Toni Girl wrote:
I have been without a camera for about two years. The one I had was an "elementary digital" but it awakened me to a desire to learn and do much more photography. I have reluctantly settled for taking photos with my cell phone. Looking at endless reviews, researching DSLR versus Mirrorless, Nikon vs. Canon, all the bells & whistles, etc., I am OVERWHELMED with information. I want to photograph people in their normal life activities, hoping to capture candid shots, not greatly interested in video, and my other desire is on detailed close-ups. I want to be able to have at least one lense to do close ups of still objects or people's expressions while laughing, reading, crying, etc. I've seen far too many "packages" & am slowly coming to the conclusion-- I need to keep this as simple as possible. Perhaps one camera, one lense? I have yet to take even the most basic photography course. The photos of mine that are posted here (please look to get an understanding of my desired type of photo) were my earliest attempts. I am probably most interested in thoughts, as if you were starting fresh, between DSLR vs. Mirrorless, if you were to buy one additional lense for close ups. I need this to be simple as I am an "illiterate" in photography terms! Most of my friends photograph with DSLRs and have secured many lenses. They are unwilling to switch, understandably, and have no experience with mirrorless. I am also not wealthy, by any means, so under $1000 is a must! You'll note from my signature stamp...I'm still driving a 30 yr. old car, by choice. Thus, not expecting a flamboyant camera kit! I am at the very beginning now, and can start over. Help a "photography child" please.
--Toni
I have been without a camera for about two years. ... (
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It looks to me that your shooting is similar to mine.
Here's my answer to a similar question in another thread.
Here's what I did:
-Budget: no more than $500. (This was the most important criteria I had.)
-Searched for $500 DSLR's on eBay & Amazon in order to understand what I might get.
-Found some favorite models that I compared at cameradecision.com. I refused to have any brand preferences.
-Read plenty of reviews on the cameras I found interesting.
My priorities were; very good professional reviews, the highest pixel count possible, RAW format option, wifi, built in GPS, fair prices & f/values on future lenses.
Nikon D5300 turned out to be the final option. With my personal preferences, and budget, it was by far the best option. Price paid: $449 on eBay, including an 18-55mm lens, plus some other (now useless)-stuff in the bundle.
I've had the camera for since January 2017, and I have no regrets on my purchase. On the contrary, I'm very happy with what I got for the money spent.
Later I've bought a 55-200mm(used) and a 35mm(used) lenses. A better speed light/flash, a good tripod, petal lens hoods, third party battery grip, extra batteries, twin charger, better/faster memory card, and some other stuff. All from eBay who time after time confirms to have the best prices.
Your best option is probably not my best, and vice versa. It is not about the camera as much as it is about the photographer. Just as a good stove and pan isn't enough to cook you a good dinner, right?
In order to update my knowledge I started off with reading Nikon D5300 For Dummies as well as Stunning Digital Photography by Tony Northrup. The third book was Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System by Steve Perry, which is my favorite so far. It was all well invested pennies. Next book will be Understanding Exposure. As knowledge has no weight it is easy to carry...
http://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/Best of luck on your persuit of your best camera. ...and don't rush it to get one. Take your time, i.e. weeks, to learn about your options and what you favor.
Examples of pictures I've shot are found under my name at 500px.com as well as at Instagram.com.
A very informative D5300 Review:
https://sleeklens.com/nikon-d5300-review/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly-blog&substat=blogPS
I had the same procedure when I looked for, and bought, my sons camera. It was my birthday gift to him as turned 6 this Saturday. The budget was no more than $80, had to be fully automatic, as well as having manual features to grow with as he gets older and if his photo interest persists. Best option: a used Fujifilm Finepix S8600 (it's a bridge camera), for $76 on eBay.
And there are instructive videos on his camera on YouTube for him to watch later.
PPS
Here’s a different opinion on this issue.
https://petapixel.com/2017/03/24/battle-micro-43-camera-outsold-full-frame-dslr/---
Conclusion
I suggest you get the best camera of your choice. List what camera features are important for you. Compare models that dulcimer your requirements. Choose wisely as you probably will have it for many years.
Don't spend any money on stuff not needed now. Save your money o get better, more suitable, lens/-es.
Read the books suggested above. Learning your camera is your best investment.
Ask questions. Ask as many you need while figuring out your best choice.