zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

This one had to come up; it is yesterday's news. This was true for the first generation of Sony full-frame cameras. It is true that MILCs use more juice because they sensors are "live" all the time (which is the very reason why they are technologically more advanced). Sony completely redesigned their batteries for their third generation (like my Sony A7 III), and the problem no longer exists. I travel with just one spare battery (like I used to with my Nikon) and never had a problem. I have never depleted a full battery in one day.

ggab Loc: ?

Mirrorless are good for stationary and slow consistent moving subjects. If there is any action or erratic movement at all the lag is painful, IMHO.

Low Budget Dave

I usually recommend people try out the Sony a6000 to see if they like it. The a6000 is the most popular dedicated camera of the last 15 years for a reason: It is small, inexpensive, and focuses as fast as a DSLR. It doesn't have the image stabilization or waterproofing of the newest cameras, but it is less than half the price.

It is mirrorless, so it is not technically a DSLR, but it is has most of the same strengths.

The only downside is that there are not as many Sony-style lenses to choose from, so if you want to buy more lenses next year, there are fewer choices.

I also recommend that people look at the Canon T6, (or the T6i if you have a little extra budget.) The T6i is a better camera, and is slightly upgraded in every way. It is not stuff that you really need though. For example, it has a tilting screen, and you can control it with your smartphone.

The Nikon D3500 is roughly equivalent to the other two, and maybe slightly cheaper. It is slightly smaller than the T6, but slightly newer, has a higher resolution sensor, and a better battery life. Most of the differences are matters of personal preference. For example, it uses Bluetooth instead of NFC.

bkwaters

If you mainly want to play with a variety of lenses, the Nikon D3500 or Canon SL3. But if you want the best beginner inexpensive camera, it's the Canon M50. Despite what many say, unless you need the best motion tracking, mirrorless is the way to go. Being able to see the actual photo before you take it, even through the viewfinder, trumps the advantages the DSLRs.

wetreed

To answer the question you asked without going into the state of the contemporary world of photography. You should go with the Nikon D3500 or the Nikon D5600. Both of these are excellent and very affordable. By going this route you will be in the Nikon system and be able to advantage of the many lenses available for Nikon, both Nikon brand and third party manufacturers. A lot of people like Cannon for the same reasons, but every time I have recommended Nikon to someone they have always been very happy with the advice. There is nothing wrong with Cannon,but you will never go wrong with Nikon.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Yes I would tell someone new to buy a DSLR because I have been using SLR's/DSLR's for years and simply enjoy using them. My enjoyment means a lot to me. If you want to tell a new person to go mirrorless than that is your choice because you like the new style of cameras. I choose the DSLR style. Each of us can enjoy what we like using.

Dennis

dan59019 Loc: Washington Mi

Not sure why anyone would recommend that someone change from one brand to another unless the person expressly asked to change. At the risk of offending - similar cameras form any recognized manufacturer will do pretty much do the same thing. It introduces a whole new learning curve and frustration.

It also seems that many are worried that Bill will soon outgrow a new camera. While I have purchased several DSLR cameras with the idea that I had out grown my current camera. As I grow and learn the craft I've realized there really isn't a lot that I could not have done with one of my previous cameras. Kind of like if I buy a $10 shovel or a $50 dollar one they can both dig a hole.
Sorry if I have offended anyone.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Dan I doubt you have offended anyone. You certainly have a right to your opinion.

As for the shovel question I suspect I would take the shovel for $50.00 because I just recently broke a cheap shovel when the handle snapped off. I would have been better off with the more expensive shovel in the long run. It had better quality and was built for long hard usage. Cameras are in that same category, to a point.

Dennis

Retina Loc: Near Charleston,SC

You are not really a beginner and it sounds like you will not leave photography anytime soon. So take Kmgw9v's advice and buy a camera you will likely not want to upgrade soon due to any limitations.

dan59019 Loc: Washington Mi

Dennis I'd agree with you on the shovel and would admit that each time I've upgraded I have researched and bought the best DSLR and lens combo I could afford, weighting my decision somewhat on the lens.

rdemarco52 Loc: Wantagh, NY

Excellent advice. I've been there.

Bill_de Loc: US

Thanks. I was unaware that Sony had stepped up on this one.

However, that doesn't pertain to all MILCs. So a blanket statement is still an exaggeration.

--

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Visit a camera store and try out different models

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

I never heard that before. The response of the MILC focusing system is instantaneous. It is the other way around: the lag is with the DSLR. The sensor in a DSLR does not know what you see up front until you press the button and the mirror lifts. In a MILC, the sensor is live and you see exactly what the camera will record once you press the button, including white balance, histogram, overexposed areas, eye AF point, etc. The most advanced Sony autofocus systems can focus up to 60 times a second--perfect for action and "erratic movement."

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

So you’re looking for what I call a system camera, one with interchangeable lenses plus access to all the other myriad of accessories available to DSLR owners. Just be sure you get a DSLR with specs that are better than your Powershot - sensor size, pixel count, lens quality, etcetera. There are lots of them but maybe stick with Canon if that’s what your familiar with.