Take a few days of research on quality and price. Please try to purchase from the camera store for their service, even if cost more if the difference is responsible to you.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

To our OP, even the big box stores (Best Buy, Sam's, etc) will have a reasonable selection of different models and brands that will help in handling the cameras, if a true camera shop is not available to follow this good suggestion.

Brokenland

I'd have to say, rent one or many different brands first. But so far this Canon EOS M6 has been doing what I've wanted it to. But I'll be pushing the limit of this camera with more lenses and accessories. The camera, two lenses (50mm & 100mm) have been purchased via Canon refurbished department. Saving us money. The only new items have been the adapters needed for these lens to work with the camera. Now I'm not saying the factory or boxed lenses aren't going to work for you. I just prefer to use prime/fixed lenses.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Hi Charlotte....

.... and welcome to UHH.

We really need more info before we can make very good recommendations. I searched for info on the Minolta D400, to get a clue what kind of camera you used in the past, but couldn't find any info about it.

Are you wanting an interchangeable lens camera or one with a permanently installed zoom?

There are two primary types of interchangeable lens cameras: DSLRs and "mirrorless".

DSLRs have been around for about 20 years and were based closely upon film SLRs that preceded them by another 50 years or so. They're sort of "old school", but are very affordable for all their features, due to a very competitive market. Canon and Nikon have most DSLR models to choose among, as well as the largest system of lenses and accessories for use with them.

Mirrorless or "MILC" (mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras) are the "next great thing" in many peoples' mind. Because of that, they are in pretty high demand and prices are higher than DSLRs of similar capability. MILC can be a little smaller and lighter, but because they are relatively new and can't directly use legacy lenses there's nowhere near the selection of lenses and accessories for them as there are for the Canon/Nikon DSLR systems. (Legacy lenses may be usable on them, via adapters. That may or may not effect performance.)

But some Canon/Nikon DSLRs are actually pretty small and light. For example, the Canon Rebel SL3 (called EOS 250D outside N. America) is quite compact and lightweight. It's weight is within a few grams of some mirrorless cameras, it has a lot of nice features and is one of the more inexpensive models too, selling in kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens for $649 or kitted with that lens and a telephotos zoom EF-S 55-250mm IS STM for $799. (There's actually a somewhat cheaper, more entry-level Rebel T7/EOS 1400... about $549 with two lenses... But the camera lacks a lot of nice features that are on the SL3 and the telephoto 75-300mm zoom in kit with it isn't nearly as good as the 55-250 in kit with the SL3.)

A MILC from Canon that's similar with a 24MP APS-C sensor is the EOS M50, which is currently on sale in kit with EF-M 15-45mm IS STM lens for $649 or in a two-lens kit that adds the EF-M 55-200mm IS STM for $879. There are currently a modest selection of about eight EF-M lenses made specifically for the M-series Canon cameras. In comparison, there are close to 90 EF and EF-S lenses that can be used on the SL3 or other Canon DSLRs. However, there are also adapters that allow the EF and EF-S lenses to be used on the M-series cameras.

If you prefer a non-interchangeable lens camera, there are several types of those offered by Canon, too.

Canon's premium cameras of this type are their G_X-series models. These use a larger sensor that makes for better image quality an better performance shooting in low light conditions, but limits the range of their built in zoom lenses. In fact, the G1X Mark III uses virtually the same APC-C size sensor as in the SL3 DSLR. Although larger than what's used in many cameras of this type, the G3X, G5X and G7X all use a somewhat smaller 1" sensor. The G9X is an ultra compact model that also uses a 1" sensor. These cameras range in price from around $450 to over $1100.

Canon's SX-series non-interchangeable lens cameras include some models that are called "bridge cameras", similar looking to DSLRs except smaller and you can't swap out the lenses. Those, as well as more compact versions, use a particularly small 1/2.3" size sensor that in many cases allow their lenses to emulate much more extreme range zooms. These very small sensors do limit image enlargeability as well as low light shooting capabilities. Canon ELPH series cameras are particularly small, compact models that also use this smaller format sensor. Depending upon model and features, these range from around $250 to $650.

Have fun shopping!

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

I find zoom lenses give me better flexibility in choosing both perspective and framing I want.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Canon EOS M50. It's a really nice, well featured, 24 megapixel crop sensor Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera. It's small but not too small and easy to use. With a Viltrox EF-EOS M2 adapter it does simulated full frame. Of my 15 interchangeable lens cameras, my M50 is my second most used camera, after my Canon 5D mk IV, which is a $3400 camera vs the $600 M50.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

Yes, prices have risen. I remember when most good 35mm cameras cost around $250.

The first step in deciding is choosing between DSLR and mirrorless. Mirrorless cameras are smaller, lighter, and more modern. They are the wave of the future. I recently read an advisory article that recommended buying a mirrorless to begin taking pictures. For some reason, I didn't save the article. I still prefer a good DSLR, myself.

Do a lot of reading before spending. Some links that might help -
https://www.t3.com/features/best-camera
https://www.techradar.com/news/best-camera
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/the-best-digital-camera

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

More bang for the buck.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

As has been suggested, go to somewhere like Best Buy or a decent camera store and handle the cameras to get a feel of what you might want. Also, don’t overlook the mirrorless cameras; they are an excellent alternative to DSLR’s, and some are very affordable as nice cameras go.