JD750 Loc: SoCal

I’m certainly not offended.

OP does not currently have an interchangeable lens camera or lenses so that makes it easier to change brands.

I agree much too much ado about camera bodies it’s the 6” behind the camera body that has the greatest effect on image quality (IQ).

I think in terms of importance to digital image IQ:
(1) the nut behind the camera (75%)
(2) the lens (22-23%)
(3) the sensor type/technology (2-3%)

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

depends partly on what you mean by these words and which generation you talk about. I believe later cameras, include my Pentax KP and the Nikon D500 have a lot in the bodies - in the form of processors - that needs to be included somehow.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Wrong question.

dickparkans Loc: Arizona

What ever you decide to buy, don't purchase anything without actually holding it in your hands. It can be the most expensive camera but if you don't like how it feels, you won't use it.

BebuLamar

It's a good advice but then the OP has to be lucky enough to have a store nearby to do that.

ggab Loc: ?

Quoting "CO" "A DSLR optical viewfinder basically has unlimited resolution and instantaneous response. With electronic viewfinders, distant objects can look a little grainy because of the limited resolution of the EVF. There's still some lag when panning with an EVF. They still have a long way to go before an EVF can match an OVF in those respects."

dick ranez

Go shopping and get whatever you can at whatever price point you have. All major camera manufacturers have “entry” level systems so get the one that feels best.

Kozan Loc: Trenton Tennessee

From the sound of your emails, I would say you will never get beyond the beginner stage. Stay with your Canon T7. It's a great beginner DSLR. Getting a better camera will not make you a better photographer.
Practice and study will.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

A problem is growth path. If you consider Canon, for example, there is much less commonality between apparent ‘entry’ cameras in Canon’s MILC line {an EOS-M} and apparent ‘pro’ cameras {an EOS-R} and the same comparison in their DSLR line.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Since you already use a Canon camera, it might be easiest for you to get started with a Canon DSLR or mirrorless camera.

While there are cheaper, more entry-level models, I would encourage you to spend a little more to get a step or two above those.

The most entry-level models lack some important and helpful features, such as self-cleaning sensors. They also are sold "in kit" with the cheapest and most entry-level lenses.

For example, the Canon Rebel SL2 or SL3 (EOS 200D and 250D outside N. Amer.) have a number of features that are missing from the more entry level T7 (1400D outside N. Amer.) They also are usually sold in kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS "STM" and EF-S 55-250mm IS "STM" lenses. The "STM" version is quieter and faster focusing than the EF-S 18-55mm IS "II" usually in kit with the T7. And the EF-S 55-250mm lens is better in virtually every way than the EF 75-300mm "III" that's usually sold with the T7. That 75-300 lacks Image Stabilization and uses slower/noisier micro motor focus. The 55-250mm STM lens also is closer focusing and has much better image quality.

The SL2 came out last year and was a major upgrade over the original SL1. The SL3 came out this year and the primary difference it and the SL2 is that the SL3 has some more video-related features. Recently I've seen both being available new, but I think SL2 stocks are starting to run out after it was offered at some discount. (SL2 is probably still available refurbished from the Canon USA website. There's little difference between factory refurbished and new... they even have the same warranty. SL3 is probably not available refurbished yet... it's too new a model.)

Further "step up" cameras are the T7i (note the "i") and the 77D, both of which have more advanced autofocus systems than the SL2/SL3.

An alternative might be a so-called mirrorless camera, such as Canon's M-series. Their M5 and M50 both have built-in viewfinders, which would be my choice if it were me buying. Mirrorless cameras are "all the rage"... so they tend to be a bit more expensive than DSLRs like the SL2 and SL3. There also are fewer native lenses available for mirrorless, although DSLR lenses can be used on them via an adapter. For example, there are close to 90 Canon EF and EF-S lenses currently in production for use on the Canon DSLRs such as the SL2. Plus there have been over 125 million EF/EF-S lenses made the last 30 years, any of which can be used on an SL2 or SL3.

There are only eight Canon EF-M lenses currently being produced specifically for their M-series cameras. Fortunately, all those EF and EF-S DSLR lenses also can be used on the M-series camera, although doing so with the necessary adapter sort of defeats some of the top reasons to buy a mirrorless camera, the compact size and light weight.

Certainly there are similar, entry-level and step-up cameras available from many other manufacturers that you might want to consider. Canon are good, but so are Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Olympus, Fujifilm, Panasonic and other DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

I would not start with a dSLR. Start with the newer technology. If you like Canon, get the canon mirrorless. Or Nikon or Sony or Fuji. No sense sinking money into lenses for the old technology. The newer tech makes it easier to construct better lenses for less money. The old guys on this forum who are wedded to their dinosaurs will tell you differently, but the MILC is the future of cameras.

CatMarley Loc: North Carolina

Can an OVF give you a bright view of a dark room? Can an OVF give you a wysiwyg preview of the exposure values or white balance? And what camera are you looking at that you can see a .005sec lag? You guys are still peddling the same old propaganda! The reality is that the only deficiency is battery life!

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Amen to that.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

If you would like to save on size, weight, and cost, I would not look at DSLRs. I would look at 4/3rds from Panasonic and Olympus. Both offer entry level camera kits that are very good and usually, depending on the kit, under $500.

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

A lot of responses have been about "buying up" and buying a camera you will "grow into." I am contrarian. I only buy the Nikon D3000 series cameras. I know a lot about photography; I started in 1972 with my first "analog" DSLR. I have never been in a situation where my D3000 series cameras kept me from taking a great photo or hampered me in any way. Like I said, I am contrarian.