MrMikeFRPh Loc: Here, not there

And if so, what's he wearing?

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I will counter with: Canon M50 w/15-45 lens from Canon Store refurbished (new warranty) $360. Add EF-M 55-200 lens new $252 for $612 total. Add the adapter to use any EF/EF-S lens with full functions for $200 and that is $812 total. (prices from Canon Store on-line) Leaving $388 for tripod/monopod, memory cards, batteries and other accessories from your $1200 Nikon with one lens.

I know one Pro and one Semi-Pro who own an M50 as their in the car for all occasions, backup or light carry around camera. And they both love it. I would have one but already own 3 good to great bodies and a bag and a half of lenses.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

There are no rules for good photographs, great photographs have just one: the camera used was better than yours.

BebuLamar

The OP's friend asked what kind of camera he should buy. He didn't mention that he even want to take pictures with it.

chuckc

When it was time for me to upgrade, I decided I wanted either a Nikon or Canon. Then I set my budget and identified the two models that were closest to my budget. I then went to my local camera and played around with each model, fiddling with the controls, looking through the viewfinder, etc.

One of those cameras felt really good in my hands, while the other one was just OK. I bought the one that felt really good (Nikon D7000) have really enjoyed it ever since.

My logic in the method was that I reasoned two cameras at close the the same price would be direct competitors, with similar features and capabilities. Also, I didn't want to get into endless fretting over checklists, comparisons and reviews . . . I just wanted a good, capable camera.

Chuck

tgreenhaw

Your question is too broad, we need more info for a reasonable answer.

Shooting from the hip for mid range and flexibility, I'd say a Canon Rp with a 24-240 Zoom and an EL-100 Speedlite.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Go mirrorless, this will not be obsolete.
Only the Canon EOS EF/EFs DSLR system will be 100% compatible with the new RF system. All other DSLR systems there will be problems if one wishes to grow into mirrorless as they all have limitations on compatibility.
The Canon R5 mirrorless will be ahead of the pack for some time to come it appears.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Haha. My first "brand new car" was $2,700 plus taxes in 1973.

coyotecall Loc: New Mexico

Funny. I just answered this in some detail for a friend of mine.....but I already knew what he was trying to shoot, wildlife....in the distance....from his living room.
So, coming from experience and from a Canon preference I told him to shop for a used 80D (great camera at a fair price) get the 18-135 lens that comes with it (a good all 'round "kit" lens) and then put out the big bucks on the 100-400 "L" telephoto to get great reach and detail. (Later maybe add a wide-angle). He can do all this for close to $2000. (also need two batteries and a charger and a couple of filters as lens protectors. Tripod can come later.)
So that was my advice to a "seeker", but I DID have info. on what he might be going to shoot....oh, add to this he's a backpacker and the 80D only weighs in at 1.6 lbs (don't take the "L" along.)
BUT! as noted, I had information that helped to decide how to go and though I've shot Nikon, Sony, and many others, my own prefs leaned toward Canon stuff and saved him some hunting.
As for waves-of-the-future, not that important in the present. Good photos are the result of good shooting......and then the equipment.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

This is my answer from another forum:

Best camera for beginners
Take your time, don’t rush it. Because the more you know the happier you will be with your first camera.

Digital cameras have become so good these days it’s almost impossible to separate them from one another.
Making a choice of camera to buy is more of what features it has, how you cope with the user interface, than it is difference in picture quality.

Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Decide your budget
2. Check eBay & Amazon which new/used cameras fit your budget
3. Make a list of features you want your camera to have.
4. Read & watch reviews.
5. Compare features & performance at cameradecision.com.
6. Check pictures taken with your favorite camera at Flickr.com, search by camera brand/model.
7. Look for educational books covering your favorite camera.
8. Go to a camera store/-s, hold the camera in your hands, figure out if you like the interface.
9. Learn what new/used future lenses, speedlights, tripod, battery grip, memory card, accessories, will cost at eBay/Amazon or in shops.
10. Check all brands to learn what they have to offer. Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm, Hasselblad, Leica, Olympus, Pentax.
11. Learn the differences between DSLR vs mirrorless.
12. Ask people what camera they have, ask what made them decide for that specific one.
13. Do not go for the camera “everybody” else has. Because you’re not everybody else.
14. The better you do this research the more you will like the camera you end up with. The more you like your camera the better your pictures will be.
15. Buy the camera that best suits your personality, your list of features(#3), your budget, your future.

Only you know what camera is best for you.

jimtutwiler50 Loc: Los Angeles

Easy to answer....Every manufacturer is going full frame mirrorless. They have gotten pretty cheap to pretty expensive. Since Sony make all the sensors I am a Sony guy with Zeiss prime
lenses.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I'll go mirrorless when that's the only thing available.
I don't care about pack ranking; what's the latest and greatest; or what everyone else is using.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Since when did Sony make all the sensors?

All FF-CMOS sensors used by Leica are produced by STMicroelectronics.
All FF/APSC-CMOS sensors used by Canon are produced by Canon.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The grass is always greener when captured with a mirrorless camera.